Science

Science Curriculum

Intent

Our curriculum ensures that pupils:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through biology, chemistry and physics.
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
• Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

At St Mary’s, we encourage children to be inquisitive scientists throughout their time in our school and beyond. Our ‘We are Scientists’ curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity and love for learning about our universe, promoting respect for both the living and non-living.

Throughout the programmes of study, the children acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group. The curriculum is designed to ensure that children are able to acquire key scientific knowledge through practical experiences; using equipment, conducting experiments, exploring nature, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. Cross-curricular links are identified, mapped and planned to ensure not only progression, but an enriched understanding of the core subject of Science. Children are encouraged to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings, in order to become experts in the topics they study. A love of science is nurtured through a whole school ethos and a varied science curriculum, leading to every child viewing themselves as a successful ‘scientist’.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce high aspirations for all pupils. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following; Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce high aspirations for all pupils. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

• Science is taught in topic blocks, with a project-based approach. This allows the children to revisit topics and reapply key concepts throughout the key, building on their knowledge as they progress through the school.
• Curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging, cross-curricular lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
• We build upon the knowledge 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, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
• For each medium term plan, a key inspirational person is introduced, to encourage children to gain a greater understanding of Science throughout history.
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by exploring our wildlife area and arranging workshops with experts within our community.
• At the end of each topic, classes produce a collaborative ‘Show What We Know’ display or presentation. Parents and carers are invited to view this (either by coming into school or through our Virtual Gallery on the website).
  
  
  

Impact

The successful, cross-curricular approach we take at St Mary’s results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge 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.

Through our Science modules, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity, as we use units of study as opportunities not only to look back at the history of science, but also through observing and researching current local and global issues as well (eg global warning, pandemics and hygiene).

Children learn the possibilities for careers in science, as a result of our community links and studies of inspirational scientists. From this exposure to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds, all children feel they are scientists and capable of achieving, which results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.

Please see below for Year 3 Science Knowledge Organisers. 

Please see below for Year 4 Science Knowledge Organisers. 

Please see below for Year 5 Science Knowledge Organisers. 

Please see below for Year 6 Science Knowledge Organisers.