IMPACT

Science is an inspiring, highly relevant, and enlightening subject that encourages pupils to think about the world around them. At St Anselm’s, our vision is that pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills needed to engage with and recognise and engage with scientific opportunities ambitiously. We aim, wherever possible, to link learning in this subject to other areas of the curriculum, such as mathematics, design and technology, computing and history whilst at the same time providing pupils with opportunities to develop personal skills and attributes as identified in our unique Rainbow Curriculum.

‘Inspire to Aspire’

As part of their learning within each topic, children will be exploring and celebrating the work of historical and contemporary scientists from a range of abilities, backgrounds and cultures.

Implementation

In the EYFS at St Anselm’s, children are introduced to science indirectly, through activities, play and exploration which develop their communication and language; personal, social and emotional development; and understanding the world. This lays the foundation for learning science in KS1 and beyond.

Science is taught twice a week from Y1 – Y6 using the White Rose Science Scheme  as as the foundation of learning, which is based on research and teaches the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum. Learning is practical, engaging and relevant and taught in units that are designed according to content rather than time, thus ensuring that children develop a solid understanding of scientific processes and concepts. 

Substantive knowledge

Each unit is broken down into manageable small steps. The knowledge and vocabulary for each step is clearly identified.

Working Scientifically

Each step has a working scientifically skill focus. These skills are developed across a year and year groups.

Working Practically

Science teaching provides children with a ‘hands on and heads on’ approach whereby practical activities are engaging and relevant.  In KS2, children carry out experiments following a plan, investigate and evaluate model.

Modelling

Modelling is used wherever possible to explain abstract scientific ideas and concepts. This supports children to apply their knowledge and improve their understanding. In Upper KS2, children are introduced to the limitation of models.

Scientific enquiry

There is one enquiry question per unit covering the five enquiry types. This allows children to develop answers to a range of relevant scientific questions.

Sustainability

Each yeargroup has two blocks dedicated to sustainability.  This supports the school’s response to Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ and helps the children to:

• Understand the current issues around sustainability and climate change.
• Identify that they have a role to play in creating a more sustainable future for themselves and others.
• Think of ways to make a positive impact on their local and wider environments.
• Have a positive and proactive mindset when it comes to making sustainable changes.

IMPACT

We ensure that pupils:

• Develop the core scientific knowledge and vocabulary that they require to further their education opportunities and make links to the world around them.
• Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills in order to question, explore and investigate scientific ideas and phenomena.
• Are inspired by key scientists, past and present, and see science as a key part of their life and potential careers.
• Can confidently share their knowledge and understanding of science and see enquiry as a necessary step to further scientific understanding.
• Understand the impact of scientific discoveries and the responsibilities that science has to the wider community.
• Respond to issues in the wider world, such as environmental concerns, with creative and practical solutions.
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The inspirational and bespoke Science education at St Anselm’s ensures that pupils communicate effectively, working confidently as individuals and as part of a team. They are empowered to take risks in their thinking and enquiries, becoming considerate, responsible, and inspirational citizens. It enables them to make an essential contribution to the health and well-being of humanity and the environment, as well as the enterprise and economy of the nation, now and in the future.