Science

Our vision for Science

We strive for every pupil to leave St. Paul's as curious and practical scientists with a clear understanding of both scientific knowledge and skills enabling them to flourish and achieve well.

Learning is centred around core concepts such as forces, properties of materials and an understanding of living things. Regular investigative science inspires curiosity and enables pupils to develop their skills in predicting, investigating and evaluating.

Each class has one half-term dedicated to learning about environmental science. We use our Forest School, Langleybury Farm and other outdoor areas to learn about flora, fauna and survival skills!

Curriculum Intent

We believe that through science, children have the opportunity to investigate and develop the skills of observation, enquiry, analysis, interpretation and problem-solving. We encourage collaborative and independent working.

Resources provide appropriate and stimulating scientific experiences which encourage pupils to make sense of the world around them. Pupils will:

· Develop a positive attitude to science and an awareness of the influence of science in daily life

· Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum in a way that is appropriate and challenging

· Develop knowledge, investigation skills and an understanding of cause and effect

· Apply their scientific knowledge and skills to solve problems in a variety of contexts

· Develop an understanding of safe ways of working and become increasingly independent

· Use scientific contexts to develop and consolidate the cross curricular skills of English, mathematics and computing

Curriculum Implementation

Teachers will plan lessons where children can become more independent learners. Key vocabulary will be displayed in classrooms and children are encouraged to engage with science 'working walls' regularly. Displays around the school and some collective worship sessions are dedicated to promoting science in daily life.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage:

· Science learning focusses on developing enquiry skills and high quality observations as set out in the early learning goals.

· Children are taught science through 'Understanding the World'. This is taught through teacher-led activities and consolidated through child-initiated learning.

· Forest school visits are weekly and visits to the farm are regular.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

· Weekly science lessons.

· Science units show progression from previous year groups.

· Lessons explore both scientific knowledge and understanding.

· Key scientists are explored in lessons adding to pupils' cultural capital.

· A 6-week environmental science unit takes place each year.

· 'Investigation wheels' are referred to in practical lessons so pupils develop and understanding of the different scientific enquiry skills.

· End-of-unit knowledge quizzes are used to assess children’s learning.

Our Science learning also incorporates our vision and encompasses our five aims:

Inspire- Be inspired by significant scientists throughout the curriculum.

Belong - Pupils work collaboratively to problem solve and investigate concepts.

Achieve and Flourish – The challenging curriculum enables children to know more and remember more.

Believe – Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the wonder of the natural world.

Curriculum Impact

By the time the children at St. Paul’s leave our school, they will have been   inspired in science. They will have developed positive attitudes to the subject and be aware of science in their everyday lives.

Pupils will have experience of managing risks enabling them to work safely and independently across the subject. They will be able to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to solve a variety of problems.

Pupils achieve highly in standardised assessments. Their strong foundations in both scientific knowledge and skills will enable them to access their forthcoming secondary education.

When working scientifically we use these investigation wheels. There is one for KS1, lower KS2 and upper KS2. They are displayed in each classroom and every child has one in their books.