Science at Holy Family Catholic Primary School

Intent

 At Holy Family, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it deserves. We ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and beyond. In conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to develop scientific knowledge, enquiry skills and conceptual understanding.

Implementation

Throughout our planning, we have embedded problem solving opportunities which encourage the pupils to find answers for themselves. They are inspired and motivated to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.

Science lessons are rooted in the 'Working Scientifically’ skills to ensure they are developed throughout the children’s school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through quality-first teaching. 

Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and assess regularly to identify those children who need support in achieving their full potential. The majority of lessons use a 'big question' which explores children's prior knowledge and understanding but also elicits reflective conversations with awe and wonder.

Opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings is maximised as teachers fully take advantage of the incredible grounds we have here at Holy Family to take the learning outdoors. 

Impact

Our sequential progression and medium term plans ensure we build upon the learning and skill development from the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating, and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to form conclusions based on their findings and evidence. In promotion of 'cultural literacy, our pupils are also exposed to the possibilities of careers in science - our community links and connections with both local and national agencies (such as the STEM association) help make this happen.

Our Science display in the hall celebrates our pupils' work and demonstrates the sequenced progression of skills and knowledge from EYFS  to Year 6. Above our displays, are examples of potential qualifications, apprenticeships and career paths which build on their primary Science journey.

In term 3, we ran a Science photography competition to encourage pupils to explore the natural habitat, during the change of seasons. Pupils, and staff alike, submitted their entries and the children voted for the winners in each category.

During our Stargazing evening, our parents joined us as we discovered all things Space with Mr Tom!

Year 4 had great fun completing this stem challenge: it involved designing and building a vehicle (out of Kinex) that could carry a bottle of water down a ramp without breaking. Which do you think was the winning design?

We had a very messy yet enjoyable time with our parents and teachers during our 'very' hands on Science spectacular week!

Solid, liquid or gas?