Science:

We follow the Rising Stars Switched on Science scheme of work, which provides clear, practical lessons that help children build their scientific knowledge and skills year by year.

Intent

At St Augustine’s, we want all children to enjoy exploring science and to become curious, confident learners who are excited about discovering how the world works.

Our science curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure learning builds over time and helps children make connections between topics as they move through school.

We teach children about the key areas of science: biology, chemistry and physics, through topics that are meaningful and relevant to their lives. They learn important facts, ask questions, carry out investigations, and explain what they find using clear scientific language.

As they progress, children develop their ability to think critically, solve problems, and make predictions.

All pupils are given the same chance to succeed, with activities that support different needs and challenge all learners.

Our curriculum helps children see how science links to everyday life and to jobs they might do in the future. We also encourage them to reflect on how science shapes the modern world and our understanding of health, technology and the environment.

Implementation

We bring science to life through practical, hands-on learning. Children learn by exploring real-world questions, carrying out investigations, and thinking like scientists.

In every year group, lessons are carefully planned to:

• Help children ask questions and test their own ideasUse the five types of scientific enquiry:

1. observing over time,
2. fair testing,
3. classifying,
4. researching, 
5. spotting patterns

• Encourage children to predict, observe, record, and explain using simple scientific vocabulary
• Use a variety of ways to show learning – such as talking, drawing, drama, models, videos, or written work – so every child can express what they’ve discovered
• Include clear opportunities for children to use their literacy and maths skills in science
• Build confidence and independence over time, with support and challenge where needed
   

Lessons are designed to be fun, active and engaging, helping children build a love of science while deepening their understanding.

Impact

We measure the impact of our science curriculum by how well children can talk about, apply, and build on their learning.

Teachers check progress through:

• Observing how children take part in practical tasks
• Listening to their ideas and discussions
• Reviewing written work, drawings, and creative tasks
• Asking questions to check understanding
• Using quick quizzes or reflection activities at the end of each unit
   

Children are encouraged to talk about what they’ve learned and why it matters, showing they understand not just the facts, but the reasons behind them.

As they move through school, pupils grow in confidence as scientists. They are curious, thoughtful, and ready to ask questions about the world around them – developing skills they’ll use for life.

Science at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School

Our Intent – What we want children to learn

At St Augustine’s, we want children to be excited about science and to enjoy discovering how the world works. We use the Switched on Science scheme to help children:

• Build a strong understanding of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Learn to ask questions, investigate ideas, and make sense of what they find.
• Use scientific words confidently to explain what they know.
• See how science links to everyday life and future jobs.
   

Our Implementation – How we teach science:

Science lessons at St Augustine’s are active, hands-on, and enjoyable. Children learn by:

• Doing real experiments and investigations.
• Observing, comparing, testing, and looking for patterns.
• Using simple equipment and learning how to work safely.
• Talking about what they’ve discovered and using scientific words.
• Linking science to other subjects like maths, English, computing, and art.
• Exploring how science connects to real life, jobs, and the wider world.

Our Impact – How we know children are learning:

We check children’s progress in science by:

• Listening to their ideas and discussions.
• Watching how they take part in investigations.
• Looking at their written work, drawings, models, or videos.
• Asking questions to check their understanding.
• Giving quizzes or review tasks at the end of topics.
   

As they move through school, children become more confident scientists. They enjoy asking questions, thinking critically, and solving problems — skills they’ll carry with them into the future.

Implementation

We bring science to life through practical, hands-on learning. Children learn by exploring real-world questions, carrying out investigations, and thinking like scientists.

In every year group, lessons are carefully planned to:

• Help children ask questions and test their own ideas.
• Use the five types of scientific enquiry: observing over time, fair testing, classifying, researching, and spotting patterns.
  Encourage children to predict, observe, record, and explain using simple scientific vocabulary.
• Use a variety of ways to show learning – such as talking, drawing, drama, models, videos, or written work – so every child can express what they’ve discovered.
• Include clear opportunities for children to use their literacy and maths skills in a science context.
• Build confidence and independence over time, with support and challenge where needed.
   

Lessons are designed to be fun, active and engaging, helping children build a love of science while deepening their understanding.

Impact

We measure the impact of our science curriculum by how well children can talk about, apply and build on their learning.

Teachers check progress through:

• Observing how children take part in practical tasks.
• Listening to their ideas and discussions.
• Reviewing written work, drawings, and other creative tasks.
• Asking questions to check understanding.
• Using quick quizzes or reflection activities at the end of each unit.
   

Children are encouraged to talk about what they’ve learned and why it matters, showing that they understand not just the facts, but the reasons behind them.

As they move through school, pupils grow in confidence as scientists. They are curious, thoughtful, and ready to ask questions about the world around them – developing skills they’ll use for life.

How science links with other subjects in primary school:

• Maths: Measuring temperature, time, distance or volume in experiments; recording data in tables and charts; interpreting results using graphs.
• English: Writing up experiments as reports, using scientific vocabulary; explaining findings clearly; reading non-fiction texts about science topics.
• Art: Drawing detailed diagrams (like plant parts or life cycles); sketching scientific observations; linking to STEAM projects.
• Geography: Learning about habitats, climate, and environmental changes.
• DT (Design and Technology): Building circuits in electricity units; creating models such as skeletons or vehicles.
• Computing: Using data loggers, simulations, or presenting scientific findings using digital tools.