Intent
The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:
- 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 skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this
At St Joseph’s, we understand that children are naturally curious and we encourage this inquisitive nature throughout their time with us and beyond. Science fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for living and non-living things. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Through the programmes of study in the National Curriculum science document children will acquire and develop these skills throughout their Primary years. We ensure that the ‘Working Scientifically’ skills are built-on and developed throughout their school career. Therefore, they can use equipment, conduct experiments, build arguments and explain concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings. We aim to build ‘science capital’ - St. Joseph’s school lies in an area of deprivation. We have a higher than average level of disadvantaged pupils on roll. It is our intention to not only provide a clear, well taught national curriculum but go much further in raising aspirations of all of our pupils to reach their full potential in life.
Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
- Science is planned and taught in an arranged topic (e.g. ‘Animals including Humans’) by the class teacher, to have a project approach. This is a strategy to ensure that pupils become secure in what they need to know and also to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
- Through our planning, we involve problem-solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and have opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
- We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, 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 school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is further extended through the years, in keeping with the topics.
- We develop pupils’ cultural capital through our range of content, enhanced by involvement with outside agencies (such as STEM Ambassadors, our enrichment activities, as well as our visits to industry and involvement in ‘Step into the NHS’ programme). Prior to COVID 19 we have welcomed a range of visitors - parents & family members with a variety of jobs and hobbies to come into school (for example - a female cardiac consultant). These opportunities all contribute to our pupils seeing that science is ‘everywhere’ and they see themselves as scientists. They not only understand the value of science as leading to careers in science but just as important is the transferability of science skills & (enquiry, problem solving, investigations) for all sorts of jobs and careers.
Impact
The successful approach at St Joseph’s results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local organisations, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science and also how their enquiry skills transfer to other (non-science related) jobs.
Our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM association, gives our pupils the chance to learn from and work with professionals from a range of different scientific backgrounds.
Children at St Joseph’s overwhelmingly enjoy science and as a result, we have highly motivated learners who understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. They see themselves as ‘scientists’ and begin to reduce their stereotypical views of which gender can do a particular job. Pupils’ aspirations are raised. They value their education and understand how it fits into their future and our desire for them to become the best they can be.