Science

Silver Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)

Our commitment to science teaching has been recognised through the Award of the Gilt PSQM.This celebrates excellence in our teaching and learning. It demonstrates that children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, and developing positive attitudes towards science as well as securing understanding and skills.

Feedback from the Award noted:

"The school is clearly committed to providing an excellent science education for its pupils and extending its reach into the wider community."

Purpose of study

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes

Curriculum Intent

At St Julie’s, it is our intention to provide a science curriculum which ensures children develop ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live. We want pupils to develop a sense of respect, curiosity and wonder in the world around them.

As one of the core subjects taught at primary level, we give the teaching and learning of science the prominence it deserves. We explore physics, chemistry and biology in the most practical and engaging ways possible, securing the knowledge and skills necessary for our pupils to participate in, and contribute to, a technological society.

From Reception to Y6, pupils are encouraged to:

ask scientific questions
investigate and solve problems about the world in which they live
develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts

We embed our learning within the national curriculum but also seek to address the particular need of our pupils

Children bring to school varied science experiences. It is our intention to promote their science capital in as many diverse ways as possible and expose children to science beyond the classroom and national curriculum.

Our science curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious for all children.

Science Ambassadors

Science Ambassadors are chosen for their love of science across the school. We felt this was an amazing opportunity for children, who are interested and passionate about Science, to shine!

Science Ambassador roles and responsibilities:

To share ideas in meetings and suggest ways to improve science at St Julie’s.
To link with Mrs Kernick and Mrs Mannion, the subject leaders
To help with the organisation of Science resources.
To take part in pupil voice
To feedback the thoughts and opinions to their class.
To help in the running of Science Week

The Science Ambassadors are made up of pupils from Y2 - Y6

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4:

Year 5:

Year 6:

Science capital

Science capital is concerned with the pupil's exposure to science beyond the classroom and with us, as teachers, noticing what scientific experiences children bring to school. We aim to build a rich environment in which children can develop and share their science capital. Trips to a variety of sites and visitors to school form a vital part of our children's scientific experience. Our extensive school grounds offer the chance for investigations to be carried out, including the growing of plants in the school garden and observation of the seasons and wildlife. Science clubs and science fairs are further ways in which we encourage to see science beyond the curriculum. The section below, 'How can I help my child in science?' outlines some of the activities which could be done at home to promote scientific knowledge.

Staff and pupils worked together to establish our 'Science Principles' . This is our vision of science at St Julie. This can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

SEE 'SCIENCE OVERVIEW' ON THE DOCUMENT TAB FOR AN OUTLINE OF SCIENCE TOPICS IN EACH YEAR.