Meet Mrs Mael: Subject Lead for Science
Hello! I am Mrs Mael, and I am delighted to lead Science here at Bardfield Academy.
Why I love Science
I love how Science isn’t just about reading from a book; it’s about getting stuck in and being hands-on. Whether we are watching a seed grow, creating a chemical reaction, or exploring how electricity works, Science turns our classroom into a world of discovery. I firmly believe that Science is for everyone. Its investigative approach makes it brilliantly inclusive, breaking down barriers and allowing every child—regardless of their starting point—to explore, experiment, and succeed.
My Ambition for our school
My aim is to raise the profile of Science and spark a lifelong curiosity in every pupil. I aim for our children to become investigators, developing the confidence to ask big questions and find the answers through fun, practical experiments. It is so important for our pupils to understand that Science isn’t just a lesson—it’s in the trees, the weather, and even the food we eat.
Through our yearly Science Week, I am proud to champion teamwork and collaborative learning. This discovery even extends into the home through our “Science in my Kitchen” initiative, where I hope to show our families that you don’t need a laboratory to be a scientist—scientific exploration happens everywhere!
In an age of rapid change, scientific literacy is essential. By teaching children to analyse evidence and work collaboratively, we are preparing them to be the problem-solvers of the future. My vision ensures that every child leaves Bardfield Academy not just knowing Science, but being a Scientist.
Mrs Mael- Science Lead
Science at Bardfield Academy
Our Vision
At Bardfield Academy, we want to spark a sense of wonder in every child about the world they live in. Our ambitious curriculum is designed to help children gain a deep understanding of everything from how plants grow to how forces make things move. We focus on teaching them the facts through substantive knowledge, which builds the foundation of subject understanding and helps children connect ideas across a subject. We teach this alongside the skills needed to think and act like a real scientist through disciplinary knowledge, such as knowing how to plan and carry out a fair test or investigation. This helps develop a child’s critical thinking and enquiry skills. By building on what they know each year, we ensure a clear progression from Nursery to Year 6, allowing children to go on an exciting journey to discover how the world works.
Our Approach
We believe the best way to learn is by “doing.” That is why scientific enquiry is woven through our Science curriculum. Children don’t just read about science; they ask questions, make predictions, and lead their own experiments. This hands-on approach makes learning accessible for all, helping children build independence and resilience as they “get stuck in” to practical tasks. Whether they are testing magnets or talking about their ideas, we want every child to feel empowered to become a scientist in their own right—testing, reflecting, and exploring.
Our Purpose
We teach Science because we want our children to have the skills they need to thrive as they grow up. Our goal is to give pupils a “can-do” attitude and the confidence to ask “how?” and “why?” about the world around them. By learning to look at information and solve problems, they develop important life skills that will help them in the future.
At Bardfield Academy, Science is about more than just lessons; it is about equipping children with the lens to see the world’s greatest challenges and turning their innate curiosity into a potential meaningful career path.
To explore our progressive science curriculum, please look at the key knowledge document below.
Look at us learning
We embrace ‘hands on’ learning that makes us curious – children should be excited by science and start to think like scientists; posing their own questions, making predictions linked to their prior learning and knowledge and making connections.
