Science

Science Learning Pathway at St John's

Wonder, question, reflect, predict, explore, analyse, discover

At St John’s, we inspire a passion for Science by giving pupils opportunities to pursue their natural curiosity. They are encouraged to immerse themselves in a range of engaging learning experiences. By asking questions, and seeking answers through scientific enquiry, they deepen their understanding of the world around them. Our pupils are encouraged to develop their independence; building on their learning experiences from earlier years by making links, taking risks, experimenting, reflecting and learning from their mistakes so that the potential in every pupil is nurtured. We strive to ensure that every pupil is excited by scientific ideas and wants to learn, to explain and analyse scientific phenomena, make predictions and solve problems. In so doing, they develop confidence in the application of core skills that they will need in a world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.  

At St. John’s we use a range of strategies to introduce, explore, and fully understand scientific learning. When required, strategies will be adapted to best suit each class and each individual learner so that they are able to make best progress with their learning.

Key skills for working scientifically and different enquiry types are taught within each unit with ‘Biq Questions’ used to inspire children to explore and develop these skills. Each year group’s learning objectives have been organised to: fit with other subjects or topics, be taught at an appropriate time of year, and be within the children’s developmental stages so that they are best able to access the learning. Science is taught in termly units to enable the children to focus on one disciplinary area of the subject at a time e.g. Biology. The pathway is designed to ensure progression of knowledge and skills. Some key areas are revisited on rotation e.g. ‘Animals Including Humans’, where as others are stand-alone units e.g. ‘Forces’. Key disciplinary skills and knowledge are revisited regularly to enable children to build on prior learning and make connections between units.