Itchen Abbas is a rural village on the River Itchen about 4 miles north of Winchester. Most people who live in the community were born in the UK and migration and immigration into the area are low.  Therefore, the community does not have a high level of diversity and children are not typically exposed to diversity within their daily lives. In recent years, since Covid, the school has seen more children join the school from abroad.  However, most are white middle class with parents who were working abroad and children attending British Schools.  A small number of families new to the school are from Ukraine and are refugees.

According to the 2011 census, Itchen Abbas has a higher education level than the average for England. The percentage of adults in higher paid, managerial and professional jobs is above average and this manifests into high expectations and ambition for children from their parents. Many parents work in the science industries for example, as doctors and surgeons.

Therefore, through our science curriculum, we aim to:

1. Provide children with opportunities to operate as scientists, engaging in rich scientific problem solving.
2. Enable children to develop secure, meaningful and memorable scientific knowledge and understanding.
3. Provide opportunities for children to develop their inquisitive minds,  foster their curiosity, and to promote their sense of awe and wonder.
4. Motivate children by engaging in ‘real’ and purposeful science.
5. Develop children’s understand of the significance of science for the world today, and for the future.
6. Enable children to develop a deep understanding of their local environment.
7. Teach children how to work in a safe manner, learn from mistakes in a safe environment and develop their ability to manage risks.
8. Ensure that all children are successful in science and are ready to move to the next stage of their learning.

Science Intent, Implementation and Impact