Science
Intent
At St. Peter’s Primary School and Nursery, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life.
Our scientific learning aims to increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and, along with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry, nurture the natural curiosity of our children.
At St. Peter’s, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:
- Develop substantive knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Develop disciplinary knowledge through working scientifically in order to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.
Implementation
At St. Peter’s children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 as well as opportunities for continuous provision. In Early years, Science is continually taught through the children learning about the world around them.
Our Science curriculum follows the ‘Greater Depth in Science’ curriculum by Chris Quigley. Each year group works towards end points known as milestones. Milestones are goals pupils should reach by the end of a two-year period (Milestone 1 - Year 1 & 2, Milestone 2 – Year 3 & 4 and Milestone 3 – Year 5 & 6). Each goal aims to give the children the knowledge, vocabulary and skills they need to enrich their understanding of the scientific world.
We ensure that children in every year group experience all areas of Science every term. This is provided through weekly lessons, science exploration sessions, continuous provision and by making conscious connections with other curriculum subjects. This enables children to build on their prior knowledge and deepen their understanding each time they meet a specific area, thus ultimately advancing their learning.
Through regular quizzes, questioning and POP (proof of progress) tasks, teachers ensure children know more and remember more.
Impact
Our science curriculum results in a fun, engaging 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. Through various trips and interactions with experts, children understand that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.
Children enjoy science at St. Peter’s and pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum. Through the questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science, it supports their enjoyment of science and motivates them as learners.