Science

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Dr Carl Sagan

Intent

At St Agnes, our science curriculum is designed to enable pupils to become lifelong learners, by understanding the world they live in, through investigation of that world.

The teaching of science at St Agnes offers our pupils the ability to access a wealth of knowledge and information which will contribute to an overall understanding of how and why things work like they do.

Through our science curriculum, we aim to:

  • Help pupils understand the mechanics and reasons behind the daily functioning of complex systems, which range from the human body to sophisticated modern methods of transport

  • Enable children to use scientific knowledge to understand new concepts, make well-informed decisions and pursue new interests

  • Provide tactile or visible proof of many facts we read about in books or see on television, helping to increase understanding and retention of information

  • Help pupils make sense of the past, present and future

We believe that science:

  • Encourages children to be inquisitive

  • Is about seeing, doing, enquiring and experiencing

  • Should enable children to apply their skills in different situations across the curriculum and in daily living outside school

Our ultimate aim is to develop curious, scientifically literate pupils who can think critically about the world around them and apply scientific knowledge and skills throughout their lives.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is delivered through a carefully structured and progressive programme that develops scientific knowledge, understanding and skills.

Curriculum structure:

Our science curriculum:

  • Follows the National Curriculum for science, ensuring coverage of all required content

  • Builds systematically on prior learning from Early Years through to Year 6

  • Is organised to ensure progression in key scientific concepts across year groups

  • Balances the development of scientific knowledge with working scientifically skills

Working scientifically:

In every science lesson, pupils develop their skills in:

  • Asking scientific questions

  • Planning and carrying out investigations

  • Making observations and taking measurements

  • Recording and presenting data

  • Analysing results and drawing conclusions

  • Evaluating their methods and findings

Learning environment:

We ensure that:

  • Science is taught as a discrete subject with dedicated curriculum time

  • Pupils have access to appropriate equipment and resources for practical work

  • Learning is enriched through visits, visitors, and real-world contexts where possible

  • All pupils, including those with SEND, can access and succeed in science

Impact

Through our science curriculum, pupils at St Agnes will:

  • Become lifelong learners with a deep understanding of the world they live in

  • Have a wealth of scientific knowledge and understanding of how and why things work

  • Be able to explain the mechanics and reasons behind complex systems, from the human body to modern methods of transport

  • Use scientific knowledge to understand new concepts, make well-informed decisions and pursue new interests

  • Have experienced tactile and visible proof of scientific facts, increasing their understanding and retention

  • Make sense of the past, present and future through scientific understanding

  • Be inquisitive and curious about the world around them

  • Have developed strong working scientifically skills through regular investigation and experimentation

  • Be able to apply their scientific skills in different situations across the curriculum and in daily living outside school

  • Be scientifically literate citizens who can think critically about scientific issues

  • Be well-prepared for science education at secondary school and beyond

  • See science as relevant, exciting and accessible

Science Progression N - 6