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Vision 

Our vision for our children is for them to be inspired to be life-long scientists by developing a curiosity for finding out about the world around them. Through high-quality, engaging lessons, themed days and offsite visits, children will develop the key aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.   

We use a variety of teaching styles in science lessons.  Our principal aim is to develop children’s  knowledge, skills, and understanding.  Sometimes, we do this through whole-class teaching, while  at other times, we engage the children in an enquiry-based research activity.  We encourage the  children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions.  They have the opportunity to use a variety  of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. They use ICT in science lessons   

where it enhances their learning. They take part in role-play and discussions, and they present  reports to the rest of the class. They engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities.  Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in real scientific activities, such as investigating a local  environmental problem or carrying out a practical experiment and analysing the results.  

All science lessons focus on two learning objectives, a working scientifically objective, specifically  focusing on skills needing to be taught and a knowledge objective. Children are also taught the  importance of why specific skills are taught alongside the knowledge.   

Children have the opportunity to lead their science investigations through post-it note planning.  Children plan their investigation in small groups or as a whole class by discussing possible enquiry  questions and variables that they could change. The children gain valuable vocabulary through  carrying out these investigations.   

Science forms a part of our school project approach. Children respond to key vocabulary with  enquiry questions for the termly projects. Teachers use these questions to support their planning  and teaching. Children’s enquiry questions allow for teachers to plan and carry out a curriculum  that children are interested in and engage with.   

Children are immersed in the subject of science in alignment with British Science Week. Activities  are coordinated to inspire children and give them experiences that link to our curriculum. It aims to  further children’s understanding of the working scientifically skills and to teach them about the  wider world around us.   

At St Mark’s the children in EYFS follow the curriculum set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Science is taught through the area of learning ‘Understanding the World’ and assessed against the Early Learning Goals. Science is an enquiry based subject, involving lots of questioning and investigation, that children have the opportunity to explore through play from the beginning of their primary school experience.  

At St Mark’s, we recognise that in all classes, children have a wide range of scientific understanding, and we ensure that all lessons are adapted accordingly to meet the needs of the children, including those with SEND.