Science

'The important thing is to never stop questioning.' Albert Einstein

As with all subjects areas, our science curriculum has been designed to ensure each and every child can ‘be the best person they can be’  by offering  stimulating and awe-inspiring learning experiences with our Catholic values at its heart.

The intent of our science curriculum

Science fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living.

We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes.

We ensure that the curriculum is specific so that the knowledge that children in Reception through developing their 'understanding the world' . This knowledge will connect with what pupils go on to learn in Year 1 and the rest of our school in science. We make sure that enough time is built into the curriculum for pupils to learn and remember key knowledge and we make sure that science is fun!

We intend that our curriculum will identify and sequence the disciplinary knowledge that pupils need to work scientifically and that all pupils will have enough opportunities to take part in high-quality practical work that has a clear purpose in relation to our exciting curriculum.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science.

Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out answers for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results. We deliver lessons that lead to pupils becoming increasingly confident in their ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. All of our science topics focus upon a particular scientist - to laumch our topic, inspire our children and make the learning real!

Impact

We provide a fun, engaging, high-quality science education that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Our children know what it means to be a scientist and develop their knowledge to support them in their transition to high school and beyond.

LET'S DO THIS TOGETHER...

BBC Bitesize offers some excellent engaging and information videos, separated into each topic.

KS1 Science - England - BBC Bitesize

KS2 Science - BBC Bitesize

Every child has a login for Purple Mash and it has a vast amount of science resources including games, activities and quizzes. They are a perfect way to consolidate and extend your child's learning!

Purple Mash by 2Simple

Science is EVERYWHERE! Encourage your child to ask questions and explore the world around them. Remember 'Somewhere, something special is waiting to be known!'