Science

Curriculum - Science

 

Intent

At St. Joseph’s we strive to provide our children with the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils will develop their knowledge in methods, processes and uses of science. Children will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things behave and analyse concepts. We hope to develop enquiring minds in all of our children, so that in their everyday experiences they develop a greater appreciation of the wonders of the world that God has created.
 

Science has changed lives and is key to the world’s development. A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. By providing a knowledge rich science curriculum, our children are provided with the opportunities to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
 

It is important that pupils are taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. At St. Joseph’s we follow the National Statutory Framework for EYFS and the National Curriculum for years one - six. We teach the knowledge, skills and understanding detailed in our knowledge progression documents for all Science lessons, with the addition of the ‘Astronomy’ Unit for Year 2. We want to equip all our children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science. As children progress through the school, so does their confidence and knowledge of how to work scientifically; developing their investigative skills of observing, questioning, fair testing, predicting, measuring, recording, analysing and concluding in a variety of situations. It is adapted to help meet the individual needs of the children.

Our children have the opportunity to develop their scientific enquiry skills and are encouraged to discuss how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, evaluate causes and record their findings. Emphasis is also placed on practical science work to facilitate each child’s learning, as this creates excitement and curiosity for learning. It also encourages first-hand experience, confident and safe use of equipment and resources, co-operation, enquiring minds, the enjoyment of discovering surprising results and the development of investigative skills. ‘Observational lessons’ are carried out over time, allowing children the opportunity to observe changes.

Children are given a knowledge organiser at the beginning of each unit which outlines the main topics to be covered and introduces children to the key vocabulary they will be using.  These are referred to throughout Science lessons and can be taken home to reinforce and support learning at home.

 

Science Curriculum Overview

Whole School Progression Mapping

Scientific Vocabulary Overview