Intent
At St. Cuthbert’s, we believe that a high-quality science education will provide children with the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Our broad and balanced curriculum will enable children to become enquiry-based learners collaborating through researching, investigating and evaluating experiences. Pupils will be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and work scientifically to further their conceptual understanding. Starting in Early Years Foundation Stage to Upper Key Stage Two, pupils progress their abilities to work scientifically and the children consistently build on prior knowledge. Our current focus is on the use of children’s scientific terminology and their ability to use new scientific vocabulary throughout their academic life. This specific terminology is to be taught and progressed as the children move through the school.
Implementation
When children begin life at St. Cuthbert’s, we implement a Science curriculum that encourages the children to progress their knowledge and skills as they grow through the classes. We teach from the National Curriculum and our academy trust (Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust) provide a base for school assessment and planning of Science topics. In EYFS, children begin to develop an understanding of science through the broad area ‘Understanding the World’. Pupils in each class start every topic with a Learn it! Link it! This allows pupils to see the key concepts, vocabulary and progression of skills for each topic. These sheets will allow the children to reflect on their prior learning and be a working document throughout the topic. Furthermore, children will be given the opportunity to see the links with technology and engineering through STEM clubs and activities.
We have highlighted that key scientific language is integral and will be discussed every lesson to encourage the children’s learning of this vocabulary. The use of language is also modelled throughout lessons by all teaching staff. Teachers are encouraged to use a range of teaching strategies including practical demonstrations and experimentation to aid in children’s development of understanding. Children at the end of each lesson reflect on their learning and decide if they have achieved their intended learning objective. Attainment is tracked through class trackers against curriculum expectations and Working Scientifically skills.
Impact
Our aim is for pupils to have the key knowledge and skills that underpin future learning. Children should understand the importance of science in our world. We want to give children the opportunities to draw upon skills, behaviours and knowledge that could lead them into creating career links through the study of career related topics as well as learning about famous scientists such as Isaac Newton, Thomas Edison, Mary Anning and William Gilbert and their impact on the world. We aim for children to understand key environmental issues such as energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability so that they leave St Cuthbert’s with the ability to contribute positively as responsible global citizens.