Science Intent

At Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, our principle aim is to develop our children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding which will enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through investigation, as well as using and applying process skills. As well as this, scientific study helps 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 appreciate the way in which science will affect the future on a personal, national and global level.

Science is a core subject of the National Curriculum. It enables children to understand the world in which they live. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we aim to harness a sense of curiosity about natural phenomena, to develop enquiring minds and a systematic approach to problem solving. At every key stage, children learn about the world around them and how they can care for it. They learn about themselves and their bodies and how they can keep themselves fit and well. The three areas of Science: biology, chemistry and physics are taught within themes such as 'Life and Living processes', 'Physical Processes' and 'Materials and their Properties'.

We aim to provide a broad, scientific curriculum that develops scientific vocabulary and empowers children to ask scientific questions – this will enable children to make careful observations and decisions based on justifiable reasons. We ensure various, memorable experiences (including experiments and visitors) take place to broaden the children’s knowledge – all learning is accessible for all children regardless of their ability or background.

Our aims in teaching science include the following:

• To encourage and build upon our children’s natural curiosity, stimulating them to ask questions using scientific terminology and motivate them to investigate
• To develop their knowledge and understanding of science, making the concepts we study relevant to their everyday life and giving them opportunities to explore and observe at first hand where possible
• To teach the children scientific skills and strategies and to develop positive attitudes which encourage them to share responses
• To prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world
• To develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics