At St. Patrick’s, we believe that science is fundamental to developing curiosity and problem solving. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. We believe that a child, who asks questions and is curious to test their ideas, will become a lifelong learner.
Our Curriculum Structure
Our science curriculum has been designed to reflect the needs of all our learners, as well as following the National Curriculum. Through evaluative and strategic practice, we have established a meaningful curriculum that allows our pupils to develop their scientific knowledge and investigative skills. We develop skills over the years so that children in UKS2 can plan and conduct their own investigations and are prepared for transition to secondary science education. We enrich our learning by taking it outside the classroom; such as visiting Whinlatter forest, local opticians and Science museum in Manchester. We have held science competitions, science shows, science careers fair and learnt about the work of historic/current famous scientists.
Subject content
The science curriculum is taught in topics in line with the National Curriculum requirements, using PLAN planning for assessment guidance. We have a progressive curriculum that is designed to aid learning through a sequencing of concepts – for example, using models to demonstrate the key principles of scientific knowledge and the development of investigative skills. We develop scientific vocabulary progressively over the years. Effective, ongoing assessment is used to identify strengths and needs and is swiftly acted upon to accelerate learning for all. Cross-curricular learning opportunities are used to allowed depth of understanding; for example, reading about famous scientists in Literacy, using electrical circuits in DT and using data handling mathematics skills to analyse experimental data.
Progression in working scientifically skills
Working Scientifically symbols
To support our children's understanding of key concepts, we use these scientific enquiry symbols that are used in conjuction with the science curriculum. Through linking a symbol to the type of investigation, our children are able to swiftly grasp what it means; because the same symbols are used throughout school, this enables them to develop a deeper understanding of them.
Medium term planning
Science topic planning is created using the same planning format, ensuring all the different types of scientific enquires are included. Over the unit, working scientic skills are planned in to develop skills and assess progress. Knowledge required is planned and taught to enable pupils to explain their findings from investigations.
Medium term plans are being developed and will be added below soon.
Early years
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| EYFS SCIENCE OVERVIEW.pdf | Download |
