Science

SCIENCE AT ST PAUL’S

At St. Paul’s, our science curriculum is designed to give all pupils a strong understanding of the world around them. We aim to develop pupils’ scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and disciplinary skills, enabling them to think and work scientifically. The curriculum equips pupils with an understanding of scientific processes and the uses and implications of science, preparing them for future learning and life beyond St. Paul’s.

Science learning begins in the Early Years, where children are encouraged to explore and make sense of their physical world and community through first-hand, practical experiences. Curiosity, questioning and a sense of wonder about the natural world are nurtured from the outset.

The science curriculum is coherently planned and carefully sequenced to ensure clear progression in knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6. Learning is structured around the key scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, with substantive and disciplinary knowledge explicitly taught.

Key concepts are revisited to support pupils in knowing more and remembering more. Across the school, teachers use knowledge notes to support understanding and help pupils make connections between ideas. A range of teaching strategies, including practical investigations, structured talk, retrieval practice and partner work, are used to deepen learning.

Assessment is used to check understanding, identify misconceptions and inform teaching, ensuring that all pupils, including those with additional needs, are supported to make progress.

As a result of our science curriculum, pupils develop a secure and connected understanding of scientific concepts and processes. They are confident in using scientific vocabulary, asking questions and applying their knowledge to explain the world around them.

Pupils leave St. Paul’s with a curiosity about natural phenomena and the skills needed to continue their scientific learning successfully in the next stage of their education.

 SCIENCE LONG TERM PLAN

SCIENCE END POINTS

EYFS

Year 1

 Year 2

 Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

BEING A SCIENTIST 

By the end of their time at St Paul’s, pupils will have gained the knowledge above.  However, they will have ample opportunity to apply their knowledge through scientific enquiry and our sequenced disciplinary knowledge. Below are the types of enquiry and areas of working scientifically that pupils will experience in their science learning.