St Thomas of Canterbury
Science
Science teaches an understanding of natural phenomena. It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way that they do. It teaches methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought. Children learn to ask scientific questions and begin to develop scientific knowledge and skills in a context that is relevant to their current and future lives.
Our objectives in the teaching of science are for all our children:
- to ask and answer scientific questions;
- to plan and carry out scientific investigations, with the correct use of equipment (including ICT);
- to know understand the importance of Science in the everyday lives;
- to know about life processes;
- to know about materials, electricity, light, sound, and natural forces;
- to know about the nature of the solar system, including the earth;
- to know how to evaluate evidence, and to present conclusions both clearly and accurately.
We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding. Sometimes, we do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times, we engage the children in an enquiry-based research activity. We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions. They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures and photographs. They use ICT in science lessons because it enhances their learning. They take part in role-play and discussions, and they present reports to the rest of the class. They engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in real scientific activities, e.g. investigating a local environmental problem, or carrying out a practical experiment and analysing the results.