Subject Intent

Here at Skegby Junior Academy we recognise the value that an inspiring science curriculum can have in developing a passion for learning in all children. We believe that learning begins with curiosity, which is reflected in our use of ‘Big Questions’, which encourage children to develop their own questions linked to topics of study. This is based on the principle of greater learner involvement in their work.

 

As well as raising cultural capital in scientific understanding, our science curriculum intends to extend opportunity, raise aspirations, open children’s eyes to the world beyond their immediate environment, enable our children to live happy, healthy and productive lives and inspire children to learn more. This utilises the academy’s SMART values and 5Rs, which support the growth of each child.

 

Our science curriculum aims to inspire a generation of critical thinkers and scientists. It has a focus on introducing, understanding and using scientific vocabulary within a framework of structured learning that allows children to consolidate and build on previous learning. The children are given the opportunity to explore, investigate and discuss scientific principles (working individually, in pairs or groups), allowing them to develop their own understanding of the world around them and how their curiosity can improve this. The science curriculum focuses on thought processes, understanding and discussion, thus allowing all children to make significant progress.

 

The skills learned in science also help with learning across the curriculum: links are made to maths, D&T and IT, as well as science being explored in our English curriculum.

 

National Curriculum Aims for Science

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future

 

Subject Implementation

Science will be taught as a separate lesson but will be linked to our Topic work where appropriate. We will encourage our pupils to be curious about natural phenomena and to be excited by the process of understanding the world around them. Key scientific terminology will be introduced each lesson, with opportunity for the children to use the language in context, and knowledge will be built upon throughout the school.

Pupils will be encouraged to work scientifically and will be able to design and carry out simple tests and experiments using equipment and to gather and record data. The children will base experiments on their own questions, developed through discussion of the ‘Big Question’.

Whilst at Skegby Junior Academy, children will learn about plants, animals including humans, materials, seasonal change, habitats, rocks, light, forces, states of matter, sound, electricity, earth and space and evolution and inheritance.

National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study:

National curriculum in England: science programmes of study - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)