SCIENCE is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to Scotland’s economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society. Scotland has a long tradition of scientific discovery, of innovation in the application of scientific discovery, and of the application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment. St Bartholomew’s pupils, like all children, are fascinated by new discoveries and technologies and the school’s science programme aims to tap into this natural inquisitiveness.

Through learning in the sciences, St Bartholomew’s pupils develop their interest in, and understanding of, the living, material and physical world. They engage in a wide range of collaborative investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising adults in a world where the skills and knowledge of the sciences are needed across all sectors of the economy.

St Bartholomew’s science programme aims to:

•  develop a curiosity and understanding of their environment and their place in the living, material and physical world
• demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the big ideas and concepts of the sciences
• develop skills for learning, life and work
• develop skills of scientific inquiry and investigation using practical techniques
• develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language, formulae and equations
• recognise the role of creativity and inventiveness in the development of the sciences
• apply safety measures and take necessary actions to control risk and hazards
• recognise the impact the sciences make on their lives, the lives of others, the environment and on society
• develop an understanding of the Earth’s resources and the need for responsible use of them
• express opinions and make decisions on social, moral, ethical, economic and environmental issues based upon sound understanding
• develop as scientifically literate citizens with a lifelong interest in the sciences
• establish the foundation for more advanced learning and, for some, future careers in the sciences and the technologies.

Science in St Bartholomew’s Primary is delivered partly through cross-curricular topics and partly through stand-alone science lessons.  This arrangement ensures comprehensive coverage of the key concepts contained within the five areas of:

• Planet Earth
• Forces, electricity and waves
• Biological systems
• Materials
• Topical science.

A wide variety of approaches are used in St Bartholomew’s to help pupils develop scientific knowledge and skills, including:

• active learning and planned, purposeful play
• development of problem solving skills and analytical thinking skills
• development of scientific practical investigation and inquiry
• use of relevant contexts, familiar to young people’s experiences
• appropriate and effective use of technology, real materials and living things
• collaborative learning and independent thinking
• emphasis on children explaining their understanding of concepts, informed discussion and communication.

These varied teaching and learning approaches promote thinking as well as provide opportunities to consolidate and apply learning. Through involvement in a wide range of open-ended experiences, challenges and investigations, St Bartholomew’s pupils develop and practise a range of inquiry and investigative skills, scientific analytical thinking skills, and develop attitudes and attributes of a scientifically literate citizen; learning activities also actively support the development of a range of skills for life and skills for work, including literacy, numeracy and skills in information and communications technology (ICT).