Intent
At St Monica’s, our primary goal is to nurture children's fundamental scientific knowledge and understanding while engaging them in first-hand experiences that cultivate a deeper insight into the world around them. We firmly believe that STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) are integral to a comprehensive school education. Our curriculum is designed to be expansive and challenging, providing students with ample opportunities to develop their understanding of present-day realities and prospects.
From Nursery to Year 6, we emphasise teaching investigative skills, recognising them as vital components of scientific learning. This approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to approach challenges with confidence and curiosity.
By offering a diverse and stimulating curriculum, St. Monica’s ensures students can explore their interests across various subjects. This approach equips them with a well-rounded education and prepares them to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
Implement
At St. Monica's Primary School, science is taught weekly. Teachers utilise 'Smart Connect' to assess children's existing knowledge, enabling them to establish connections to prior learning. This approach empowers students to build upon their prior knowledge and make connections between concepts. Additionally, students are offered the chance to revisit previous knowledge through 'Smart Flashbacks'. This revalidation encompasses factual and disciplinary knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of how to think and act like scientists. Through activities such as 'Big Ideas' and 'Smart Secure' tasks, students can reflect on the primary lesson outcomes, further enhancing their understanding and retention of scientific concepts.
Impact
The successful approach to science education at St. Monica's Primary School incorporates hands-on activities, skills-based lessons, and outdoor learning experiences to enrich students' understanding and engagement.
Assessment practices at St. Monica's Primary School are comprehensive, blending formal and informal strategies. These include periodic year-group assessment tasks, quizzes, concept maps, verbal/written outcomes, and reflection tasks/presentations.
Formative assessment takes precedence at St. Monica's Primary School, enabling prompt identification and rectification of misconceptions and knowledge gaps, thereby fostering secure scientific foundations.