“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” – Albert Einstein 

Our Science subject leader is Mr Gregory.

Intent

At St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, we believe that science provides children with an understanding of the world around them and inspires curiosity about God's creation. Through a high-quality science education, pupils develop substantive scientific knowledge and disciplinary skills that enable them to question, investigate and explain natural phenomena confidently. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children build secure scientific understanding over time, making meaningful connections between biology, chemistry and physics.

Our science curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their background, develop a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and an increasing science capital. We encourage children to think and work scientifically, ask questions, explore ideas and understand how scientific discoveries have shaped the world. Through the study of science, pupils develop curiosity, resilience, critical thinking and respect for evidence whilst recognising the important role science plays in everyday life and future opportunities.

We aim for pupils to:

• Master important scientific concepts through a carefully sequenced curriculum.
• Develop scientific enquiry and investigative skills through practical experiences.
• Make connections between science, mathematics, geography and the wider curriculum.
• Understand sustainability and their responsibility for caring for our common home.
• Be inspired by scientists from a range of backgrounds and see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
• Develop the vocabulary needed to communicate scientific understanding with confidence.

Implementation

At St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, science is taught using the United Curriculum for Science, which is designed to build knowledge progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that key scientific concepts are revisited and developed over time, enabling pupils to make strong connections between previous and new learning. Vertical concepts provide a clear progression model across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and environmental science.

Science is taught through discrete units, with disciplinary knowledge and working scientifically skills explicitly planned and taught alongside substantive scientific knowledge. Practical investigations have a clear purpose, either to demonstrate scientific concepts or to develop specific enquiry skills. Children regularly observe, question, predict, measure, record, analyse and evaluate, enabling them to think and work as scientists.

Teaching ensures that:

• New learning is built upon prior knowledge and existing schemas.
• Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited.
• Working scientifically skills are carefully sequenced and regularly practised.
• Sustainability themes are woven throughout the curriculum.
• Cross-curricular links are made where meaningful, particularly with mathematics and geography.
• Opportunities are provided for pupils to communicate their understanding through discussion, investigation and extended scientific writing.

Science is adapted to reflect the local context of our pupils and community. Children study local habitats, ecosystems, weather patterns, materials and environmental issues to make learning relevant and meaningful. These experiences help pupils understand how science applies to the world they live in and contributes to their local community.

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is that pupils develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts alongside the skills needed to think and work scientifically. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, children build and retain knowledge over time, enabling them to make connections across topics and year groups.

Pupils leave St Joseph's with:

• Secure scientific knowledge that prepares them well for the next stage of education.
• Well-developed enquiry and investigative skills.
• The ability to use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently.
• An understanding of how science relates to everyday life and the wider world.
• A growing awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Curiosity, confidence and enthusiasm for learning about science.

Assessment is used effectively to ensure pupils are keeping up with the curriculum. Teachers use questioning, observations, pupil discussions, pre-learning quizzes and post-learning quizzes to identify misconceptions, assess understanding and inform future teaching. Subject leaders monitor learning through book scrutiny, pupil voice and curriculum evaluation to ensure the highest standards of science teaching and learning across the school.

Due to having mixed-age classes, science objectives are delivered through a two-year rolling programme to ensure full coverage and progression of knowledge and skills across the National Curriculum.

Progression in Science

• Progression in Science at St Joseph's

Science at St Joseph's