Science

Science

Intent

At St Peters, we want every child to develop a sense of curiosity about the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed to help children ask questions, explore ideas and understand how things work. We aim to give pupils the knowledge and skills they need to think like young scientists.

We teach science through practical investigations, hands‑on activities and real‑life examples so that children can see science in action. As they move through school, pupils build on what they already know, learning to observe carefully, make predictions, carry out fair tests and draw simple conclusions.

We want children to enjoy science, feel confident using scientific vocabulary and develop a secure understanding of key scientific ideas. Most importantly, we hope to inspire a lifelong interest in discovering, questioning and understanding the world.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to Science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in Science. Our whole school approach to teaching and learning is based on the PLAN units which enables children to have an in-depth understanding of science.

Science is delivered through lessons which promote depth in the teaching and learning of each Science strands. Every unit includes a strong focus on the skills of scientific inquiry through an investigative and exploratory approach that makes learning meaningful and memorable. Children will take away a deep understanding of both Science content and scientific method.

St Peters Curriculum documents provide a broad but comprehensive experience of primary Science that covers the objectives of the National Curriculum for England.

Science lessons focus on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that children learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. These types of scientific enquiry include observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.

Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom.

We build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.

Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s education and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.

Activities are planned to meet the needs of all pupils. Learning is adapted through careful planning and organisation. Learners should be supported and challenged to progress within Science. 

EYFS

Play underpins the delivery of all the EYFS. Within a secure and challenging environment with effective support, children can explore, develop and experiment as they play to help them make sense of the world.

The EYFS strand ‘Understanding the World’ leads directly to scientific elements of the curriculum and leads to more formalised Science learning in KS1 and then KS2.

Impact

This curriculum design ensures that the needs of individual and small groups of children can be met within the environment of high quality first wave teaching, supported by targeted, proven interventions where appropriate. In this way it can be seen to impact in a very positive way on children’s outcomes. Enjoyment of the curriculum promotes achievement, confidence and good behaviour. Children feel safe to try new things. High quality visits and visitors to the school enhance the curriculum and provide opportunities for writing for a purpose.

The successful approach at St Peters Primary School results in a fun, engaging, high-quality Science education that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, children have the understanding that Science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.

From the exposure to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds, all children feel they are scientists and capable of achieving. Children at St Peters Primary School enjoy Science and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.