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 will lead to pupils who wish to follow a STEM career path to aspire to follow their dream as data published in May 2024 by the Government detailed that the total number of UK employees in a STEM occupation was 9.4 million. This number will have increased by the time our children will have left full-time education. Children will be introduced to a diverse range of historic and current key figures/scientists from the different areas of Science and STEM and learn about their impact on the world as well as their route into their career field with the aim to inspire our learners to seek a career in either industry. 25% of employees shown in the most recent data are female.

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. We are fortunate to be located within the beautiful South Downs National Park, which allows us to utilise the natural environment and community around us as well as  having extensive grounds which allows us to also utilise the school’s environment, including the school’s pond, allotment and Narnia garden.

• Year 3 – Rocks and soils, 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 taught during an 8 week Forest school programme.

 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 will have developed an understanding of how different scientists impacted 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. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live."

Mae Jemison, physicist, engineer and astronaut

See our progression maps below.

 

Click here for our Science Knowledge Organisers.