Science

Intent

At St Joseph’s our intent is to provide a high-quality science curriculum that promotes a love of science and the natural world. This will include meaningful, memorable learning experiences that increase pupil’s scientific knowledge, develops pupil’s enquiry  skills and enables pupils to build on and link prior learning with new learning. Through our ambitious curriculum, we aim to prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.  We aim to build on pupils’ natural curiosity of the world around them and enable them to appreciate the impact of scientific progress on our lives today. 

Implementation

Another essential part of learning in Science here at St Joseph's is to take lessons outside and into our school garden, forest school and outdoor classroom. On our field, we have a pond, a 'twigloo' (a living willow igloo), raised beds for growing produce, a polytunnel for the propagation of seeds, a bug hotel and extensive grounds in which the children can go exploring. Children use the garden to grow food, which they then eat; to study nature first hand in the pond and in the bug hotel; to observe wildlife including birds and insects and to learn about seasonal changes. In addition, over the course of the year, each class has half a term of Forest school sessions where they learn new skills as well as enhancing their knowledge of animals in their environment.

 At St Joseph’s we follow an enquiry based, progressive, ambitious curriculum based around the National Curriculum for Science which encompasses:

• Well planned, progressive science teaching embedded with meaningful, memorable, practical learning experiences where learning is revisited across key stages
• Explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary which is mapped progressively across key stages
• Links to prior Learning
• An enquiry-based approach
• Interplay between knowledge and skills
• Opportunities for children to reflect on previous learning
• Weekly Science lessons, supported with detailed planning and practical resources
• Science lessons are planned using the Plymouth science scheme, Lancashire KLIPS and Lancashire creative context ideas.

Each lesson includes:

1. Pre learning, from previous year groups and lessons.
2. Cross curricular links across modules
3. Planning for knowledge acquisition, working scientifically and scientific enquiry objectives.
4. Assessment of key skills.
5. Metacognitive approaches which include mini quizzes, recapping, revisiting knowledge.
6. Knowledge quizzes at the end of each unit.

Impact

Leaders and teachers will use a range of data to assess the impact of our Science Curriculum through analysis of: pupil and teacher voice; work scutiny; learning walks snd mini quizzes. Children will complete a knowledge checker quiz at the end of each unit which will be used to monitor the retention of key learning and to inform further planning.

As a result of our Science Curriculum, children will:

• acquire a richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• develop their scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and ability to think and act scientifically.
• be equipped with the knowledge required to appreciate and understand science’s contribution to all aspects of everyday life.
• build on their curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world.
• Develop high aspirations and unleash their potential as scientists of the future which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.

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