Science Curriculum Statement
Scientists at All Saints’ explore, investigate and ask questions!
Intent
The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:
At All Saints’, we understand that children are naturally curious and we encourage this inquisitive nature throughout their time with us and beyond. Science fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Through the programmes of study in the National Curriculum science document children will acquire and develop these skills throughout their Primary years. We ensure that the ‘Working Scientifically’ skills are built-on and developed throughout a child’s school career so that children learn to confidently use equipment, conduct experiments, build arguments and explain concepts whilst continuing to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.
Implementation
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. Through science we encourage our children to think for themselves, to suggest and test their own lines of enquiry and never be afraid to have a go! We believe that science is about finding out through exploring and we place a great emphasis on the importance of ‘Working Scientifically.’ Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
Impact
Science is given a high profile at All Saints’. The successful approach to teaching and learning of science at All Saints’ results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. We encourage the use of the fantastic outdoor space that we are so very lucky to have at All Saints'. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM association and our partner High School. Children learn from, and work with, professionals from a range of different scientific backgrounds. Children at All Saints’ overwhelmingly enjoy science and this results in motivated learners.
The impact of the provision of a successful science curriculum at All Saints’ is also evident in our attainment of the Primary Science Quality Mark at GOLD level and our work leading a local primary science cluster.