Science
The Black Country Schools: Science Curriculum
A Curriculum That Builds Knowledge, Sparks Curiosity, and Develops Scientific Thinkers
At The Black Country Schools, science is a core subject through which children develop a deep understanding of the world. We believe that science should inspire curiosity, build knowledge, and equip pupils with the skills to ask questions, investigate systematically, and reason with evidence.
Our science curriculum is underpinned by CUSP Science, an evidence-informed and knowledge-rich model. It ensures that pupils acquire both substantive knowledge (core scientific concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics) and disciplinary knowledge (the skills of working scientifically: observing, testing, measuring, classifying, and evaluating).
The curriculum has been deliberately sequenced to secure long-term learning and is built around retrieval, spaced practice, and clear conceptual progression. Common misconceptions are identified and addressed systematically.
Curriculum Intent
Our science curriculum ensures that pupils:
- Know more and remember more about key scientific concepts over time
- Develop core knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics from EYFS to Year 6
- Think, talk, and write like scientists using subject-specific vocabulary
- Carry out enquiries, record data, analyse evidence, and draw conclusions
- Recognise the impact of science in the real world and be inspired by the diversity of scientists and careers
We are currently working towards the Science Quality Mark across the federation, ensuring that our commitment to excellence is embedded and recognised in every school.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In EYFS, science is taught through Understanding the World. Children explore natural processes, living things, and materials using structured play, stories, and hands-on investigation. High-quality vocabulary and rich discussions form the foundation of scientific thinking.
CUSP Science: Key Features
Each unit is structured around:
- Big Ideas: Carefully selected core concepts that develop over time
- Knowledge Notes and Organisers: Tools to support memory and reduce cognitive load
- Cumulative Quizzing: Embedding key facts and vocabulary
- Scientific Enquiry Tasks: Purposeful opportunities to apply knowledge and work scientifically
The curriculum is mapped to ensure that pupils revisit and deepen knowledge through an ambitious and coherent sequence. Each phase builds progressively from previous learning.
Lesson Structure
All CUSP Science lessons follow a consistent six-phase model:
- Connect – Revisiting prior knowledge and vocabulary
- Explain – Direct instruction of new content
- Example – Modelling scientific concepts and thinking
- Attempt – Guided practice and scaffolded tasks
- Apply – Independent or group work applying scientific knowledge
- Challenge – Extension through discussion, evaluation, or real-world connection
This approach secures both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.
Working Scientifically
Disciplinary knowledge is taught explicitly through:
- Comparative and fair testing
- Research using secondary sources
- Observing over time
- Pattern seeking
- Identifying, classifying, and grouping
From EYFS to Year 6, pupils are guided to think like scientists—posing questions, investigating systematically, and using evidence to explain their thinking.
Wider Enrichment and Partnerships
We enhance our curriculum through:
- Annual Science Days – Hands-on experiments, STEM projects, and enrichment
- Community Bees Project – Linking biodiversity with environmental education
- Keele University Partnership – Giving pupils access to academic science experiences
- Real Scientists and Careers – Making science relevant and aspirational
The Impact
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils across our federation are:
- Scientifically literate and confident in applying their knowledge
- Able to communicate using accurate vocabulary and clear reasoning
- Equipped with strong foundations for KS3 science and beyond
- Inspired to explore science further through curiosity, questioning, and enquiry
Further Information
For:
- Curriculum Overviews and Knowledge Notes
- Literature Spine and Thematic Mapping
To arrange a visit or find out more about CUSP Science, contact the Unity team at cusp@unitysp.co.uk
