Science at St Joseph the Worker
Our science curriculum is designed to nurture children’s curiosity, awe and wonder about the world God created. Through a well‑structured and progressive curriculum, we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to explore scientific concepts, ask meaningful questions and develop a secure understanding of the natural and physical world. Our teaching follows the National Curriculum and is enhanced by the Kapow Primary scheme, ensuring high‑quality, engaging and inclusive science lessons.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, science is taught through the area of ‘Understanding the World’, one of the seven areas of learning in the EYFS Framework. Although young children are not taught science as a standalone subject, we lay strong foundations through purposeful play, exploration and guided experiences that help them begin to make sense of the natural world.
Exploring the Natural World: Children observe plants, animals, weather and seasonal changes through outdoor learning and hands‑on exploration.
Developing Scientific Language: Children begin to use simple vocabulary to describe what they see, notice and experience (e.g., hot, cold, grow, change).
Investigating Materials: Through play, children explore different materials, noticing their properties and how they can be used.
Cause and Effect: Children experiment with water, sand, light, shadows and simple forces, beginning to understand how things work.
Observation and Questioning: Children are encouraged to notice patterns, ask questions and talk about their ideas.
Stewardship: Children learn to care for living things and appreciate creation as a gift from God.
Dignity of the Human Person: Pupils begin to understand that all living things have value and should be treated with respect.
These early experiences provide a foundation for key scientific concepts such as observation, classification, change and enquiry—preparing children to access the science curriculum in Key Stage 1 and beyond.
In Key Stage 1, children build a foundation of scientific knowledge and enquiry skills through hands‑on, engaging topics. They explore:
Plants: Identifying, naming and observing how plants grow and change.
Animals, Including Humans: Learning about basic needs, life cycles and how to stay healthy.
Everyday Materials: Exploring the properties and uses of materials and how they can be changed.
Seasonal Changes: Observing weather patterns and changes across the year.
Working Scientifically: Asking simple questions, performing tests, gathering data and using observations to answer questions.
Care for Creation: Children learn how to look after the environment and living things.
Solidarity: Pupils begin to understand that scientific discoveries help people across the world.
The Common Good: Children explore how science can improve lives and keep people safe.
In Key Stage 2, pupils develop a deeper understanding of scientific ideas and begin to recognise the power of science in explaining the world. They explore:
Living Things and Their Habitats: Classifying organisms, understanding lifecycles and exploring environmental change.
Animals, Including Humans: Studying the digestive system, circulation, nutrition and human development.
Materials and Their Properties: Investigating states of matter, reversible and irreversible changes and material suitability.
Forces and Magnets: Exploring gravity, friction, air resistance and mechanisms.
Light and Sound: Understanding how light travels, how shadows form and how sound is made and heard.
Electricity: Building circuits, identifying components and exploring conductors and insulators.
Working Scientifically: Planning enquiries, taking accurate measurements, analysing results and drawing conclusions.
Stewardship of Creation: Pupils explore environmental issues such as pollution, climate change and biodiversity, recognising their responsibility to care for the Earth.
Rights and Responsibilities: Children learn how scientific knowledge can be used responsibly to protect people and the planet.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Pupils consider how access to clean water, medicine and technology affects communities around the world.
Global Solidarity: Science helps pupils understand global challenges and encourages them to think about how they can contribute to a fairer, healthier world.
Knowledge‑Rich and Skills‑Based: Our curriculum ensures children not only acquire key scientific knowledge but also learn to think and work like scientists—observing, predicting, investigating and evaluating.
Cross‑Curricular Links: Science is often linked with maths, geography, design technology, computing and PSHE to enrich understanding and reinforce learning.
Global Citizenship and Catholic Social Teaching: Science lessons promote responsibility, compassion and respect for creation, helping pupils understand their role in caring for the world and one another.
Engaging and Inclusive: Lessons are enriched with practical investigations, outdoor learning, real‑life contexts, digital resources and scientific equipment to support all learners and spark curiosity.
Through science at St Joseph the Worker, we nurture children who are inquisitive, reflective and knowledgeable about the world around them. Science is not just about experiments and facts—it is about discovery, stewardship, problem‑solving and understanding God’s creation. Through engaging lessons and Catholic Social Teaching, we equip our pupils with the knowledge and values they need to make a positive difference. Whether investigating habitats, exploring forces or learning about the human body, our pupils develop curiosity, critical thinking and a deep respect for life. They learn to ask questions, seek answers and appreciate the wonder of the world—helping them grow as informed, compassionate citizens and stewards of creation.