At St. Mary’s, our Science curriculum follows the National Curriculum, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Through exciting, hands-on learning experiences, our children develop their scientific knowledge and investigative skills, encouraging them to explore the world with curiosity and confidence.

We aim to nurture a lifelong love of learning, where pupils can ask questions, solve problems, and understand how science shapes our everyday lives. Our curriculum connects scientific learning to real-world contexts, using the local environment and relevant global issues to illustrate scientific principles in meaningful ways.

We prioritise the development of scientific vocabulary, ensuring that pupils are consistently exposed to new terms in meaningful contexts. They engage with scientific words through discussions, practical activities, and visual aids, which helps reinforce their understanding and usage. We encourage our pupils to articulate their understanding by explaining and justifying their thinking, both verbally and in writing, which fosters deeper learning.

Our science curriculum integrates literacy development, encouraging pupils to engage in reading, writing, and discussion as they explore scientific concepts. This approach helps pupils build both their science knowledge and their communication skills.

Our curriculum guides pupils to work scientifically by explicitly teaching and modelling the processes and skills needed for scientific inquiry. Pupils learn to observe, measure, record data, and reflect on their findings, developing a systematic approach to problem-solving. Through carefully structured lessons, pupils are guided to take increasing responsibility for their own scientific investigations. We provide opportunities for them to reflect on their learning and refine their understanding through discussion and feedback.

We also use virtual models to simplify complex scientific ideas, allowing pupils to visualise abstract concepts such as the solar system or the human body. These models engage pupils in interactive learning experiences, deepening their understanding of how science impacts the world around them.

Our Science Curriculum Provides Pupils With:

• An enthusiasm for science that sparks curiosity about the natural world.
• A deep understanding of key scientific concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• The ability to apply scientific knowledge to make predictions, solve problems, and recognise the impact of science in the wider world.

As our pupils progress, they develop key scientific skills, including:

• Scientific Inquiry: Asking relevant questions and designing investigations.
• Practical Skills: Using scientific tools such as rulers and thermometers to gather data.
• Data Analysis: Collecting, recording, and presenting findings in various formats.
• Critical Thinking: Drawing conclusions, analysing results, and evaluating investigations.