Mrs Sue Roper
Mrs Roper is one of our Science Subject Leaders
Mrs Helen Baker
Mrs Baker is one of our Science Subject Leaders
‘Science is fun. Science is curiosity. We all have natural curiosity. Science is a process of investigating. It's posing questions and coming up with a method. It's delving in.’
Sally Ride
Science at St Teresa’s aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them through a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum. Whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, children also gain an understanding of the value of science in our world. They are encouraged to make links between science and their everyday lives, and opportunities are constantly sought to demonstrate this clearly. Children’s curiosity is built upon, and they are encouraged to ask questions to further their knowledge and understanding. Key scientists and their work are highlighted and celebrated, ensuring that a diverse range of scientists are brought to the children’s attention. We need to develop innovative, problem solving, independent thinking scientists of the future and that begins here.
Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic studied. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observation, planning, investigating and recording findings at an age appropriate level, building upon previous experiences. Topics are planned in a cycle of lessons, which carefully show clear progression and depth. Children revisit topics throughout their time at St Teresa’s, allowing them to build upon their prior knowledge and increase their enthusiasm, whilst embedding knowledge into their long-term memories. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught are reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. Lessons are inclusive, with support given to children, as needed, in order to achieve in lessons.
Memorable and inspiring learning experiences are built into the science curriculum and environment at St Teresa’s, to engage children in science and build upon their sense of awe and wonder. Lessons include many ‘hands on’ practical tasks that lead to understanding of scientific concepts. Knowledge and skills are interlinked; they are taught side by side rather than independently. High quality and sufficient resources are provided to allow all children to participate in lessons, with a range of individual, paired and group activities planned into each topic. Trips out and visits from experts, enhance the learning experience and are planned where appropriate. Health and safety is taken into consideration and children are made aware of any potential risks and how to work safely within lessons. Our vision is to create the scientists of the future.
