Science
‘Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science.’ Edwin Powell Hubble
Intent
At St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to deliver a Science curriculum that is memorable, engaging and meaningful, with ‘working scientifically’ at its core. Our curriculum enables pupils to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary they need to be successful Scientists. It provides the opportunity for children to develop, apply and embed their skills through linked topic learning, building on previously established skills and knowledge. We take our learning in Science outdoors at every opportunity and strive to develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them.
Children regularly plan, carry out and evaluate experiments and observations. By the end of their time at St Catherine’s, pupils are able to pose questions that they can then form investigations around and present their findings in a scientific format.
Implementation
We deliver a Science curriculum that;
- Develops creativity and challenges all of our learners
- Inspires and excites our children through engaging practical sessions
- Develops aspirational learners.
- Encourages our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious and resilient learners by developing inquiry based skills
At St Catherine's follow the 'Developing Experts' Science scheme. DE's curriculum has been written by specialist teachers, in partnership with STEM experts who show the application of real world knowledge. All lessons from this award winning scheme are fully aligned to the National Curriculum.
Working scientifically allows children to think about what could happen in a given situation, teaching them to form their own opinions. By learning that not everything works the first time, children become resilient and are eager to ‘try again’ while constantly asking questions and searching for answers through a range of sources.
Progression of Skills
We use DE's Science Progression of Skills document to ensure pupils are building on prior learning and developing their skills further year-on-year.
Impact
By the time children leave St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, they should be equipped with the scientific knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum, have a deep understanding of what it means to work scientifically and be able to communicate their findings across a range of different methods. However, perhaps most fundamentally, we aim for all our children to leave St Catherine’s with a passion for, and enjoyment of, science.
Outdoor Learning
We are blessed with many Outdoor Learning areas in our school and endeavour to build these into our Science curriculum.
Home Learning
If you wish to support pupils with their learning at home, the BBC Bitesize website provides a rich range of information, activities and games.