Science Curriculum Journey

Intent 

At Oakwood Junior school, we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and an understanding of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in society, to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We recognise that science plays a vital role within our school community, with many parents and carers having professional careers within scientific fields and industries. We therefore embrace their expertise and recognise the valuable contributions that families can make to the delivery of an engaging science curriculum. Our aim is to build science capital for all our children, regardless of their background and starting point so that they are inspired to continue to use science in their everyday life, future education and careers.   

We will deliver a Science Curriculum that:    

• Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts.

• Develops creativity and challenges all of our learners through outstanding and inclusive teaching practice.

• From Year 3 to Year 6, our pupils will build up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.

• Inspires and excites our children through engaging practical sessions which are enriched with visits and visitors  . 

• Will develop aspirational learners with an awareness of the key role that science plays within our community and the world and the opportunities that this creates for future careers.   

• Encourages our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious and resilient learners by developing inquiry based skills and sessions.

• Encompasses outdoor learning to create meaningful experiences within their natural environment . 

Implementation

The curriculum is led and overseen by the science curriculum leader, who will regularly monitor, evaluate and review science teaching and learning, celebrating and sharing good practice. Formative assessments will be integrated into every day science teaching to ensure teachers have an in depth knowledge of the children’s learning and inform their next steps. Low stakes testing of science will also inform termly assessments and allow for long term memory development and secure understanding of skills. 

The National Curriculum 2014 and ‘Tig tag’ online planning, provide the basis for our science curriculum, which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.  

Teachers will plan science using the newly developed progression of skills document which will allow children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding. This document will also outline the Working Scientifically skills, which teachers will use to plan enquiry-based lessons which will support children’s journeys to become independent and resilient learners.

The teaching, learning and sequencing of science will follow a blocked curriculum approach which has been implemented to ensure coverage and progression in all subject areas. Science will be taught discretely through termly science weeks, culminating in a week STEM project for all year groups in the summer term. 

Knowledge organisers will be developed and introduced for teachers and pupils to use for each topic for reference and assessment purposes. This will map out the knowledge, vocabulary and skills needed to master the concepts as well as including suggestions for links to outdoor learning and enquiry-based sessions. 

Our bank of parents who have a scientific background will be contacted and invited into school when relevant to discuss their careers and support the teaching of different science topics. A science letter will be sent out to our Year 3 parents at the start of the academic year to establish new parent links.

Impact 

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.  

• Science will be a high profile subject throughout the school. 

• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners. 

• The outdoor classroom will be utilised regularly throughout science lessons. 

• Parents and the wider community will support science learning through trips and visits on regular basis.  

• Children will have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school. 

• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.  

At Oakwood Junior School, we strive to challenge and inspire students to seek answers, explore their surroundings, and share their discoveries through engaging and dynamic science instruction. Our goal is to connect science to students' real-world experiences and everyday lives. We aim to advance students' scientific knowledge, skills, and concepts while motivating them to conduct systematic and logical investigations.

Students receiving specialized instruction have the opportunity to build a robust body of scientific knowledge and understanding, and to develop their communication skills regarding scientific ideas and concepts. Our science curriculum is designed to ensure that every student gains the knowledge and cultural capital necessary for success in life.

Some of our diverse investigations include:

Experiments to discover the properties of materials

Focused exploration into the properties of solids, liquids, and gases

Experimental and investigative work on magnetism and electricity

Planning and conducting experiments on forces

Linking science to industry

Investigations to find the best biscuit for dunking

At Oakwood Junior School, we encourage students to pose and respond to scientific questions, and to expand their vocabulary to articulate their ideas using a variety of scientific terms. They utilize a wide range of data, including graphs, photographs, statistics, and images. In science classes, students use ICT to enhance their understanding and learning, as well as to become proficient communicators of scientific concepts and information.

We invite you to visit our school and share insights about your career and the role science plays in it. Your expertise can provide valuable real-world context for our students. If you are interested, please contact us so we can arrange a mutually convenient time for you to discuss your experiences and demonstrate how science is applied in your field.

Career talks in schools offer numerous benefits, including:

1. Inspiration and Motivation: Hearing from professionals can inspire students to pursue their interests and work towards their goals.
2. Real-World Connections: Students can see how their studies apply to real-world careers, making their education feel more relevant and engaging.
3. Career Awareness: Exposure to different professions helps students understand the variety of career paths available and what they entail.
4. Skill Development: Students learn about the skills and qualifications needed for various careers, helping them plan their educational and career paths.
5. Networking Opportunities: Career talks provide students with the chance to connect with professionals, which can be valuable for future internships or job opportunities.
6. Enhanced Communication Skills: Interacting with professionals helps students improve their communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Informed Decision-Making: Students gain insights that help them make more informed decisions about their future education and career choices.