Science

‘The whole of science is nothing more than the refinement of everyday thinking.’ 
 Albert Einstein

It is our aim at St Mary’s for all children to see themselves as scientists. We believe it is vital for children to understand the world in which they live and develop a curiosity to explore and discover. We hope that through a high-quality science education, children will develop an understanding of their responsibilities as young people growing up in an ever-changing world.

Our science curriculum is underpinned by and taught with our school values of hope, respect, community and wisdom at its heart.

Hope
To develop knowledge and understanding of the ways in which scientific discoveries and knowledge is leading to beneficial changes, for humanity, the environment and sustainability, both now and in the future.

To develop aspirations that a career in STEM is possible for everyone.

To develop a hope that we can all make a difference.

Wisdom

To learn through wonder and intrigue.

To develop knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

To understand how to research and investigate through a range of scientific enquiry.

Community

To develop an understanding of how our local, national and international communities benefit from, and develop and grow through

scientific discoveries.

To help our school and local area through scientific activities (for example, The Wood White Butterfly Project, Terra Cycle scheme etc).

Respect

To demonstrate compassion and respect for each other and the world in which we live.

To develop an understanding of the importance of diversity within science and a respect for all who are contributing to this area.

At St Mary’s CE Primary School, our intent is for all children to see themselves as scientists. We wish to instil in children a love of science and a curiosity to explore and discover. It is our intention to provide a high quality science education that provides children with the foundations they need to recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life.  This, in turn, will help them to shape their own values and give them an understanding of their responsibilities as young people growing up in an ever-changing world.

·         The science curriculum at St Mary’s CE Primary School follows the National Curriculum 2014. Topics follow a progression of skills; building on children’s prior learning.
·         Teachers use a range of sources when planning their lessons. Where possible, the majority of learning is explored through first-hand experiences and practical activities, which embed ‘working scientifically’ skills. Secondary sources complement this learning and allow children to explore the world beyond the classroom. Pupils are taught to use scientific terminology.
·         We aim to use the outdoor environment as part of our science lessons whenever possible and link our science work, where appropriate, to learning about issues affecting climate change and sustainability.
·         Children are given opportunities to learn about STEM to further develop their understanding of science within the real world. This is enhanced further by visits from experts/ambassadors in the STEM field.
·         Children learn about a diverse range of influential scientists, both from the past and in the present.
·         Educational visits and visitors are used to enrich and enhance the pupils’ learning experiences within the science curriculum, such as, an annual school science week, science shows, trips to the Winchester planetarium/a farm/ the coast and the living rainforest etc.
·         Cross-curricular links are made with other subjects such as maths, English, computing and PE.
·         Teachers use regular formative assessment to inform planning, preparation, differentiation and address misconceptions within a lesson, or for the next lesson. Children’s attainment will be assessed at the end of each topic by teacher assessment.

 

Children at St Mary’s CE Primary School will:

 ·         Demonstrate a love of science and an appetite for further exploration in this area. It is hoped that some children will develop aspirations to follow a future career in the STEM area. 
·         Be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
·         Be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and be able to reason scientifically using rich language linked to science.
·         Achieve age related expectations in science at the end of their cohort year (majority of children).
·         Be able to work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.

Our aim is for children to leave St Mary’s already well on their way to becoming ‘world ready’.

Progression of Working Scientifically Skills Progression of Scientific Knowledge