Science

Science Policy

Our Approach

At St Philomena’s, we believe that science inspires curiosity, encourages questioning and helps pupils develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed not only to develop scientific knowledge and practical skills, but to nurture confident, inquisitive and thoughtful young scientists who enjoy exploring, investigating and discovering how the world works.

We believe that every child is a scientist. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, practical investigations and first-hand experiences, pupils develop the confidence to ask questions, make observations, explore ideas and use evidence to explain their findings.

We aim to foster a lifelong curiosity about the natural world, encouraging pupils to think critically, solve problems and recognise the importance of science in everyday life.

Our Curriculum

Our science curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and carefully designed to ensure clear progression in scientific knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills from EYFS to Year 6.

Learning is organised through the interconnected areas of biology, chemistry and physics, with working scientifically woven throughout the curriculum. Scientific knowledge is carefully sequenced, revisited and extended, enabling pupils to build secure foundations and make meaningful connections between different areas of learning.

In EYFS, children develop the foundations of scientific understanding through Understanding the World, particularly The Natural World. Through practical exploration, observation, discussion and play, children investigate their senses, light and dark, forces and magnets, plants, materials and living things. They begin to notice similarities and differences, recognise changes, make simple predictions and talk about what they discover.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils develop increasingly secure knowledge of living things and their habitats, plants, animals including humans, materials, forces, light, sound, electricity, Earth and space, and other aspects of the National Curriculum appropriate to their year group.

Working scientifically is central to our approach. Pupils learn to ask questions, observe closely, classify, identify patterns, undertake comparative and fair tests, gather and record evidence, and communicate their findings. As they progress through the school, they become increasingly independent in planning investigations, selecting appropriate equipment, interpreting results and drawing conclusions supported by evidence.

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, enabling pupils to explain their thinking with increasing accuracy and confidence. Practical experiences are carefully connected to the knowledge being taught, ensuring that investigations deepen understanding rather than becoming isolated activities.

Beyond the Science Lesson

Science extends beyond the classroom at St Philomena’s, with opportunities for pupils to explore, investigate and apply their learning through meaningful first-hand experiences.

Our school grounds and local environment provide valuable opportunities for outdoor scientific learning. Nature walks, seasonal observations, planting and growing activities, and investigations of local habitats enable pupils to observe living things and natural processes directly, developing their curiosity and understanding of the environment.

Visits to local ponds and waterways, including opportunities for pond dipping, allow pupils to investigate freshwater habitats, observe plants and animals and consider the conditions living things need to survive. These experiences provide meaningful connections between classroom learning and the natural world.

Educational visits, including opportunities to explore museums and other science-related settings, can further enrich pupils’ understanding by bringing scientific ideas to life and introducing them to discoveries, technologies and applications beyond their everyday experiences.

Science is also strengthened through purposeful links with mathematics, computing, design and technology, geography and physical education. These connections enable pupils to apply their scientific understanding in different contexts and recognise how science contributes to the wider world.

Our Catholic ethos encourages pupils to develop a sense of wonder and responsibility towards creation. Through learning about living things, habitats, resources and environmental change, pupils consider how their actions affect the natural world. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities to explore Catholic Social Teaching, particularly stewardship of creation and care for our common home.

Through practical investigations, collaborative activities and outdoor experiences, pupils develop perseverance, resilience, teamwork, independence and the confidence to learn from mistakes.

What We Want Pupils to Achieve

By the end of Year 6, we want pupils to have developed secure scientific knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics, alongside the practical enquiry skills needed to investigate the world around them.

We want pupils to ask thoughtful questions, make accurate observations, plan and carry out investigations, interpret evidence and communicate their findings using appropriate scientific vocabulary.

We want pupils to understand that scientific ideas are developed through observation, testing and evidence, and to recognise the importance of science in everyday life, technological development, health and the environment.

We want every pupil to have experienced the excitement of scientific discovery through practical investigations, outdoor learning and opportunities to explore science beyond the classroom.

We want pupils to develop a sense of responsibility for the natural world, recognising the importance of protecting living things, conserving resources and caring for our common home.

Above all, we want pupils to leave St Philomena’s as confident, curious and knowledgeable young scientists, equipped with secure foundations, critical thinking skills and a lasting enthusiasm for scientific discovery, well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Our Science Policy and curriculum documents provide further information about curriculum content, progression and expectations from EYFS to Year 6.