Science

Intent

Our intent is to provide a high-quality science curriculum embedded with meaningful, memorable learning experiences. At Corpus Christi we aim that through our ambitious curriculum, we prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world today and in the future, we want the children in our school to recognise that the scientific field is something for them and for them to see themselves as scientists from an early age. It is important that our children see themselves represented in science and become knowledgeable of current scientists in the field today.
We intend for children to gain a deeper understanding of the inter-connectedness of all levels of creation and to increase their scientific knowledge, develop working scientifically skills and enable pupils to build on and link prior learning with new learning whilst promoting a love of science. We will build upon pupils’ natural curiosity of the world around them and enable them to appreciate the impact of scientific progress. We aim for our children to understand that Science is happening every day all around us, for them to see the impact of Science on both a local and a global level.

Implementation

The Romero Science Working Party Group, in collaboration with science expertise from the Ogden Trust have designed an enquiry based, progressive, ambitious curriculum based around the National Curriculum for Science which encompasses:

  • Well planned, progressive science teaching embedded with meaningful, memorable, practical learning experiences where learning is revisited across key stages
  • Explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary which is mapped progressively across key stages
  • Links to prior Learning within the different topics
  • An enquiry-based approach
  • Interplay between knowledge and skills
  • Opportunities for children to develop their ‘substantive’ and ‘disciplinary knowledge’
  • Two-hour weekly Science lessons, supported with detailed planning and practical resources
  • Culture Capital Lessons encouraging children to see science as a field that is a vocation for them.

In addition, during Science week, children are exposed to and inspired by a number of scientific professions during our science careers fair and are provided with additional experiences designed to excite and ignite a passion for science.

Impact

Leaders and teachers will use a range of data to assess the impact of our Science Curriculum through analysis of: pupil and teacher voice, book looks and learning walks, knowledge checker quizzes. Children will complete a knowledge checker quiz at the end of each unit which will be used to monitor the retention of key learning (sticky knowledge) and to inform further planning. As a result of our Science Curriculum, children will:

  • Acquire a richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts, this will progress year on year.
  • develop their scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and ability to think and act scientifically.
  • be equipped with the knowledge required to appreciate and understand science’s contribution to all aspects of everyday life.
  • build on their curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world.
  • Develop high aspirations and unleash their potential as scientists of the future which will see them through to further study, work and a successful career