Overview of Science

At St Joseph’s, we strive to promote the love of learning science and for children to understand and be curious about the science within their everyday lives. In our rapidly evolving world science is a vital part of our curriculum intention. Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge. Because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. Scientific method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.

Intention

It is our intention that by the end of each Key Stage, each child will have an understanding of a variety of scientific concepts and be able to confidently discuss them. We aim for all children to work scientifically during lessons and work collaboratively investigating different concepts and ideas.

At Key Stage 1 pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and physical phenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to simple scientific ideas. They begin to evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. Using reference materials, pupils find out more about scientific concepts; they share ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables with the help of ICT if it is appropriate.

At Key Stage 2 pupils learn about a wider range of living things, materials and physical phenomena. Establishing connections between concepts, they articulate explanations employing simple models and theories. They apply their comprehension of scientific principles to everyday phenomena, personal health, and contemplate the repercussions of scientific and technological advancements on the environment and beyond. Here, pupils carry out more systematic investigations, working on their own and with others, using a range of reference sources in their work. They talk about their work and its significance, using a wide range of scientific language, conventional diagrams, charts, graphs and ICT to communicate their ideas.

Implementation

In order to allow children to reach their full potential, we cover the objectives set out in the Programmes of Study in the National Curriculum. We mix the content knowledge and investigation skills needed to solve science problems and make decisions and predictions based on what they have learned. Our lessons also allow the children to practice their math and English whilst developing their reasoning and problem-solving skills.

In Key Stage 1 and 2 content is delivered in each year group in accordance with the National Curriculum. Teachers are able to plan units drawing upon a number of resources such as Explorify and our skills progression documents, which are all used and amended to meet the needs of the children. To ensure children make the necessary progress and are challenged appropriately, teachers plan enjoyable, engaging and inspiring practical activities that mean the children are working hands-on; these lessons link science concepts to everyday life so the children can understand the world around them in a scientific way. Our lessons aim to develop a child's social skills by working in teams and encourage resilience, determination, perseverance, communication, collaboration, questioning and problem-solving.

 Working Scientifically:

At St Joseph’s we are always looking to provide the children with hands on experiments and encouraging them to think and work scientifically. This includes making predictions, observing closely using simple equipment, answering questions and asking simple questions, recording and gathering data and carrying out a fair test.

Impact

Through consistent use of the skills progression document, staff are able to formatively assess children during lessons and carry out end of unit summative assessments.   Teachers will update Insight at the end of each lesson to contribute to the ongoing assessment of each child’s performance and attainment in Science.

The successful approach to the teaching of science at St Joseph’s results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, which provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our links with the Our Past Your Future Heritage Project and STEM Person of the Week.