Mrs K Tibbatts
Science Lead
Intent
Here, at St Mary’s, we endeavour to deliver a full, enjoyable and inclusive Science curriculum where all children make progress from their starting points.
We aim to build up both the children’s scientific knowledge and their 'working scientifically' skills, as set out by the Nation Curriculum. In addition to this, we aim to extend their learning above and beyond what is required, catering our lessons to the children’s own needs and interests, hopefully instilling a love of science in them (thus helping them retain their knowledge and skills). During our Science lessons, children will have ample opportunity to use cross curricular skills, making links to the wider curriculum - Maths, English and Geography (for example).
In order for our children to help shape the world of tomorrow, whilst also being ambassadors of our faith, we aim to help children use their knowledge to see the ‘bigger picture’, to help them understand the importance of why they are learning what they are learning. We strive to link our science to our Catholic faith, including those of wonder and awe, helping the children to appreciate the world around them and encourage them to be proud stewards of creation.
Aims
Our aims for teaching science include:
- the fostering of faith in God who created the physical universe and the living things within it
- building on children’s natural curiosity and developing a scientific approach to problems
- encouraging open-mindedness, self-criticism, perseverance and responsibility
- preparing children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world
- fostering concern about, and appreciation of, our environment
- building children’s self-confidence to enable them to work independently and developing their social skills to work co-operatively with others
- helping children to acquire a progressive understanding of scientific ideas
- giving children the experience of scientific processes
- helping children to acquire practical science skills
- providing children with an enjoyable experience of science, so that they will develop a deep and lasting interest and be motivated to study science further
Implementation
When planning Science lessons, we begin with the objectives of the National Curriculum and extend to meet our children's interests, abilities and need. Our curriculum has been designed to cover the National Curriculum objectives, whilst filling in any gaps as a result of the recent pandemic. To ensure that gaps are well taught, we have dedicated a half-term focus in each year group called 'Science Adventures', which puts extra focus on the 'working scientifically' skills and coincides with our British Science Week in school. At St. Mary's, a set scheme is not followed, as we understand that not one size, fits all. Our teachers tailor their lessons to the needs and prior knowledge of the children.
Every class has a weekly Science lessons. New topics embed the theory and key principles of Science, before moving on to applying the knowledge to practical work.
Throughout their Science learning in school, children will revisit topics, which helps them to embed learning and then use this embedded learning to apply to new learning. At the start of each topic, children explore what they already know and what they would like to know more about. Then, at the end of the topic, they complete an end of topic assessment, to show how much they have learnt. Teachers use this assessment to inform future planning and addressing of further gaps in knowledge and skills.