The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

At St Peter's we encourage our children to be inquisitive and we engage with their natural curiosity about the world around them. Our pupils are excited about science; they ask questions, hypothesise answers, offer explanations, conduct tests/investigations and ultimately make sense of the world in which they live.

We aim to provide all pupils in our school with a broad and balanced science curriculum.

Our science curriculum is progressive across the whole school and we promote high standards of teaching and learning. Science is linked to Learning Journey topics. These are taught on a rolling programme and we ensure coverage and progression across year groups. 

We have a positive attitude to science and all staff are involved in planning the lessons they teach.  Teachers plan according to:

• the topic being taught
•  the interests of their pupils
• current events
• their own teaching style
• support staff and available resources

Working scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure that these skills are developed and extended in each year group. New scientific vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.

We demonstrate how to use scientific equipment safely and we demonstrate how to work scientifically in order to embed scientific understanding. 

We ensure that pupils’ scientific misconceptions are identified and addressed. Pupils are given opportunities to replace their existing ideas by:

• engaging in practical work
• being asked and responding to open-ended questions
• being given concrete experiences in the real world whenever possible

We find ways to enhance the pupils’ experience of science by:

• accessing outdoor learning opportunities
• inviting experts into school for workshops
• taking part in Science Fairs
• taking part in British Science Week

Our children not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also the skills which equip them to progress from their individual starting points and within their everyday lives.

We aim to ensure that our pupils will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A rich scientific vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of the scientific concepts that they have experienced.
• An understanding of the impact of Science in the wider world.
• An enthusiasm for Science that will encourage them in the next stage of their education and beyond.