Science Aims

Rosary pupils will develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of nature, processes and methods of science to help answer questions about the world around us. Pupils will build on their understanding year on year through practical investigation and application of their growing scientific knowledge, to prepare them for the implications of science, today and for the future. They will also recognise and appreciate the achievements of some of the most influential scientists.

At the Rosary, science involves asking questions, probing for answers, conducting first-hand experiments and collecting data. We aim to engage the children in the investigative nature of science, so that it becomes a way of thinking and trying to understand the world around them. It is vital that the children are not just memorising facts. In Key Stages 1 and 2, science is taught both discretely and also incorporated into cross curricular lessons where appropriate. 

Early Years

The children will be supported to comment and ask questions about aspects of their familiar world, such as the place where they live or the natural world, to talk about some of the things they have observed, such as plants, animals, natural and found objects, to talk about why things happen and how things work, to develop an understanding of growth, decay and changes over time and to show care and concern for living things and the environment.

Key Stage 1

Pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and physical phenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to simple scientific ideas. They begin to evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. They use reference materials to find out more about scientific ideas. They share ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables, with the help of ICT, when appropriate. 

Key Stage 2

Pupils learn about a wider range of living things, materials and physical phenomena. They make links between ideas and explain things using simple models and theories. They apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to familiar phenomena, everyday things and their personal health. They think about the effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment, and in other contexts. They carry out more systematic investigations, working on their own and with others. They use a range of reference sources in their work. They talk about their work and its significance, using a wide range of scientific language, conventional diagrams, charts, graphs and ICT to communicate their ideas.