Science

Intent

At St. John Fisher Catholic Primary School our intent is to provide a high-quality science curriculum embedded with meaningful, memorable learning experiences, whilst promoting a love of science. We intend to increase pupil’s scientific knowledge, develop their working scientifically skills and enable pupils to build on and link prior learning with new learning. Through our ambitious curriculum, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder of the world and enabling them to appreciate the impact of scientific progress and developments. We endeavour that our science curriculum will inspire pupils in realising their God-given potential and responsibility to have a positive impact on science and technology and fulfilling their vocation to be a future scientist.

Implementation

Our Science Working Party Group, in collaboration with science expertise from the Ogden Trust, have designed an enquiry based, progressive, ambitious curriculum based around the National Curriculum for Science which encompasses:

  • Carefully sequenced, progressive science planning, teaching, and learning 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 and frequent retrieval practice
  • An enquiry-based approach
  • Interplay between knowledge and skills
  • Explicit opportunities for pupils to develop their ‘substantive’ and ‘disciplinary knowledge’
  • Two-hour weekly Science lessons, supported with detailed planning and practical resources
  • Support for teachers in curriculum delivery including CPD, planning surgeries and coaching

Impact

Leaders and Teachers will use a range of information to assess the impact of our Science Curriculum through analysis of: pupil and teacher voice, work samples, learning walks, analysis of formative and summative data. Pupils will complete a knowledge checker quiz at the end of each unit which will be used to monitor the retention of key substantive knowledge and to inform further planning. As a result of our Science Curriculum, pupils 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 contribution to society.