Science Statement

Science

Our Goal                                                        Passion for Learning...

 At Bentley St Paul's, we want our all our children to have a passion for learning where they gain life – long learning skills; a sense of adventure; the ability to enquire and make emotional connections.  

Our Christian Values

Friendship, Forgiveness, Trust, Peace, Wisdom, Responsibility, Respect and Reverence underpin all that we do and are the foundations of our drivers.

Our Tools

What we want the children to know…

At Bentley St Paul’s C of E Primary School, we place great value on the development of children as individuals, providing them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to prepare for future experiences. We therefore believe in providing a broad and balanced curriculum that delivers high quality, meaningful scientific experiences; which act as a catalyst for curiosity, encouraging learners to ask questions, explore their environment and develop a critical understanding of the scientific principles that govern the world around them. As pupils progress, we strive to develop their substantive knowledge- the facts, concepts and theories behind science; alongside their disciplinary knowledge, including understanding how science works, whereby they will develop and apply enquiry skills and scientific methods to form evidence based explanations. It is our aim to nurture children that are inquisitive, resilient, happy and confident individuals who are eager to share and discuss their opinions and findings, and use their knowledge to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

How we teach…

At Bentley St Paul’s C of E Primary School, the teaching and implementation of the science curriculum is embedded from Early Years through to Class 6. It is underpinned by a robust knowledge and skills framework that builds upon the national curriculum programmes of study, whereby projects are carefully sequenced and interconnected to support children’s learning, helping them to develop their knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. All pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on prior knowledge. For those requiring additional support, specific provision and strategies are thoughtfully planned and implemented to meet the needs of each child. Science projects are purposefully linked with other subject areas, creating opportunities for meaningful cross-curricular connections. These may include links with art and design or design technology, allowing children to see how scientific learning applies in different contexts.

Throughout their journey, every child is introduced to key specific concepts and given the opportunities to build a strong foundation of scientific skills and core knowledge through a series of lessons. Children are encouraged to apply what they have learned by carrying out scientific investigations, deepening and consolidating their understanding of each project. 'Working Scientifically' is woven through all aspects of learning, supporting children to think like scientists in everything they do. The skills of questioning, making predictions, planning and carrying out scientific enquiries, observing and measuring, recording data, interpreting results and evaluating findings enable each child to become an enquiry based learner. This encourages curiosity, critical thinking and independence by engaging them in the process of discovery rather than passive reception of facts.

Learning is delivered through a range of written and practical approaches and is celebrated in pupils’ science books, which showcase a specific scientific focus and the learning and enquiry processes involved in each project. Emphasis is placed on the teaching of key scientific vocabulary, ensuring it is reinforced and becomes familiar to the children as they progress through school. They are encouraged to use this vocabulary confidently when discussing scientific learning and enquiries.

Formative assessment strategies are embedded throughout our science lessons to monitor student progress and inform instruction. Clear, constructive feedback is provided that supports growth mindsets and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

Impact…

Through following a clear and comprehensive science framework in line with the national curriculum, it is expected that all children will make good progress from each of their starting points. They will retain knowledge, secure and embed key skills taught within each unit of work, and apply these confidently in a range of contexts. This will support them in reaching their full potential. Children will also develop an understanding of what it means to be a ‘scientist’ and recognise that everyone is capable of scientific thinking and enquiry.

• They will be respectful communicators; who are able to listen attentively, share their thoughts and ideas courteously, and show tolerance to the views of others. They will become socially confident individuals who can analyse, evaluate and clearly explain their scientific findings.
• They will be aspirational learners; who are curious, ambitious and take pride in all that they do, always striving to do their best.
• They will be resilient individuals; who have the ability to persevere when faced with challenge, reflect on their successes and failures, and use their experiences as opportunities for growth.
• They will be global citizens; who are empathetic, respectful and responsible, with an understanding of how human actions impact the world and why caring for our planet is essential.