SCIENCE
At Holy Cross Catholic Primary School we believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, children are encouraged to recognise the power of explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them. They are taught to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse data collected.
Aims:
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all children:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics;
- develop 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;
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
- Develop cross curricular links through scientific enquiry.
Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding:
We believe that it is vitally important that children develop secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts in order to progress to the next stage. Children are taught to describe associated processes and key characteristics in common language and also be familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely.
Pupils also apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. The nature, processes and methods of science ‘Working scientifically’ specifies the understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science for each year group. These types of scientific enquiry include observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.
As pupils learn science, they also learn about its uses and significance to society and their own lives. This will highlight the significant contribution science has made in the past. For example, by discovering penicillin.
Pupils will also learn about the continuing importance of science in solving global challenges such as climate change, food availability, controlling disease and access to water.
Science education also provides the foundation for a range of diverse and valuable careers that are crucial for economic, environmental, and social development.
