At St Peter’s, we view Science as the foundation for understanding the world around us, and a subject which should be driven by curiosity, awe and wonder. We also believe that Science education is key in accelerating a culture of innovation, by which children can grow up to create a better world for future generations.

Science is all about ideas and evidence. Our ‘Big Ideas’ underpin the knowledge element of the Key Stage 2 programme of study; this ensures that our pupils have a strong base knowledge of scientific concepts and principles on which to build and inspire their own points of enquiry. These ‘Big Ideas’ enable children to connect new learning to what they learned previously, making their learning more meaningful and allowing children to organise their knowledge. At the start of each new topic, children review their knowledge through various tasks and questions – this informs the teacher and enables any existing misconceptions to be addressed. Common misconceptions are highlighted in the curriculum topic planners and teachers know the importance of correcting these before moving the learning on. ‘Evidence’ relates to the vital importance of exploration and investigation, as highlighted in the ‘Working Scientifically’ component of the Science curriculum.

In Science lessons at St Peter’s, we plan to combine ‘ideas’ and ‘evidence’; this means that quality scientific knowledge (substantive content) is taught, with the skills of scientific enquiry (disciplinary knowledge) permeating throughout all learning. As a result, St Peter’s pupils are inquisitive, ready to ask questions, and always seeking to deepen their understanding through experience. Lessons are taught with dual learning objectives, which are discussed during the input; the disciplinary objective is usually displayed as a symbol, which is referenced to on the lesson slides.

At St Peter’s, we deliver a curriculum that capitalises on first-hand experiences. Whilst making connections with other subjects vastly enriches Science learning, Science as a core subject should be independent from themes/topics if not directly relevant. This ensures that children develop a secure understanding of each area of the curriculum. As a Junior School, we have chosen to teach Science through the specific disciplines of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, making explicit references to the terms and encouraging children to understand the value of these distinctions. This is highlighted on the cover sheet in the front of each science book (years 4 to 6), and also includes the five scientific enquiry skills, which can be ticked off at the end of each lesson or topic.

We have made the decision to teach similar areas of the curriculum across the school at similar times. This is so that Science learning can be shared and celebrated across the year groups. Additionally, it allows teachers to support each other in ensuring coherence and clear progression from lower KS2 to upper KS2.

If you would like further information on the curriculum we teach, please contact the school directly.