Science

St Filumena’s Catholic Primary School – Science Curriculum Statement

At St Filumena’s Catholic School, we want every child to be curious, happy and enthusiastic learners of Science, and to be eager to achieve their very best in order to fulfil their God-given talents.

Intent – What we are trying to achieve?

Our principal aim is that children leave St Filumena’s Catholic School with a wide range of memories in Science formed through experiences that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner; thus ensuring that children see learning in Science as an ongoing process.
Our science curriculum aims to provide the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
We aim to create curious scientists who ask questions which is promoted by our inquisitive learning approach to lessons where the children lead their learning.
We also aim to motivate and inspire children through a curriculum that stimulates, engages and challenges all learners.
Children will meet the National Curriculum expectations in Science, which will be taught by highly-qualified staff who will support children to develop mastery of concepts and inspire enthusiasm and interest in the subject.
Children in EYFS will engage in Science through the EYFS curriculum, particularly the area of 'Understanding the World'.
Opportunities will exist for children of all ages to experience learning beyond the classroom. This will allow them to enrich their knowledge.
Children will develop a deep understanding of the topic that they are studying. They will increasingly use their prior knowledge to solve problems and develop the sophistication of Science.
Children will understand how Catholic virtues and British Values relate to Science.
In Science, children will develop the skills to appropriately use and select research and sources.
Children will develop a real understanding and appreciation of the world learning from the best that has been developed.

Implementation – How do we translate our vision into practice?

All children will study Science for 2 lessons per week in Key Stage 2 and 1 lesson per week in Key Stage 1.
Where necessary, staff will receive training in Science.
A carefully designed scheme of learning in Science, adapted for our learners, ensures consistency and progress of all learners.
Working scientifically skills are explicit in lessons to ensure these skills are being developed the children's school career, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced.
Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and given appropriate equipment to use their scientific skills to discover the answers.
Some science objectives may be covered through vehicle work.
'Quality first teaching' responds to the needs of children.
Where appropriate, at the beginning of each science lesson, children demonstrate their prior knowledge, which informs planning and teaching. A series of stimulating lessons are planned, with clear knowledge and skills-based learning objectives and subject-specific vocabulary.
Teachers actively mark work in lessons in order to identify misconceptions early.
Teachers assess learning in science against knowledge-based and skill-based learning objectives.
Enrichment opportunities, including outdoor learning, inspirational visitors and exciting educational visits, provide our children with rich experiences and enhance teaching, learning and knowledge
Children understand how Science is used in the wider world including careers.

Impact – What is the impact of our curriculum on the students?

Our well-planned science curriculum ensures that children are given essential knowledge, skills and concepts to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, how things behave and to analyse causes.
All pupils' learning is progressive, developmental and most of all stimulating to their general interest. Children develop the skills of creativity, perseverance and co-operation to enhance their ability to learn confidently in the whole curriculum.
Through science, children deepen their appreciation of their faith and their God-given talents.
Visits within Science have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.
Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in Science, reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in Science and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
There is a proven track record of outstanding outcomes as shown in pupils’ scientific ability, their books and their enjoyment of the subject. These indicators reflect the impact of deep learning and direct knowledge.
Clear outcomes focus and guide Science development plans and drive improvement.
Students are inspired to follow a pathway towards a scientific career.