"SCIENCE IS BOTH THE QUESTION THAT SPURS US ON AND THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING WE ACHIEVE…"     Rolls-Royce, Derby

Science: Intent

At MJS, our ultimate aim for science is to excite the children and increase their curiosity and knowledge of the world around them.  We aim to embed an understanding that science is everywhere, related to all aspects of our lives, and encourage the children to make links and raise their own scientific questions, both during discrete science lessons and across the curriculum.

This is achieved by delivering high-quality science lessons, which teach the key knowledge and working scientifically skills identified within each unit and across each year group, in accordance with National Curriculum expectations. We aim to enable children to acquire both key scientific knowledge and skills through teacher-directed instruction and practical investigations.  Children are encouraged to work scientifically in groups, taking responsibility for using different equipment to test their predictions, recording and explaining their results and linking explanations back to various salient scientific concepts.

We are mindful of the different approaches that SEND and disadvantaged children may need to reach their full potential in science.  We aim to smash all stereotypes in relation to science and show our children that amazing scientists are ordinary people from different backgrounds, who love science and have worked hard.

Implementation

Our scientists at MJS are curious and perceptive thinkers who are engaged and enthusiastic during science lessons.  They are keen to share their previous knowledge and skills and deepen their understanding by linking this to new scientific areas.  We support the children to do this with retrieval activities embedded within every science lesson and we emphasise the importance of understanding and using key scientific vocabulary.  We make connections between our MJS PROUD skills (Purposeful, Resilient, Organised, Understanding, Dedicated) and our science concept and skills learning and we teach children about various scientists and how they became famous by developing these skills.  We focus on scientists of different ages and from different backgrounds to learn about science's 'uses and significance to society and their own lives' ( 'Research Review Series: Science', Ofsted, April 2021).  This challenge stereotypes and shows the children that jobs in science (and STEM) are available to all. 

Science is taught at MJS in the following ways:

• Science is taught through subject-specific lessons so that the children are clear that they are working as young scientists and not just learning 'topic'.
• Science is usually taught once a week; however, some units are blocked to allow for a more flexible teaching sequence.
• Curriculum planning is in accordance with National Curriculum with an emphasis on embedding working scientifically knowledge and skills within the biology, physics and chemistry substantive content.
• PLAN science resources are used to ensure that misconceptions are effectively addressed and that there is a clear progression of subject knowledge, working scientifically and vocabulary use. 
• We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, planning purposeful retrieval activities at the start of every lesson and ensuring clear progression (see Progression Map link below).  As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases (and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results) they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
• Cross curricular opportunities are also identified, mapped and planned to ensure contextual relevance and unit sequencing takes consideration of maths skills required.
• Special events, such as Science Week, visits and visitors allow for further acquisition and application of knowledge and skills (see link below for Science Week 2023).
• Community STEM links with both parents and local industry are actively sought to enrich the children's experience of science and inspire them about what they could achieve in the future.
• The profile of science is raised throughout school by having enthusiastic science ambassadors, from Years 4 and 6, who run playground science investigations.

Impact

MJS children leave us in Year 6 with a strong knowledge of the relevant scientific concepts covered at Primary level and having developed and progressed their working scientifically skills, ready for their three discrete science lessons at secondary school.  They are able to apply the skills they have learnt in science to other subjects, across the curriculum, throughout their secondary journey and they are enthusiastic and curious about the world around them; keen to learn more.  MJS children understand how important and linked science is to every area of our lives and they are confident in the belief that a successful future in science and STEM is available to all.