Intent  

At St Josephs CE Infant and Junior Schools, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires enabling every child to flourish and fulfill their God-given potential.  

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.  

At St Josephs CE Infant and Junior Schools, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:  

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;  

• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;  

• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future preparing them for the next stage of their education and life in the real World.  

• develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.  

• use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.  

• develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.  

• Develop  an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.  

The National Curriculum will provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout both schools, which is linked, where possible, to our wider curriculum topics to provide a creative scheme of work, which reflects a balanced programme of study. 

 Implementation  

At St Josephs CE Infant and Junior Schools:  

Children have weekly lessons in Science, based on the Developing Experts scheme of learning.  Children enjoy STEM based events linked with Chichester College and visiting scientists to showcase how exciting Science can be.  British Science Week is a chance to celebrate and focus on Science across both our schools.  

Impact  

Children demonstrate their knowledge and understanding at the end of each Developing Experts unit of work using the unique ‘brain assessment sheet’ which has been created within school.   Children can demonstrate their understanding in three ways: through word definitions, through diagrams, and through the knowledge now stored in their hippocampus. This allows educators to identify which concepts are well embedded and to spot any gaps in learning that may need further support.