Intent:

The National Curriculum states that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. This science education is divided into the specific but overlapping disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. At St Pius, we are passionate about shaping children’s interest in science and fostering genuine excitement around the subject. We want to develop our pupils’ natural curiosity when they join us in Reception, with a view to ultimately enabling them to think analytically and scientifically by the end of Year 6. Most importantly, we aim for all our children to maintain an enthusiasm for the world around them, and the scientific principles that we use to understand that world. Ultimately, we want all of our pupils to understand that science underpins everything around us. We believe that equipping children with the necessary knowledge and skills is key to developing them as citizens who can contribute positively not only to their local communities, but also to the global community. 

Implementation:

Our science curriculum across each year group allows pupils to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. It is delivered through the five main enquiry types in science:

• Research using secondary sources
• Pattern Seeking
• Observing over time
• Comparative and Fair Testing
• Identifying, classifying and grouping

Through these enquiry types, pupils are able to develop scientific vocabulary and knowledge, which is built upon as they move through the school. 

Our Science Curriculum Map outlines the different topics covered across Key Stage 1 and 2, and outlines the scientific enquiries through which the topics are explored. 

In line with the National Curriculum’s expectations, our pupils seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data. They continuously develop their ‘working scientifically’ skills as highlighted in this document.

Impact:

It is evident throughout the school that our pupils love learning about science and are exceptionally curious about the world around them. Pupils are confident to make links to topics they have previously studied and are able to use their prior knowledge to deepen their scientific understanding. Many children are proud to continue their scientific learning on the playground and at home through questioning and researching, and it is wonderful to see children in different year groups sharing their learning with each other. A great example of this is when a Year 4 pupil shared his fossil finds with our Year 6 pupils, as they were learning about the Theory of Evolution. Overall, we have created a safe learning environment for our pupils, where they are able to seek answers to scientific questions by taking risks and working collaboratively. 

Click here to see science in action across St Pius X Catholic Primary School.