Science Curriculum Statement

Intent

At St James’ C of E Junior School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At St James’ Junior School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future
• develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
• Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including ICT, diagrams, graphs and charts.
• Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
• Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Implementation

The National Curriculum will provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school, which is now linked, where possible, to the theme topics to provide a creative scheme of work, which reflects a balanced programme of study.

At St James’ C of E Junior School:

Children have weekly lessons in Science, using various programmes of study and resources. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as Science day with Cleo Letts from the Crypt School, Science day at Ribston High School and we will be looking at how we can learn Science through Forest School.

Impact

We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Science at St James’ through our drivers

Oracy

Explaining predictions and why they are predicting something in an investigation.

• Working in groups to decide the best way to do an investigation
• Explaining a conclusion in a discussion with peers and class teachers.

Initiative

Children (especially) in upper school planning their own investigations.

• Learning from their mistakes if an investigation doesn’t go as planned the first time.
• Present their investigation in their books independently knowing the layout.

Futures

Give the children the opportunities to experience future careers e.g. STEM, Formula 1.

Keeping safe and well

Children to understand health and safety of each investigation and to take responsibility for their own welfare during the investigations.

Opening doors to the world

Teacher from Crypt giving our children more experiences for Scientific investigation - being able to use some Scientific equipment from secondary schools.

- Being able to go to some secondary schools to experience secondary Science.