“The important thing in Science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.”

William Henry Bragg

At St Bernadette Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects, we give the teaching and learning of Science the importance it deserves.

Through our Science lessons we aim to increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world and develop skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. We endeavour to develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At St Bernadette Primary School, in line with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• 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;

• Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future;
• Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge;
• Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner;
• Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety;
• Develop enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.
   
  The National Curriculum provides structure and skill development for the Science curriculum taught throughout the school. Science is taught as a discrete subject in order to maintain the integrity of the learning and, where relevant, links to other curriculum areas are made in order to provide a broad and balanced programme of study.
   
  At St Bernadette Primary School, children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early Years, children learn about the world around them through play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as educational visits and participation in nationwide initiatives including British Science Week.
   
  We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.
   
  Through our planning, we include problem-solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.
   
  We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increase and they become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment and collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
   
  Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are developed throughout the children’s school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts, which build upon prior learning, are introduced through direct teaching.