Intent in Science

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
• Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

At St Paul’s, we want our pupils to enjoy Science, show inquisitiveness and enquire about the world around them; characteristics which are outlined in the features of DESIRE. It is our intention to enthuse children in Science and provide them with the passion, skills and knowledge in science to last beyond their time at St Paul’s.

We foster a respect and love for science by highlighting the importance of science in society; understanding how scientific discoveries and significant individuals changed our lives and how science is vital today and for the world’s future prosperity. From reception to Year 6, we encourage children to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings, both within the contexts of science and as part of the wider curriculum. We praise Inquisitiveness and Enquiry regularly as feature of DESIRE. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments and explaining concepts confidently. We assess prior learning and misconceptions to develop a secure understanding of the knowledge and concepts taught in each topic. Oracy is an important part of St Paul’s and we encourage children to find their voice in science by developing children’s speaking skills and build up an extended specialist vocabulary. Children should confidently describe key concepts and knowledge taught in their own words, but also be familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely. We aim to make science learning active and engaging with a variety of practical activities and opportunities to conduct investigations, both in and outside of the classroom, which deepen understanding of key concepts and develop children’s scientific skills.

Implementation in Science

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

• Teachers ensure time is dedicated to regular teaching of Science which is appropriate to their key stage. Teachers make links to scientific discoveries and significant individuals who changed our lives and highlight how science is vital today and for the world’s future prosperity.
• Quality and presentation of work produced in science books is of a high standard and demonstrates children’s respect for science and pride in the work they produce.
• Enquiry and Inquisitiveness is encouraged, not just in science, but in all areas of the curriculum and praised regularly both in class and as part of St Paul’s people and qualities of DESIRE.
• Teachers are secure in their subject knowledge and demonstrate understanding confidently, modelling use of technical and scientific terminology and strongly encourage all pupils to use specific topic related vocabulary. 
• Scientific vocabulary is displayed in the classroom. Opportunities for oracy are planned for within lessons and exploratory talk is regularly encouraged.
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and organising school trips.
• Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.
• At the start of each topic, children complete a Rising Star assessment and write a list of “what I know” and “what I want to find out” to give teachers an initial understanding of the children’s prior knowledge and any misconceptions which need to be addressed. As well as this, teachers regularly assess children’s understanding in lessons; using discussion to probe and remedy misconceptions. At the end of each topic, children complete an assessment which teachers use alongside teacher assessment to grade children on the topic in an assessment grid.
• Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. These are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class.

Impact of Science

Science is a high profile subject throughout the school and children understand the importance of science in society. Children at St Paul’s are inquisitive and enthusiastic learners who want to find out about the world around them. Through engaging lessons taught by confident teachers, children leave St Paul’s with a love of Science, alongside the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.