Science

Science is about curiosity, careful thinking and making sense of the world, not just getting the right answer.

Our science curriculum follows the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Kapow gives us a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6, so pupils revisit ideas, build on what they already know and gradually think more like scientists.

Lessons are practical where possible. Children observe, question, test, record and explain. Sometimes it is hands-on investigations. Sometimes it is stopping to think, talk and argue a point. Often it is a bit of both.

Alongside Kapow, we have developed our own science knowledge organisers. These are built directly from the key knowledge and vocabulary set out in the National Curriculum. They help pupils focus on what really matters in each unit, use scientific language accurately and remember learning over time. Teachers use them to check understanding and make links back to prior learning. Pupils use them as a reference, not a crutch.

Across school, science teaching focuses on:

• Strong subject knowledge

• Clear and ambitious vocabulary

• Working scientifically skills such as observing, classifying, predicting and concluding

• Making links between science and real life

By the time pupils leave St Catherine’s, we want them to be confident, curious and thoughtful scientists who ask good questions, explain their thinking and understand how science shapes the world around them.