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Science Curriculum

Science Curriculum (Herne Junior School)

 

Intent:

At Herne Junior School we aim to provide an engaging and practical learning environment, which is full of creativity and progressive across all year groups. Our science curriculum aims to build the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as ‘weaving magic’ (inspired by Sir John Jones) through interesting and inspiring lessons. Children will develop a love for lifelong learning through their interactive science lessons and through this development they will have an awareness of the career opportunities that science may lead to (including STEM).  This awareness of future job opportunities should lead to all pupils who wish to follow a STEM career path to aspire to follow their dreams as 60% of new jobs created in the future will feature a STEM element. Children will be introduced to key figures/scientists from the different areas of Science and STEM and learn about how they have impacted the world as well as their route into their career field.

All pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science in everyday life and in the wider world. Through building up a body of key knowledge, language and concepts, pupils are encouraged to explore the scientific big ideas, question scientific theories and investigate based on their own enquiries. This develops a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and allows them to explore their own ideas.

 

Implementation:

At Herne Junior School our Science curriculum is based on a highly effective programme of study which supports teaching, enables the children to build on prior learning and embeds scientific vocabulary to articulate their understanding. At least one science unit in each year group is taught through a thematic approach. The working scientifically requirements are incorporated into each topic so that in addition to the core knowledge and vocabulary, children are developing skills of asking questions, observation, investigation and fair testing, predictions, collecting data and evaluation. As well as promoting the importance of working in collaboration with others to solve problems and a resilience to find answers. The school is located within the beautiful South Downs National Park, therefore allowing us to utilise the natural environment and community around us as well as the school’s fantastic environment, including the school’s pond, allotment, orchard and The Narnia Garden. This use of the environment will allow the children to appreciate and care for their surroundings which will then carry through to their everyday life.

 

  • Year 3 – Rocks, Animals Inc. humans, Light, Forces and Magnets, Plants
  • Year 4 – Sound, Electricity, Living Things, States of Matter, Animals Inc. humans
  • Year 5 – Forces, Materials, Living Things, Earth and Space, Animal Inc. humans
  • Year 6 – Light, Evolution and inheritance, Living Things, Electricity, Animals Inc. humans
  • Across all four years – a longitudinal/environmental study

 

  Impact:

When pupils leave Herne Junior School, they will have engaged in practical and theoretical based scientific enquiry because of the rich, broad and balanced Science curriculum that is progressive across the school. Their learning in science will have provided them with wider knowledge, independence and understanding of the world around us. The children will have an increased awareness of how Science has and continues to change the world we live in. Through studies of famous scientists from a diverse range of backgrounds and role-models in the community, the children have an understanding of how different scientists impact on our current knowledge of scientific theories and ground breaking discoveries.

 

“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity."

Mae Jemison, physicist and astronaut

 

See our progression maps below.

 

Click here for our Science Knowledge Organisers.