Science at The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John R.C. Primary

At The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John R.C. Primary, we recognise the vital role science plays in understanding the world God created. As a core subject within the National Curriculum, science is given high priority. We foster curiosity, respect for the living and non-living, and a sense of responsibility for stewardship of the Earth, rooted in our Catholic faith. Science at our school develops pupils’ knowledge, skills and attitudes so they can think scientifically, ask questions, and understand how science impacts daily life and future global challenges.

Intent

Our science curriculum is designed in line with the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. It ensures pupils develop both substantive knowledge (the key scentific concepts within biology, chemistry and physics) and disciplinary knowledge (the understanding of how science works through enquiry, investigation and reasoning).

We aim to ensure that all pupils develop secure, progressive scientific knowledge across units and year groups; understand the nature, processes and methods of science; use rational explanation to explain, predict and analyse phenomena; build and apply rich scientific vocabulary; develop resilience, open-mindedness and perseverance through enquiry; and understand the real-world relevance of science and possible future careers.

Our curriculum is coherently sequenced so that knowledge builds cumulatively from EYFS to Year 6. Prior learning is revisited and built upon to strengthen long-term memory. We maintain high expectations for all pupils. Lessons are carefully scaffolded and adapted to ensure all children, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, can access ambitious scientific learning and make progress from their starting points.

Implementation

Science is taught weekly in dedicated sessions, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum programmes of study and the EYFS Understanding the World framework. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and plan for progression in both substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Working Scientifically is explicitly taught and embedded across all units. Lessons provide opportunities for practical enquiry, discussion and reasoning. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught, displayed and revisited. Cross-curricular links are made where purposeful and meaningful.

Pupils experience all five types of scientific enquiry: observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, and research using secondary sources. Pre-assessment tools such as concept cartoons, retrieval activities and targeted questioning are used to identify prior knowledge and misconceptions. Teachers use this information to adapt planning and ensure learning is pitched appropriately.

Assessment is both formative and summative. Ongoing formative assessment takes place through questioning, feedback and observation. TAPS (Teacher Assessment in Primary Science) materials are used to assess disciplinary knowledge and enquiry skills. Pupil voice discussions further inform understanding of pupils’ attitudes and confidence in science. Assessment information is used to inform future planning.

Enrichment

We enhance cultural capital through Science Week, STEM project days, workshops, visitors and educational visits, as well as links with STEM organisations and community partners. These experiences deepen knowledge and demonstrate the relevance of science beyond the classroom.

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is evidenced through pupils who can confidently articulate scientific concepts using appropriate vocabulary; secure and progressive acquisition of substantive and disciplinary knowledge; increasing independence in enquiry and recording; strong engagement and enthusiasm for science; and high-quality work demonstrating progression in knowledge, skills and reasoning. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of scientific education, particularly the transition to Key Stage 3.

Monitoring and evaluation include lesson observations, work scrutiny, learning walks, staff discussions, pupil voice and assessment analysis. Through our curriculum, pupils understand that science has shaped our world and will continue to shape its future. They develop high aspirations and recognise that scientific careers are open to them and achievable.

Science at The Cathedral School of St Peter and John RC Primary

Science at home

If you would like to have a copy of your child's knowledge organiser please speak to the class teacher who will give you a copy. 

Our school uses progression documents that have been created building on from EYFS knowledge to year 6 to ensure knowledge and skills are built upon and progressive. Please contact the school if you would like to see a copy of these documents.