Science

'Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great.'

Psalm 104:25

Introduction

The Science curriculum 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. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills.

Intent

At St Mary’s, it is our intention to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. We intend to build a Science curriculum, which develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and build a Science curriculum, which, enables children to become enquiry-based learners.

Implementation

• A clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning shows progression across all key stages within the strands of Science.
• Children have access to key language and meanings in order to understand and readily apply to their written, mathematical and verbal communication of their skills.
• Children will use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically..
• Children will reflect on previous learning and cross-curricular links will be made wherever possible.
• Children will be able to build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry-based learners.
• Attainment will be assessed by the teacher throughout each unit against the science objectives for each specific year group.
• Where applicable links to Science will be made to develop the children’s topical learning.

Impact

 Science enriches the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how experiences impact their knowledge and understanding. Children are confident, resilient and actively engaged. Children know how science influenced and is central to our everyday lives and how scientist influenced improvement to our lives. Children will retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context and are able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge. They can work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment and be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.

Cultural Capital

Science Capital is a conceptual tool for measuring an individual's exposure and knowledge of science. It can be used to help understanding how social class affects people's aspirations and involvement in science. With regular pupil voice, science is always on the agenda, meaning children develop and discuss scientific skills and how these will impact them in the future.

British Values

Teamwork is encouraged and we see and promote respect and democracy when children work within groups. We encourage children to have an open mind to different concepts, where we support and refute evidence and findings. Pupils appreciate the rich and diverse world that they are part of and try to make the right choice in terms of how they behave in school and in society.