Science
At Saint Joseph's, the Borough, we embolden children to think, act and grow as scientists in line with their own inquisitive nature; in order to provide them the opportunity to understand, question and change the ever-changing world they will grow to live in.
All pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of scientific enquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. They are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. At Saint Joseph’s, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for living and non-living things. We believe Science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes about the world we inhabit. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills.
Curriculum
In Science lessons, children experience different types of scientific enquiry which include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. We use the National Curriculum to plan for progression across sequences of learning for one session per week in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Learning about Science is achieved through the use of first-hand, practical experiences combined with the use of secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos. The practical experiments and investigations are built upon children’s prior knowledge. Pupils then draw conclusions based on their data analysis and observations, use evidence to justify their ideas, and use their scientific knowledge and understanding to explain and present their findings. They also begin to recognise that scientific ideas change and develop over time and that scientific curiosity is something to be encouraged. Creative writing also plays a role in the Science curriculum, often centred on famous scientists and inventors from the past and present. Knowledge organisers are provided which set out the essential content using diagrams, explanations and key terms.
Enrichment
During ‘Science Week’ the whole school focuses on a single scientific theme, adapted for each year group. Educational visits to locations such as The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum are viewed as powerful and positive teaching tools and are a regular feature of the curriculum.
SOCIAL MEDIA