Through practical activities, learners are able to develop their investigative skills and as a result this encourages them to have a desire to find out about the world around them. At Our Lady’s, we plan opportunities for our learners to develop their scientific knowledge through carefully planned exciting Science opportunities. Science sessions are taught both discretely and where possible are cross-curricular so that links to embed previous learning and deepen understanding are planned in. 

Supporting learners to develop an understanding of the process and methods of Science by providing a range of Scientific enquiries, investigations and questions to help them explore the world around them. We hope to develop and nurture our learner’s curiosity by following their questions and interests to hopefully develop a love, passion and appreciation for Science. 

For Key Stage One, the focus is to enable pupils to experience and observe the world around them. Following on from their time in Early Years Foundation Stage learners need time to deepen prior learning and engage in first hand experiences and begin to use simple scientific language. During their time in Lower Key Stage Two, the emphasis is all around learners having opportunities to broaden their Scientific view of the world around them. Learners are encouraged to talk, test and make links. During their time in Lower Key Stage Two learners are encouraged to speak about their findings and later write about what they have found. Finally, in Upper Key Stage Two, the main focus is to allow learner time to deepen and develop their understating of a range of Scientific ideas. Learners are encouraged to select the most appropriate way to answer and record their Scientific findings.

Our intention throughout school is to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests, and finding things out using secondary sources of information. During their time at Our Lady’s, we aim to equip learners with the knowledge required to use and implement Science today, tomorrow and for their futures. 

National Curriculum aims:

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future

Our Science curriculum is based on Cornerstones statements, supported by planning from The Kent Science Scheme and STEM planning. We use a variety of resources, including ICT. Our science topics are designed to develop interest and awareness as well as knowledge of the physical world. We encourage learners to investigate, predict, plan, record and evaluate results in a clear, orderly manner. Topic work includes work about ourselves, the plant world, the animal world, the Solar System, electricity and forces. Health and safety issues are also covered. 

We teach Science by encouraging a questioning approach. All topics and science lessons begin with an activity of awe and wonder to develop thinking and scientific enquiry. Children are exposed to a range of tasks in both key stages such as ‘odd one out’ or ‘positive/negative/interesting’ to spark debate and encourage children to verbalise their scientific thinking. Learning in Science is conducted through enquiry where ideas are valued and where there is ample opportunity for practical investigation. As Science work is often carried out in groups, the children are enhancing essential team work skills. They benefit from talking to their friends and listening to their ideas.

Science is presented through a relevant context; often linked, where appropriate, to the topic. Science learning is embedded throughout the curriculum, for example research and presentation of work about famous scientists in History or Literacy. Inspired by great scientists, the children are motivated to participate enthusiastically in Science lessons, explore Science outside the classroom and in some cases, consider the pursuit of a career in science.

All age ranges and abilities take part in scientific activity, learners, where possible, handle the materials.  In science, the value of this first-hand sensory experience is emphasised, as is the fostering of the enjoyment of exploration, manipulation, comparison, discussion and testing – we believe these are the living roots of science. We build problem-solving skills through investigations and enquiries. The children are also given opportunities to discuss results and consider how to improve experiments, in order to improve their science knowledge.