Science Curriculum

Our Science curriculum is firmly rooted in our four core values: Faith, Pride, Challenge and Success. We believe that science is not only a subject to be studied, but an essential discipline that shapes the future of our world and drives global prosperity. Through the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, we provide children with a strong foundation for understanding the world around them and their place within it.

Our curriculum ensures that all pupils develop both substantive and disciplinary knowledge in Science.

Substantive knowledge is the established body of scientific knowledge — the key facts, concepts and principles that underpin the subject. This includes, for example, understanding the parts of a flower, the names of the planets in our solar system, or the principles of forces and energy. This is referred to in the National Curriculum as scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding.

Disciplinary knowledge focusses on how scientific knowledge is developed, tested and refined. Pupils learn how to think and work like scientists — asking questions, carrying out practical investigations, analysing results and drawing conclusions. By carefully identifying and sequencing this knowledge, we enable pupils to progressively strengthen their ability to work scientifically throughout their time at school.

End Points

By the end of their time at St. Mary's, we aim for all children to be able to:

• Remember the relevant knowledge for the specific domain they are studying and can make links between domains.
• Ask questions and make observations about the world around them using scientific knowledge.
• Present findings accurately.
• Analyse data and articulate evidenced conclusions.
• Follow and design scientific enquiries.

Through a curriculum built on curiosity, resilience and high expectations, we challenge our pupils to think deeply, take pride in their learning and achieve success in Science and beyond.