Science

Subject Statement of Intent:

At Holy Rosary, we value Science as an important part of children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced   curriculum. We believe that high quality, well planned lessons will ignite a curiosity to learn about the world. Science is a systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world which relies on first hand experiences and on other sources of information. The scientific process and pupils’ problem-solving activities will be used to deepen their understanding of the concepts involved. Through science, children will continue to deepen their respect, care and appreciation for the natural world and all its phenomena.

The Science curriculum at Holy Rosary aims to enable all children to develop the knowledge and skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can and are used to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

We aim for all children:

  • Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;
  • Understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
  • Scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
  • The essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
  • The use of a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
  • A respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
  • An enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Science is a core subject and is taught at least once per term in Y1 –Y6. Science is taught weekly by the class teacher, minimum of 45 minutes in Key Stage 1 and an hour in Key Stage 2. In Foundation Stage Science is taught through Knowledge and Understanding of the World.  A variety of opportunities for Science learning inside and outside the classroom are provided.  During a child’s time at Holy Rosary they will experience, at least, one science based school trip.

The Science curriculum at Holy Rosary is taught using key knowledge which is based on the National Curriculum. Teachers plan lessons for their class using our key knowledge and skills document. This document ensures that the National Curriculum is followed and knowledge and skills are taught progressively from year group to year group.  During their learning journey the children will develop their knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology, building on their knowledge and skills as they progress through the school.

Through the teaching of Science, we aim to create a supportive and collaborative ethos of learning by providing investigative and enquiry based learning opportunities. This will provide the children with the skills and knowledge to become confident scientists. With well-planned lessons children will gain confidence with developing scientific knowledge and skills so they can solve problems with increasing sophistication. 

What we teach at Holy Rosary

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Key Knowledge:

Click the files below to see the key knowledge for each year group.

Progression

Click on the files below to see the progression across school.

Assessment

Assessment for Science is completed throughout the school by class teachers based on weekly quizzes, anchor tasks, frequent marking of the children’s work and assessment tasks. They also understand where their children need to be, through a secure understanding of the year group expectations and previous learning expectations. Science is assessed against key knowledge descriptors for each area of the curriculum.  This takes place termly and is recorded using Insight Tracker. The Science lead also has the opportunity to monitor the subject on a termly basis, ensuring the quality teaching and learning is taking place.

Useful Links:

BBC BITESIZE SCIENCE
CRICWEB - KEY STAGE 1 SCIENCE
CRICKWEB - KEY STAGE 2 SCIENCE
GIFTED KIDS - SCIENCE WEBSITE FOR RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Biology Map Knowledge Chemistry Map Knowledge Foundation Stage Key Stage 1 Lower Key Stage 2 Physics Curriclum Map Upper Key Stage 2