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Science

Science is a means of discovering and understanding the world around us. It consists of a body of knowledge which attempts to explain phenomena and experiences. It also involves a number of skills and processes by which this knowledge is achieved and applied. Science is also concerned with the development of attitudes concerning scientific activity. Science forms an integral part of our everyday life.

At Joseph’s we believe it is important for all children to be scientifically literate.

Children are naturally curious. Science at primary school should nurture this curiosity and allow them to ask questions and develop the skills they need to answer those questions.

 Louise Stubberfield

Science at St Joseph’s helps children to:

 · investigate problems

 · learn how science works

 · discover why science matters in the world

 

Intent

Understanding key concepts.

Develop their understanding of scientific concepts through biology, physics and chemistry. Apply their knowledge and understanding of key concepts to new situations with confidence and solve problems independently.

Using scientific methods of investigation. Use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions

Developing the skills of investigation - including observing, measuring, predicting, hypothesising, experimenting, communicating, interpreting, explaining and evaluating, developing the use of scientific language, recording and techniques. Developing the use of computing in investigating and recording. Enabling our children to become effective communicators of scientific ideas, facts and data. Enabling our children to work scientifically, conducting fair tests. Allow children to use scientific skills across the curriculum

 Attitudes / Personal development

Encouraging the development of resilient and positive attitudes to science. Building on our children’s natural curiosity and developing a scientific approach to problems. Encouraging open-mindedness, self-assessment, perseverance and responsibility. Building our children’s self-confidence to enable them to work independently. Developing our children’s social skills to work independently and cooperatively with others. Providing our children with an enjoyable experience of science, so that they will develop a deep and lasting interest whilst developing powers of reasoning and enquiry

Implementation

At St Joseph’s we plan units of work that will challenge prior knowledge in order to construct a good, new understanding of substantive knowledge. In addition to this, disciplinary knowledge is developed through the understanding of scientific methods, degrees of certainty and conducting investigations. Prior knowledge must be revisited before introducing new ideas, and misconceptions are actively diagnosed and discussed. We follow an enquiry-based approach which focusses on the acquisition of substantive knowledge before ‘proving’ or enquiring through investigations.

Impact

We believe children at St Joseph’s will:

  • follow a progressive science curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils.
  • develop a broad vocabulary of science which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
  • develop their scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and ability to think and act scientifically.
  • use a range of investigations and practical activities giving them a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science.
  • be equipped with the knowledge required to appreciate and understand science’s contribution to all aspects of everyday life.
  • build on their curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world.