A roadmap for primary science skills and knowledge

This printable PDF document outlines the progression of science skills and knowledge in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 and how it aligns with the National curriculum. For primary teachers looking for an engaging Science scheme of work, our progression of skills and knowledge helps deliver a comprehensive science curriculum. 

How can I use this document to plan my science curriculum effectively?

The Kapow Primary Science scheme of work follows a structured, spiral curriculum. This document is a valuable tool for primary science planning, enabling you to see how skills and knowledge build upon each other from year to year. 

The document supports subject leaders and teachers when planning the science curriculum by outlining the progression of skills throughout KS1 and KS2 and showing which lessons support that progression. Use it during your planning process to ensure each year group builds on the previous one, with clear guidance on which lessons to focus on at each stage.

How do science skills and knowledge develop at Kapow Primary?

This document outlines the development of science knowledge across all year groups, ensuring a clear pathway for pupil learning. Progression is broken down into the following key areas:

• Scientific knowledge and understanding – gaining foundational knowledge of key scientific concepts; addressing common misconceptions; learning specialist vocabulary to articulate scientific ideas.
• Working scientifically – learning about scientific processes and methods through methods of enquiry, including observing over time; pattern-seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing; and researching using secondary sources.
• Science in action – learning about famous scientists of the past and the methods they used; identifying how scientific understanding has changed over time; exploring jobs and careers related to science.

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary science teaching? 

• For our standard science scheme, see Science: Long-term plan.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – mixed-age, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – mixed-age version.
• See how children begin their Kapow scientific journey with our EYFS (Reception) Science units. 
• To learn how children develop skills, see our Science KS1 units.
• Explore more of Kapow’s Science scheme by browsing our Lower KS2, Upper KS2 and Mixed-age units.