"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

At MJS, our young scientists are curious, perceptive thinkers who approach science with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to explore the world around them. They are encouraged to share and build upon their prior knowledge and skills, making meaningful connections between what they already know and new scientific concepts. Retrieval activities are embedded within every science lesson to support this process, while a strong emphasis is placed on developing and accurately using key scientific vocabulary.

The school's core values of belonging, participation and ambition are central to every science lesson. We foster an inclusive learning environment where all children feel valued and confident to contribute their ideas, actively engage in practical and investigative learning, and are inspired to achieve their very best.

Through our science curriculum, children learn about a wide range of scientists and discover how curiosity, resilience and critical thinking have enabled them to make significant contributions to the world. We actively highlight scientists from diverse backgrounds, cultures and time periods to help children understand science's "uses and significance to society and their own lives" (Research Review Series: Science, Ofsted, 2021). In doing so, we challenge stereotypes, broaden aspirations and demonstrate that careers in science and STEM are accessible to everyone.

Science is taught at MJS in the following ways:

• Subject-specific lessons so that the children are clear that they are working as young scientists.
• Science is taught once a week.
• Curriculum planning is fully aligned with the National Curriculum, with working scientifically skills carefully embedded within the substantive knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics.
• PLAN Science resources are used to support high-quality teaching, address common misconceptions and ensure clear progression in scientific knowledge, enquiry skills and subject-specific vocabulary.
• Learning is sequenced to build upon previous knowledge and experiences. Purposeful retrieval activities are incorporated into every lesson to strengthen long-term memory and support progression (see Progression Map below). As children's understanding develops, they become increasingly confident in selecting and using scientific equipment, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
• Cross-curricular links are carefully planned to provide meaningful contexts for learning, with unit sequencing taking account of the mathematical knowledge and skills required.
• Enrichment opportunities, including Science Week, educational visits and expert visitors, enable children to deepen their understanding and apply their scientific knowledge in real-world contexts.
• Partnerships with parents, local businesses and STEM professionals are actively developed to enrich children's experiences of science, raise aspirations and help them understand the wide range of opportunities available to them in the future.

Impact

By the end of Year 6, MJS children leave with a secure understanding of the key scientific concepts taught throughout the primary curriculum and well-developed working scientifically skills, preparing them successfully for the demands of secondary science. They are equipped to apply the enquiry, investigative and analytical skills developed in science across the wider curriculum and throughout their future education.

Our children are enthusiastic and curious learners who are eager to explore and understand the world around them. They recognise the significance of science in everyday life and understand the important role it plays in shaping society and addressing global challenges.

MJS children leave with high aspirations, a strong sense of possibility and the belief that careers and future success in science and STEM are accessible to everyone, regardless of background. They are inspired to continue their scientific journey and are motivated to learn more about the world and their place within it.