Science

‘Science is a great game. It is inspiring and refreshing. The playing field is the universe itself.’      Isidor Isaac Rabi 

At St John’s we recognise the importance of science in everyday life and aim to nurture children’s natural interest, curiosity and excitement about the world in which we live, whilst fostering a respect for the environment.  

We understand that we live in an increasingly scientific and technological age, where all children, regardless of race, gender, culture or class, need to be given equal opportunities to develop their scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes. This will ensure they obtain the cultural capital necessary to become successful, educated citizens. We aim for lessons to link with the whole school vision by facilitating children working together to soar and achieve their full potential and learn to the best of their ability. 

We aim to ensure children receive a comprehensive, progressive and inspirational curriculum, to develop in-depth understanding of scientific concepts and skills through varied opportunities for knowledge acquisition, scientific enquiry and first-hand experiences. 

We follow a clear, planned and sequenced scheme of work based on ‘Plymouth Science’ which is underpinned by the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to promote in-depth understanding of scientific concepts through varied opportunities for knowledge acquisition, scientific enquiry and first-hand experiences. In Key Stages 1 and 2, the curriculum follows a two-year rolling programme.  

Curriculum Overview

Through our sequenced curriculum, prior learning is built upon, and children are supported to make links in their science understanding and across other curriculum areas. Teachers plan exciting and engaging lessons, and these are adapted to provide appropriate support and challenge to ensure every child succeeds. We use a wide range of resources (digital and physical) to enhance lessons and provide stimulating learning experiences and purposeful learning environments. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s science learning through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World’. Children learn through planned purposeful activities, both teacher-led, and child initiated. We promote curiosity and children are motivated to ask questions and deepen their learning connections. Children find out about objects, materials and living things by exploring and using their senses, looking at similarities, differences, patterns and change in the natural world around them.  Our children also have access to outside areas where they can enjoy and learn exploring and develop their curiosity.  

‘Knowledge Organisers’ are used as a tool to support children in retaining and retrieving knowledge for life-long learning. Teachers take opportunities to check understanding, identify misconceptions, give feedback and adapt their teaching accordingly. Assessment for learning is a key feature of our school and allows us to formatively assess on a regular basis. 

As part of our science entitlement, we also encourage numerous opportunities for questioning, discussion and practical experiences. This allows children to develop ways of finding out for themselves, encourages them to be open-minded and gives them practice in collaborative work and problem solving.  

School trips and visitors are carefully planned to broaden children's experiences and ensure maximum learning opportunities to secure and deepen their knowledge and understanding. Competitions have also been organised to develop the profile and interest in science and develop learning at home.  We invite parents and other community members in to develop our children's understanding of careers in the scientific field. 

We have been part of the Ogden Trust for a number of years which has provided training, resources and activities which have greatly developed the science learning experiences within our school. 

The impact of this engaging and inspirational curriculum is that pupils become enthusiastic learners with a curiosity about the world we live in.  They will have an understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the future of the planet. Children see themselves as scientists and understand that they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways: 

- Pupils being highly engaged in their science learning and asking questions to find out more. 

- Pupils being able to share their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm through their pupil voice. 

- Pupils’ work in books showing clear progression of scientific skills and knowledge. 

- Pupils being able to articulate their learning and use scientific vocabulary confidently. 

- Children demonstrating respect for the environment and living things. 

- The school environment reflecting the learning through displays, photographs and resources. 

- Children having a positive view of science and becoming a lifelong learner, maybe following scientific subjects in further education and careers. 

Science Overview