Science

At Holy Spirit science is taught by our science specialist teachers Dr Buckley and Mrs Harvey who are experienced science teachers and also work in the wider teaching community as consultants. They are passionate about instilling in children a love of science through exciting and engaging practical activities which encourage creative thinking. Dr Buckley and Mrs Harvey provide a lot of extra science equipment, not usually available in a primary school.

Our science teachers encourage all children to test their developing scientific ideas through thought provoking investigations. These could involve the children devising their own questions to investigate, planning their own investigations or deciding how to research a question on the internet. We have high expectations for all the children and encourage them to work together on engaging practical activities and also to produce independent work where appropriate. The children’s progress is carefully monitored with the aim that they will have the scientific knowledge and skills to succeed in key stage 3 and beyond.

We follow the National Curriculum of England science programmes of study

•  In Year 1 the children learn about materials and their properties. In animals including humans, they begin to group animals, identify the main parts of the body and see how we use our senses. In plants and trees, they identify and name them and investigate how to grow them. The weather, seasons and climate are researched and recorded in a weather journal.
• In Year 2 the children learn about the suitability of materials and how we use them. We investigate how the combination of a balanced diet, exercise and hygiene relate to our growth and health. Plant investigations give an insight into how growing conditions affect the plants. 
•  In Year 3 the children learn about forces and magnets, light, a healthy diet and how their muscles and bones work. We investigate plants further, looking at the role of the different parts of a plant in healthy growth. We examine the different properties and uses of rocks and look at different types of soil.
• In Year 4 the children learn about habitats, how to classify animals into simple groups and how environments can change and endanger animals. Electricity is investigated through hands on circuit building. They learn the names of components and problem solve circuit failures. Sound follows the journey of how we receive sound and how sounds are made and changed. States of matter focuses on solids, liquids and gases and how they can change state by temperature and chemical changes. Digestion, teeth and food chains are the learning points for animals including humans. The children discover through investigations and making models of their digestive system.
• In Year 5 the children learn about how materials are separated and the difference between reversible and non-reversible changes. We also learn how to use force meters and experiment with levers, gears and pulleys. The children learn about the life cycles of different living things including humans. In Earth and space we learn about our Solar system and the Moon.
• In Year 6 we learn how to classify the world of living things and investigate evolution and inheritance. We work on the topic of light and shadows and electricity. The children investigate how the body’s circulatory system works and the effects of exercise on our bodies. 

Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 the children:                          

• Develop their scientific knowledge, ideas and working scientifically skills.
• Learn about notable and local scientists and engineers through research and by inviting them into school to work with the children.
• Prepare for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
• Foster concern about their environment and an interest in the natural world.
• Develop their understanding of the international and collaborative nature of science.
• Develop scientific skills they will need to progress in science at secondary school.

We celebrate the children’s achievements regularly with our ‘Scientist of the Week’ awards- children who have worked particularly hard in a lesson are awarded with a prize, a certificate and the opportunity to wear a lab coat next lesson. Parents and carers have participated in curriculum science workshops and attended school science fairs.

We broaden the science curriculum by:

• Where appropriate taking classes on science trips e.g. to Ness Botanic Gardens, Gillmoss Recycling Centre, Chester Zoo, University of Liverpool Year 6 Science Days, Farm Urban.
• Inviting experts from the University of Liverpool, STEM Ambassadors, Chester Zoo to You, into school to join us for particular lessons or events e.g. science week.
• Off-timetable science days and science week.
• Science club for key stage 2.
• We have a Royal Society Partnership Grant which has allowed us to buy aquaponics equipment and collaborate with Farm Urban in Liverpool on a school-wide project.

For the last two years the children in Year 5 and 6 have been part of the Royal Society Young People’s Book award judging panel.

 /docs/science/Science_topic_overview_2023_2024.pdf/docs/science/Science_policy_.pdf