Intent

At St. John Fisher Primary School, our curriculum goes beyond the National Statutory Framework for EYFS and the National Curriculum for years one - six. As children progress through the school, so does their confidence and knowledge of how to work scientifically; developing their investigative skills of observing, questioning, fair testing, predicting, measuring, recording, analysing and concluding in a variety of situations.

Children have the opportunity to develop their scientific enquiry skills and are encouraged to discuss how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, evaluate causes and record their findings. Emphasis is also placed on practical science work and class activities to facilitate each child’s learning, as this creates excitement and curiosity for learning. It also encourages first-hand experience, confident and safe use of equipment and resources, co-operation, enquiring minds, the enjoyment of discovering surprising results and the development of investigative skills. ‘Observational lessons’ are carried out over time, allowing children the opportunity to observe changes. Extended write lessons are also included, where possible, as a way of assessing the children’s scientific understanding on a deeper level. Children are introduced to the key knowledge and vocabulary for each unit through a knowledge organiser, which outlines the main concepts and learning to be covered throughout the topic. Knowledge organisers are revisited throughout the unit to support retrieval of prior learning, reinforce key concepts and develop scientific vocabulary.

We are committed to developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity and problem-solving. Through practical experiences, enrichment activities and links with STEM professionals, we aim to broaden aspirations and help pupils recognise the importance of STEM in everyday life and future careers.

Implementation

Our children begin their science experience in Early Years Foundation Stage, with the ‘Understanding the World’ unit. Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with open ended questions and clearly thought out learning experiences which are both child led and adult led. 

In KS1, children continue to build on their science knowledge with more formal weekly science lessons where they are taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills: asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways; observing closely, using simple equipment; performing simple tests; identifying and classifying; using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions and gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.

Moving into KS2 children, are to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills:

• asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them; 
• setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests;
• making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers;
• gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions;
• recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables to report on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions;
• using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions; identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes and using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

STEM is promoted through practical investigations, engineering challenges and cross-curricular learning opportunities. We enhance our curriculum through STEM partnerships, enrichment events and hands-on resources that encourage collaboration, critical thinking and innovation. We are continuing to expand opportunities through outdoor STEM learning, STEM resource kits and engagement with national STEM programmes.

Impact

The impact of this implementation is that pupils enjoy, and are successful in, learning across a wide range of subjects. The curriculum is well designed and is regularly adapted to meet pupils’ needs and ensure that they are provided with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Through our continuing emphasis on the importance of science, both in school and around the world, our children develop a clearer understanding of how science influences and changes their lives and how it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Through our emphasis on science and STEM, pupils develop a greater understanding of how innovation shapes the world around them. They leave St. John Fisher with the knowledge, skills and confidence to investigate, problem-solve and engage with future STEM opportunities.