Science

Curriculum Intent: Science

In response to our mixed-aged classes, our curriculum is implemented on a two-yearly programme (Cycle A and Cycle B). This ensures complete curriculum coverage for our pupils. As children progress throughout the school, they develop their knowledge and skills through a range of topics. By Year 6, all children will have followed our Curriculum Narrative pathway.

Characteristics of a Scientist

The ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings.
Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills, taking the initiative in, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations.
Excellent scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings.
High levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills.
The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork.
A passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies.
Foster high levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills.
The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork.
Instill a passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies.

Implementation

Our pupils should be able to organise their knowledge, skills and understanding around and within the following threshold concepts in science

Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Throughout all of our science teaching, “Working Scientifically” is embedded is across science lessons to ensure skills are being used and developed as children progress through our school. As a part of working scientifically, children will have opportunities to take part in practical science experiences, including demonstrations from staff and practical work carried out by the children themselves.

The teaching of science is organised into units, allowing for children to develop a greater depth of knowledge in science. These units map out progression from EYFS into KS2 and beyond to ensure the progression is built upon with each unit identifying which knowledge and procedures need to be learned by the end point for that phase. There is a focus on threshold concepts within each unit and children are taught subject specific vocabulary throughout.

As part of developing our children’s understanding of the world around them, children have weekly sessions with Sc.out.ed which provides outdoor learning and science lessons that engage, enthuse and excite pupils. This develops skills including resilience, independence, team work, questioning, building self-esteem whilst also provide opportunities to take risks, communicate, make choices and initiate learning for themselves. We value the importance of maintaining a relationship with nature, which can be very helpful in supporting children’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

Aspirations For The Future

Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs.

Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future as a Scientist:

Aquatic vet
Astronaut
Animal researcher
Marine biologist
Helicopter mission control
Weather presenter

Inspirational Figure

Impact

Assessment

Through the explicit teaching of the science skills (including Working Scientifically), both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Regular recapping through progressive delivery of each unit allows for prior learning to be revisited. At the end of the unit, pupils are given the opportunity to reflect on their knowledge and understanding. End of unit quizzes will provide opportunity for factual recall. Through these assessment tasks, children will be able to demonstrate understanding and application of the knowledge taught within each unit.

Pupil Voice

Coming Soon…

Snapshots

Here is what Science looks like at St. Joseph’s