Science

Science at Gad’s Hill Lower School 

At Gad’s Hill School, Science is a vibrant and essential part of The One Curriculum. From Kindergarten to Year 6, we nurture curiosity through hands-on investigations, explorative learning, and real-world discovery. Our dedicated Junior Science Lab and year-round STEM Clubs provide exciting opportunities for children to experiment, question, and think independently. 

We believe challenge is key. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build scientific knowledge and skills progressively, ensuring every child is supported and stretched. Through engaging topics and practical enquiry, pupils develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that prepare them for success in all areas of life. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Science is embedded within the Understanding the World area of learning, supporting children in achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) through exploration, observation, and questioning. 

Our approach includes high-quality resources, specialist equipment, and a strong focus on “working scientifically” from the earliest years. Differentiated tasks and enrichment activities ensure every learner is inspired, regardless of their starting point. 

Science at Gad’s Hill fosters a love of learning, resilience, and a deep understanding of the world. It’s not just about facts—it’s about developing confident, curious learners who are ready to shape the future. 

Science is more than just a collection of facts – it’s a way of exploring, understanding, and shaping the world around us. At Gad’s Hill, our Science curriculum is designed to empower every student to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world they live in. We believe in igniting curiosity, fostering wonder, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning through an inclusive and dynamic approach to teaching and learning. 

Our department is committed to delivering a science education that is accessible, inspiring, and relevant for all. Through our core principles, we aim to raise standards and ensure Science forms an integral part of the One Curriculum vision. Our curriculum also reflects the contributions of scientists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, helping students see that science is a global and inclusive endeavour. 

By incorporating modern scientific issues such as climate change, sustainability, and biotechnology, we help students understand the importance of science in shaping the future. We also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of science, drawing links with mathematics, technology, and the arts to give students a broader, more connected understanding of the world. 

Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of what we do. We prioritise practical experiences, encouraging students to ask questions, form hypotheses, and carry out investigations. Through hands-on experiments and project-based learning, students explore real-world challenges and develop the skills needed to problem solve. This not only deepens their understanding but also builds resilience, creativity, and independence. 

Finally, we place a strong emphasis on critical thinking and scientific literacy. Students are taught to analyse and evaluate information, question what they read and hear, and engage confidently in scientific discussions and debates. Communication is key, and we support students in expressing their scientific ideas clearly, both in writing and speech. 

At Gad’s Hill, Science is a journey of discovery for every learner. Our aim is to inspire all students to explore, question, and innovate – developing into confident individuals who understand and contribute to the world through the lens of science. 

Science at Gad’s Hill Lower School 

At Gad’s Hill School, Science is a vibrant and essential part of The One Curriculum. From Kindergarten to Year 6, we nurture curiosity through hands-on investigations, explorative learning, and real-world discovery. Our dedicated Junior Science Lab and year-round STEM Clubs provide exciting opportunities for children to experiment, question, and think independently. 

We believe challenge is key. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build scientific knowledge and skills progressively, ensuring every child is supported and stretched. Through engaging topics and practical enquiry, pupils develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that prepare them for success in all areas of life. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Science is embedded within the Understanding the World area of learning, supporting children in achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) through exploration, observation, and questioning. 

Our approach includes high-quality resources, specialist equipment, and a strong focus on “working scientifically” from the earliest years. Differentiated tasks and enrichment activities ensure every learner is inspired, regardless of their starting point. 

Science at Gad’s Hill fosters a love of learning, resilience, and a deep understanding of the world. It’s not just about facts—it’s about developing confident, curious learners who are ready to shape the future. 

Science is more than just a collection of facts – it’s a way of exploring, understanding, and shaping the world around us. At Gad’s Hill, our Science curriculum is designed to empower every student to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about the world they live in. We believe in igniting curiosity, fostering wonder, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning through an inclusive and dynamic approach to teaching and learning. 

Our department is committed to delivering a science education that is accessible, inspiring, and relevant for all. Through our core principles, we aim to raise standards and ensure Science forms an integral part of the One Curriculum vision. Our curriculum also reflects the contributions of scientists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, helping students see that science is a global and inclusive endeavour. 

By incorporating modern scientific issues such as climate change, sustainability, and biotechnology, we help students understand the importance of science in shaping the future. We also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of science, drawing links with mathematics, technology, and the arts to give students a broader, more connected understanding of the world. 

Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of what we do. We prioritise practical experiences, encouraging students to ask questions, form hypotheses, and carry out investigations. Through hands-on experiments and project-based learning, students explore real-world challenges and develop the skills needed to problem solve. This not only deepens their understanding but also builds resilience, creativity, and independence. 

Finally, we place a strong emphasis on critical thinking and scientific literacy. Students are taught to analyse and evaluate information, question what they read and hear, and engage confidently in scientific discussions and debates. Communication is key, and we support students in expressing their scientific ideas clearly, both in writing and speech. 

At Gad’s Hill, Science is a journey of discovery for every learner. Our aim is to inspire all students to explore, question, and innovate – developing into confident individuals who understand and contribute to the world through the lens of science.