Rawdon St. Peter's C of E Primary School

Science & Sustainability

Intent 

A child’s view of the world is full of awe and excitement, and this transcends into a passion to ask questions about it, a love for it and a desire to protect it. Scientists are equally fascinated by and find great joy in exploring the beauty and complexity of the natural world as they seek to discover questions and answers. At Rawdon St. Peter’s we aim to give each child a scientific sense of wonder about the world so powerful that it lasts throughout life.  

Our children’s lives are already filled with science and technology, from their own internal biology to the flat-screen TV in the living room; however, STEM-related subjects will increasingly dominate the lives of current and future generations as the world faces many challenges, not only environmental but also ethical and moral as well.  

Implementation

At Rawdon St. Peter’s we believe that science is a largely practical subject which develops a spirit of enquiry by encouraging curiosity and reason. Although stories of science are filled with eureka moments, from Archimedes’ bath to Newton’s apple, the scientific process also includes false starts and mistakes that are essential to success. Whilst each child needs to enjoy the positive experiences associated with science and learn about the accomplishments of famous scientists such as Einstein, Curie and Darwin, we also believe that they should learn about the personal and intellectual struggles involved in overcoming obstacles so that they can appreciate the values of failure and resilience as part of the scientific method. 

In recognising that our children live in a digital age and global economy fuelled by rapid innovation, we encourage our children to see themselves as scientists, capable of solving problems and designing inventions so that they are prepared for potential careers in science and technology, regardless of gender, race or country of origin. 

We also recognise the importance of effective science communication in making science accessible to all, and countering misinformation and misconceptions. Having a cross-curricular approach not only enables collaboration in research and when disseminating findings but will also prepare our children for working in a modern society where debating and decision-making, whether it be with regards to sustainable development, climate change or global poverty relies on reliable communication. 

All children are curious and science allows the natural curiosity of the child to develop and we aim to promote this discovery whilst allowing children to appreciate, use and respect the world around them, both the physical environment and the living organisms that inhabit its delicate ecosystems. We therefore encourage outdoor learning where possible by using the woodland areas of the Billing and other outdoor spaces in the local area.   

 Impact

Through acquiring a 'sense of science' it is the intention that the children at Rawdon St. Peter’s Primary School will gain the conviction that science is accessible, pleasurable and invaluable for their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.