We live in an increasingly scientific and technological age where children need to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to prepare them for life in the 21st century. We, at St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School, believe that teaching science fosters a curiosity, understanding and respect for the world in which children live.

Why is science important?

Through our science curriculum, we aim to help children develop as scientists, not only developing the skills needed to succeed in science, but also wider societal skills such as before we attack views we don’t like; and being prepared to admit our mistakes and change our minds in the light of new evidence.

We aim to do this through excellent teaching and learning within a robust, progressive, consistent, holistic, purposeful curriculum, which gives children the life chances and opportunities they deserve. With great emphasis on providing children with a high-quality science education that offers the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, our curriculum design for Science across primary school promotes specific competences including knowledge, enquiry and working scientifically-based skills.

National Curriculum Purpose of Study

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.