St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (Nympsfield)

Science

"Praised be you, my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth,

who sustains us and directs us,

bringing forth all kinds of fruits,

and coloured flowers and herbs."

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Canticle of the Creatures

Our vision for Science at St Joseph's

At St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, we believe that effective science teaching and learning is vital to ensure that our children have the best start to become scientifically literate adults who are equipped to cope in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology.

We believe effective Primary Science Education encourages aspiration and curiosity straight away in the Foundation stage and continues developing throughout the Key Stages; allowing children the chance to ask questions and explore with confidence. Our approach and ethos for science develops enquiring minds, deep-thinking skills and offers all our children a chance to make choices, be resilient when investigations go in a different direction, form opinions and work collaboratively and with empathy.

What does Science look like at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School?

We provide engaging, hands-on, open ended activities which builds on previous experiences and knowledge. Our learning is centred in real and relevant contexts with our REACH values at the heart. From EYFS to Year 6 becoming Secondary ready, we ensure our lessons are accessible for all children, including SEND, and engaging for all by proving support or challenge as appropriate.

Our weekly science learning provides moments of wonder and excitement, with classrooms coming alive with the exciting buzz of investigations!

Each lesson looks different depending what is being covered but teachers will use the following techniques throughout the teaching cycle:

Recap of prior learning
Working Scientifically skills focus
Cold calling, think pair share, show me boards
Group investigation planning.
Health and safety briefing
Sticky knowledge of the Scientific concept being taught and practiced.
Modelling

Children in Key Stages 1 and 2 are taught the key objectives as outlined in the National Curriculum for England:

National Curriculum for Science

Science Progression Map

In our curriculum, each year group has a sequence of units to cover throughout the year. These are matched with Working Scientifically skills that have been mapped out across the year also. This has been carefully planned to ensure a progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS to Year 6.