‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.’ (Carl Sagan)
INTENT
Our Curriculum has been designed to ensure each and every child can ‘be the best people that can be’ by offering stimulating and awe-inspiring learning experiences with our Catholic values at its heart. It is designed to meet the needs of the pupils at St Mary and St Andrew’s, not only by focusing on appropriate subject specific knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum, but by modelling the virtues given to us by Christ.
Science continuously changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future success, therefore it is our aim that our children at St Mary and St Andrews, will engage in a high-quality science curriculum. Our science curriculum not only provides children with core science knowledge, but also provide them with lots of opportunity to work scientifically. Our children are encouraged to ask questions, be curious and discover what is around them, so they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. All children, regardless of their abilities, are encouraged to have a love of science and know we can all be scientists! Science is a perfect opportunity to encourage a growth mind set, as mistakes are encouraged through investigations and experiments.
IMPLEMENTATION
At St Mary and St Andrew’s, we have a carefully planned a sequenced curriculum which has been designed with the need of every child at the centre of what we do. Every year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills. In order to support children in their ability to ‘know more and remember more’ there are regular opportunities to review learning taken place in previous topics, as well as previous lessons.
Children are taught Science for at least an hour and a half each week. All lessons start with a recap and review of relevant, prior learning in order to activate their long-term memory. Children are encouraged to use scientific vocabulary in every lesson, to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas in a variety of ways. Scientific vocabulary is displayed in every classroom and is changed each half term to match the topic taught. Therefore, the children can access the appropriate vocabulary at any point during the lesson. Practical investigation and experiments are at the core of our science lessons as they encourage questioning and problem solving.
At St Mary and St Andrews, we pride ourselves in providing the children with extra-curricular activities which are designed to enhance pupils’ learning experiences and make science come alive!
IMPACT
Our approach at St Mary and St Andrews’ results in engaging, high quality science lessons where our children are supported to ‘be the best they can be.’ Various trips, interactions with experts and engagement with the local environment ensure that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences. We want to empower our children, so they understand they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their overwhelming enjoyment for science.
how we do it
National Curriculum Programme of Study for Science
key learning documents
Key Learning in Science Year 1
Key Learning in Science Year 2
Key Learning in Science Year 3
Key Learning in Science Year 4
Key Learning in Science Year 5
Key Learning in Science Year 6
LOOK AT US LEARNING
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!’ We are all scientists at St Mary and St Andrews, and we hope you will join us in supporting your child to become ‘the best scientist they can be.’