Subject Leader

Mrs Clarke-Pitcher 

Our Science Curriculum Intent

Within St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, it is our intention to provide high quality science education to all children, with the foundations needed to recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. Following Developing Experts, the Science curriculum is planned to ensure that our children are challenged to become inquisitive, knowledgeable and skilful scientists. They will develop the skills to plan and carry out investigations and to be able to evaluate their work. We recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. Scientific study provides our pupils with the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. As one of the core subjects, we give the teaching of science the prominence it requires. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge, processes and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. Children will develop a strong scientific and cultural capital. Through carefully planned STEAM opportunities, and Design Engineering clubs, children will be able to make links across the curriculum. We will ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. We will encourage them to continue asking questions and to be curious about the world around them. As our young scientists develop, they will develop and use an increasing range of skills, including how to carry out different sorts of scientific enquiries, how to use different methods of recording data and different methods of presenting their findings. Additionally, the children will embed and build upon their scientific vocabulary and knowledge by revisiting previous topics and adding to their previous knowledge and understanding.

Implementation 

Early Years Foundation Stage –

In EYFS, children are taught Science through the Key area of learning set out within the EYFS Statutory Framework. We offer a broad range of teacher-led, child-initiated and continuous learning for our children and they are taught to –

. Use their senses to investigate a range of objects and materials.

. Find out about, identify and observe the different features of living things, objects and worldly events.

. Look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change.

. Ask questions about why things happen and how things work.

. Develop their communication and co-operation skills.

. Discuss their findings, sometimes recording them.

. Identify and find out about features of the place they live and in the natural world around them.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Science is taught by the Class Teachers, who enjoy science. This ensures that the quality of Science teaching throughout these Key Stages remains consistent. Science is taught weekly with additional sessions being taught where and when possible, as Engineering Clubs, Lego Clubs, Cookery Clubs or through Educational Visits and visitors. Following Developing Experts, Science is taught in planned

units. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge. Within our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out 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.

Our broad and balanced Curriculum for All is being implemented in Science by the following:

· A Skills based approach will be used in the teaching of Science that encompasses the following Key Scientific Skills; predict, control, observe, interpret, evaluate, investigate.

· Spiralled, learning-based targets that identify both skills, and knowledge required for each year group. The skills will spiral and develop as the children progress and will be embedded by repetition and application as they move through Key Stage 1 and 2.

· Spiralled vocabulary which is discussed at the start of every lesson.

· Careers in Science are identified within every lesson. Opportunities for live lessons and links with ‘I’m a Scientist’, ‘NFU’ and ‘Institute of Imagination’, children have contact with current Scientific events.

· During Science Week, a whole school Science Day will be planned, which will take different focuses to promote and celebrate scientific discovery, scientists and the joy of science.

· The use of child led practical investigations that will enrich lessons and develop perceptive questioning, critical thinking and give an opportunity to develop perspective and judgement.

· Teaching and learning will be assessed by the Class Teacher through on-going informal assessment based on observation; discussion; questioning; written work and presentations. Through the Gap Analysis, teachers and Subject Leader will monitor when lessons are taught and absenteeism identified and intervention put in place.

· The Science Lead monitor books and delivery through Pupil Voice and Staff Questionnaires. Science Ambassadors and Eco Leaders will promote the love of science and the environment in all areas of school life not just during lesson times.

Science Impact Statement

That children will progress to secondary education with a strong foundation and enthusiasm to want to know more about their world around them. The successful approach at St Thomas More’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 Day, our Science Ambassadors and Eco Team, high quality teaching, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. From exposure to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds, all children at St Thomas More’s feel they are scientists and capable of achieving. Our children overwhelmingly enjoy science, and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding. Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupils’ views and attitudes towards science, to assess the children’s enjoyment of science, and to motivate learners.