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

Our principal aim is that children leave St. Hugh’s Catholic Primary School with a wide range of happy and rich memories in Science formed through interesting and exciting experiences driven through vehicles that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner; thus ensuring that children see learning in Science as an ongoing process not a one-off event. Opportunities will exist for children of all ages to experience learning beyond the classroom. This will allow them to enrich their knowledge by, for example, visiting science museums, universities and our local partner secondary school. In Science, children will develop the skills to appropriately use and select research and sources.

 

Implementation

Carefully designed schemes of learning in Science ensure consistency and progression of all learners. Success criteria in Science lessons are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum. High quality input from experts and educational resources complement the delivery of specialist learning admirably. Children understand how Science is used in the wider world including careers. KS2 children have the opportunity to be taught by specialist science teachers from Loreto. This aids transition to Key Stage 3.

 

Impact

Children are happy, feel cared for, and have excellent relationships with others. They know how to deal with challenges and have a range of strategies to overcome them. Visits within Science enrich the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding. There is a proven track record of outstanding outcomes as shown in pupils’ scientific ability, their books and their enjoyment of the subject. These indicators reflect the impact of deep learning. Children are confident, resilient and actively engaged in the wider society. Through wider reading in Science, children know how science influenced and is central to our everyday lives and how scientist influenced improvement to our lives.

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. Pupil voice is strong and science is always on the agenda when the Learning Council meet each term, 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.