Why do we teach Science? Why do we teach Science in the way we do?	How do we teach Science? What does this look like?
By the time children leave our school what will they be able to do?	Target Trackers for Science
Web links

At Holy Cross, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects, we give the teaching of science the prominence it requires. We aim to equip pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding and to encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at Holy Cross. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group. We will ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. We will encourage them to ask questions and to be curious about the world around them.


Early Years Foundation Stage
In the Foundation Stage, children are taught Science through the key area of learning set out within the EYFS Statutory Framework. Through a broad range of teacher-led, child-initiated and continuous learning opportunities, children will be taught to:

• use their senses to investigate a range of objects and materials,
• find out about, identify and observe the different features of living things, objects and worldly events,
• look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change,
• ask questions about why things happen and why things work,
• develop their communication and co-operation skills,
• talk about their findings, sometimes recording them and
• identify and find out about features of the place they live and in the natural world around them.

KS1 and KS2
Science is taught by the Class Teachers. This ensures that the quality of Science teaching remains consistent. Science is taught every week for 2 hours with additional sessions being taught where and when possible. There is flexibility with this 2 - hour weekly slot to enable teachers to have science days or science weeks if it better suits a topic. For example – Year 4 electricity is linked to making torches in DT so the combining of this for a science week makes a more immersive learning experience.

Science is taught in planned blocks. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge. Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. Key concepts and technical vocabulary are also included in planning. Encouraging the use of technical vocabulary during discussion opportunities links directly into our whole school focus on improving vocabulary.

The heart of science teaching at Holy Cross is our commitment to practical, explorative and investigative learning. We believe in a hands-on approach where children learn by doing it for themselves. This approach encourages our children to build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers.

Our teaching and learning supports our curriculum by ensuring that lessons build on prior learning and provide opportunities for guided and independent practice.

Events, such as Science Week and science days allow all pupils to come off timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.


The successful approach Holy Cross results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Our children love Science!

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills
• A richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts
• Confidence and a love of learning for all thing’s science

Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Year 4	Year 5	Year 6

The Science Museum in London
The Educators section has loads of free online games and practical investigations that you can do using things you can find around the house.

Woodlands Homework Help
Try the many Science links in our Homework section. We have several website links, on different pages, for each topic.

Interactive science games for 5-7 years and above
Interactive materials for primary science divided into each year group linked to the curriculum

Habitats
A range of interactive games about habitats

Nasa
A Learning Centre for Young Astronomer.