Science

Intent:

At St. Mary’s, we believe that science teaches children an understanding of natural wonders. It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way that they do, and it also teaches methods of investigation, experimentation, and discovery.  Science, through the teaching of biology, chemistry, and physics, will stimulate a child’s creative thought and will encourage children to ask scientific questions. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve during a science lesson and that every child can develop knowledge and key scientific skills.

St Mary's is proud to be members of the Redditch & Bidford Ogden Trust Partnership. This relationship has not only provided teaching staff with valuable science training and resources, but also, continually fosters the curiosity of our budding young scientists through its many external enrichment opportunities

Implementation:

All science lessons at St Mary’s follow National Curriculum 2015. We teach science as a standalone subject but will make relevant cross curricular links if they are appropriate. Our aim is to develop scientific knowledge and skills. During each lesson, children will develop their use and understanding of key scientific vocabulary through carefully planned ‘talk time’ to explore science by using high quality visual images. We aim to refer to previous learning and deepen understanding through each lesson and to support children to develop an understanding of science by providing a range of scientific enquiries, investigations, and questions to help them explore the world around them.  Where appropriate, children are expected to use scientific equipment and to present conclusions clearly and accurately. They will be encouraged to work scientifically by observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping, and classifying things and carrying out simple comparative tests. Teachers reinforce the expectation that all children are capable of achieving and succeeding with the curriculum. The large majority of the children progress through the curriculum at the same pace. Teachers will differentiate the programmes of study within the science curriculum where required and will use questioning to assess children regularly. Teachers will also provide opportunities for children to learn about past and current scientists who have had a profound impact within science. 

Working Scientifically:

Working scientifically is the lifeblood of each and every area of subject matter and is what gives life and sustenance to learning new knowledge and developing understanding within science. It is a large part of the new curriculum and is embedded throughout all topics. Some of the scientific skills include observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. Pupils are also encouraged to seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing, and presenting data, relating to their mathematics.

Impact:

Throughout each lesson, formative assessment takes place and is given to the children through marking to ensure they are meeting the learning objective. Teachers make use of formative assessment in working scientifically and also knowledge. At the start and end of a programme of study, teachers will also use summative assessment to determine if a child is meeting the standard for the particular programme of study. The assessments also help teachers pitch lessons and demonstrate progression.