Intent

At Our Lady of Fatima, we believe that every child is a scientist, filled with awe, wonder and curiosity about God’s creation. Through our rich and inclusive science curriculum, we equip our children with the knowledge, skills and moral understanding they need to explore, question and appreciate the world around them - our common home.

We see science as a vital subject for inspiring future aspirations, nurturing critical thinkers, and instilling a responsibility to care for God’s Earth and all living things. Grounded in our Catholic mission and rooted in Gospel values, our science curriculum develops pupils who:

• Recognise science as a tool for stewardship and service to others;
• Understand and respect the natural world as a gift from God;
• Aspire to use science to live wisely, learn deeply and serve generously.

Our science teaching encourages pupils to become curious, inquisitive and resilient learners who confidently use scientific enquiry and working scientifically skills to explore, predict, test and evaluate the world around them.

Implementation

Science is taught as a core subject, from EYFS through to Year 6, and is underpinned by the National Curriculum. We ensure that both substantive knowledge (what pupils know) and disciplinary knowledge (how they work scientifically) are carefully and progressively developed across the school.

Key aspects of our approach at Our Lady of Fatima include:

• A sequenced curriculum that explores Biology, Chemistry and Physics in ways that are age-appropriate and engaging;
• Regular opportunities for pupils to plan and carry out investigations, record findings and reflect on their learning;
• High-quality teaching of working scientifically, ensuring pupils can ask questions, make predictions, set up fair tests, record results and draw conclusions;
• Links to Catholic Social Teaching, Gospel Virtues and our school mission, helping children reflect on their responsibilities as caretakers of God’s creation;
• A variety of hands-on experiences, including:
• Whole-school Science Week;
• Annual Science Fair;
• Practical investigations and experiments;
• Opportunities for educational visits, guest speakers, and STEM workshops;
• Ongoing formative and summative assessment to adapt planning and ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, are supported to achieve their potential;
• Pupil voice is valued, shaping how the curriculum evolves and what enrichment opportunities are offered;
• Staff CPD supports teachers in delivering engaging and accurate scientific content with confidence and clarity.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Our Lady of Fatima, they are confident, reflective and analytical learners who understand both the wonders and responsibilities of science in their daily lives and in society. They:

• Demonstrate secure and developing knowledge across all areas of the science curriculum;
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and with understanding;
• Apply their enquiry skills independently and collaboratively to investigate the world;
• Can reflect on their learning through the lens of faith, stewardship and moral responsibility;
• Show enthusiasm for the subject, engaging in science-based experiences both in and out of the classroom;
• Are aware that science has shaped the modern world and holds the key to the care and sustainability of our planet for future generations.

Through a curriculum embedded in Catholic values, high expectations, and meaningful opportunities, our pupils grow to live, love and learn as scientists, always in the light and example of Jesus Christ.