Curriculum Intent 

We believe that high-quality science teaching and learning provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. As a core subject, we give the teaching and learning of science the prominence it requires, focusing on increasing pupils’ knowledge, vocabulary and understanding of our world, alongside developing their investigative skills.  

Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science investigations which enable them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. As a result, we develop our children’s natural curiosity, encourage respect, appreciation and tolerance for living organisms, the physical environment whilst also providing opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.  

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. Cross curricular links are included throughout our teaching sequences in science.  

Children have the opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of Science, including, collecting, presenting and analysing data and connections between science and literacy are made explicit. Children are encouraged to use technical terminology accurately and precisely and opportunities to apply and further develop children’s reading skills are deliberately planned into lessons wherever possible.  

Curriculum Aims 

Whole School Aims	In science…
To have Christ at the centre of everything we do.  To provide opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident, resilient, successful & motivated learners with high aspirations who know how to make a positive and transformational contribution to their local community and wider global society.	Through our science curriculum, we develop our children’s appreciation of the complexity of God’s world and to investigate the amazing properties within in. Our children become ‘stewards of creation’ and work for the common good. Our intent is to make children aware that as future scientists, they can help to lead change, making a valuable contribution to the kingdom of God.
To be firmly rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  Inspired by Pope Francis, St. Mary’s Curriculum encourages our pupils to grow in self-awareness and become advocates of social justice.	Children are encouraged to reflect on the knowledge and skills they have gained in each topic, considering how this impacts different communities, contexts and historical periods around the world and considering how they can use this knowledge to contribute positively to our world.
To challenge all pupils, regardless of disadvantages or special needs, to be the greatest example of themselves.  Through experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, pupils are provided with a purpose and relevance for learning, which allows them to develop their own personal strengths and interests.	We strive to provide children with opportunities to experience awe and wonder in their learning, igniting a passion within them to achieve their God given talents, working ethically and diligently in their future careers.
St Mary’s Curriculum develops the key skills necessary for all our pupil and promotes high expectations of standards and enjoyment in Reading, Writing and Maths across all subject areas.	Children have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through reporting in science, including using statistics to share their results. Other opportunities for incidental writing occur regularly, where the children can write in a variety of different purposes to share their understanding. Children engage with high quality texts to broaden their knowledge and understanding of scientists and scientific discoveries.
To develop pupils with a broad and lasting knowledge of subject specific vocabulary.	Children develop a secure schema for scientific concepts, building on prior knowledge. They are able to use scientific vocabulary to provide detailed descriptions of scientific phenomena and are encouraged to ask questions about the world
To empower pupils to respect each other and themselves, show respect and understanding for people of all faiths, race and gender, and for all living things, promoting stewardship and to ensure all pupils are well prepared for life in a rapidly changing world.	We develop children’s understanding that scientific endeavour has been contributed to by people of all backgrounds (nations, genders and religious beliefs) for the greater good of our world. Children are provided with opportunities to reflect on the ways in which the discoveries of science can lead to a deeper appreciation of the greatness of God and God’s love for all Creation.

Curriculum Implementation 

Our science teaching is delivered through Developing Experts, which is based around a knowledge-rich curriculum.  We ensure that knowledge is learnt and retained throughout the programmes of study.  In each lesson, pupils are given key facts and knowledge through our storytelling approach to learning.  Further to this, each lesson offers  key words and meanings to learn; vocabulary which is then repeated throughout the lesson and assessed at the end of the lesson.  
 
All our lessons contain a balance of the different ‘Working Scientifically Skills’ and ‘Scientific Enquiry’ types, so that children practice a broad range of skills throughout the curriculum. Children have access to a knowledge organiser and complete a pre and post knowledge test for each unit of work, providing summative feedback for teachers and children. In EYFS, knowledge and understanding of the world is recorded in floor books, sharing whole class and individual scientific thoughts, ideas and responses.  

Children need to have a large amount of subject knowledge stored in their long-term memory in order to become competent at any subject, and this is especially true of science. For this reason, our lessons are designed to teach science in a clear and deliberate fashion, emphasising secure content knowledge before moving on to tasks. To build aspiration, a lesson expert often from industry or university enables everyone to learn and deepen their understanding about how the subject relates to the world of work. 

Our curriculum offering provides an inspiring resource, with a plethora of beautiful images, film clips and songs to support various learning needs.  We ensure the structure of our lessons is consistent, using the 5E’s  (Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate, Evaluate)  We ensure that wherever possible, children have opportunities to experience their learning outside of the classroom.  

Assessment opportunities within lessons and units of work are built into our curriculum, allowing us to track pupil progress using a range of resources, for example, a  quick online key word quiz, to a multiple choice comprehension activity. At the end of each unit, children will take a knowledge test or be assessed during a  practical task. 

Curriculum Impact 

The expected impact of St. Mary’s Science curriculum is: 

• Pupil Engagement and Motivation: Our pupils show high levels of enthusiasm and interest in science, demonstrated by their active participation in class discussions, experiments, and projects. Feedback indicates that pupils look forward to their science lessons and express excitement about learning new concepts. 

• Academic Achievement: We monitor progress through regular assessments and evaluations. In recent years, we have seen a marked increase in the percentage of pupils achieving expectations in science, with many exceeding national expectations at the end of each key stage. 

• Cultivating Lifelong Learners: Our curriculum instils critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an appreciation for scientific inquiry that extends beyond the classroom, providing our pupils with the necessary understanding of key foundational knowledge and concepts skills to excel in KS3 and KS4 Science.  Our science curriculum will result in children developing their confidence, their love of science and their knowledge of careers and opportunities in science-based employment. 

• Community Recognition: We are proud to have received positive feedback from parents and external reviewers regarding our science programme.  We aim to build community links 

In conclusion, at St. Mary’s RC Primary School, our science education is designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare our pupils for a scientifically literate future, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the standards set in the National Curriculum.