At Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Science is a vital part of our commitment to “Searching faithfully for excellence,” rooted deeply in our Gospel values of love, respect, stewardship, honesty, hope, justice, and forgiveness. We believe that nurturing every child’s natural curiosity through science empowers them to explore and understand the world God has created with confidence and joy. Science at Our Lady and St Joseph’s is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing the skills of investigation, critical thinking, and enquiry that reflect our ethos of respect for creation and stewardship of the environment.
Key Aims
Our Science curriculum aims to inspire a passion for discovery and develop children’s scientific knowledge and skills progressively from Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 2. We strive to:
Our Science curriculum aims to inspire a passion for discovery and develop children’s scientific knowledge and skills progressively from Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 2. We strive to:
- Foster curiosity and a questioning mindset that encourages pupils to ask and answer their own scientific questions.
- Provide systematic, hands-on scientific investigations that build independence and confidence in using scientific methods and equipment.
- Ensure pupils acquire a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and vocabulary, enabling them to explain phenomena clearly and accurately.
- Develop pupils’ ability to apply scientific knowledge and enquiry skills across different contexts, preparing them for future learning and responsible citizenship.
Content and Skills
Following the Grammarsaurus Science Scheme, our curriculum delivers a coherent and comprehensive coverage of the National Curriculum objectives. Pupils will:
Following the Grammarsaurus Science Scheme, our curriculum delivers a coherent and comprehensive coverage of the National Curriculum objectives. Pupils will:
- Build foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences through carefully sequenced units that revisit and deepen key ideas.
- Develop skills in scientific enquiry including observation over time, fair testing, classification, research, and pattern seeking.
- Use a range of scientific equipment and ICT tools to enhance practical learning experiences.
- Learn and use precise scientific vocabulary consistently to communicate their understanding effectively.
- Engage with real-world applications of science, promoting stewardship and environmental responsibility in line with our Catholic values.
Progression
Learning in Science is carefully planned to ensure that pupils revisit and build upon prior knowledge and skills, creating increasingly complex mental models. From early exploration in Key Stage 1 to more systematic investigations in Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding and fluency in scientific concepts and enquiry methods. This progression supports confidence and mastery, enabling each child to thrive regardless of their starting point and to close gaps in knowledge through targeted teaching and assessment. Teachers use formative and summative assessments to tailor learning, ensuring challenge and support are balanced to meet all pupils’ needs.
Learning in Science is carefully planned to ensure that pupils revisit and build upon prior knowledge and skills, creating increasingly complex mental models. From early exploration in Key Stage 1 to more systematic investigations in Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding and fluency in scientific concepts and enquiry methods. This progression supports confidence and mastery, enabling each child to thrive regardless of their starting point and to close gaps in knowledge through targeted teaching and assessment. Teachers use formative and summative assessments to tailor learning, ensuring challenge and support are balanced to meet all pupils’ needs.
Wider Impact
Science education at Our Lady and St Joseph’s contributes significantly to pupils’ personal development and well-being. It cultivates resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for life beyond primary school. Through science, pupils develop a respect for the natural world and an understanding of their role as stewards of God’s creation. This aligns with our commitment to nurturing responsible, reflective, and active citizens who embody our Gospel values. Ultimately, our science curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in their future education and to contribute positively to society and the wider world.
Science education at Our Lady and St Joseph’s contributes significantly to pupils’ personal development and well-being. It cultivates resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for life beyond primary school. Through science, pupils develop a respect for the natural world and an understanding of their role as stewards of God’s creation. This aligns with our commitment to nurturing responsible, reflective, and active citizens who embody our Gospel values. Ultimately, our science curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed in their future education and to contribute positively to society and the wider world.