At St Mary’s CE Primary School, we believe that every child is naturally curious about the world around them. Science provides children with opportunities to explore, question and make sense of God’s world, while developing an understanding of the physical, biological and chemical processes that shape everyday life. We want all children to believe in themselves as scientists and recognise the important role that science plays in understanding the world, both now and in the future.
Our science curriculum aims to foster curiosity, enjoyment and a lifelong interest in scientific learning. Through carefully sequenced learning, practical experiences and purposeful scientific enquiry, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to investigate, explore and discover. We encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, observe closely, gather and analyse evidence, and draw conclusions from their findings.
We believe that all children can be successful scientists. Through enquiry, exploration and investigation, children develop confidence, resilience and perseverance while learning to think critically and reason scientifically. They are encouraged to share their ideas, discuss their findings and communicate their understanding using increasingly precise scientific vocabulary.
Science learning is enriched through practical activities, educational visits, visitors and wider learning opportunities that bring scientific concepts to life and help children make meaningful connections across their learning. As they progress through the school, children build upon prior knowledge and vocabulary, developing a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and the skills needed to work scientifically.
Ultimately, we want every child to leave St Mary’s with a sense of awe and wonder about the world, confidence in their ability to think scientifically, and the curiosity, knowledge and enthusiasm to continue exploring and learning throughout their lives.
Progression
Our science curriculum is progressive from when the children start school to when they leave. It builds on knowledge and skills so they are ready for the next phase of their education.
Learning Maps
We have created these learning maps to help support children and parents know what key knowledge is going to be taught in our science curriculum. They also show how it links to previous and future learning.
