Science

Intent 

At Minet, we encourage our pupils to be curious and to have a desire to find out why things happen in the way they do. We aim to inspire our children to be aspirational for their future. Through Science lessons, children are inspired to ask scientific questions and to investigate ways to answer those questions. Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum Science Programme of Study for KS2.

At Minet, we carefully plan and sequence lessons to encourage children's natural curiosity about the world around them.

We encourage children to be curious, ask questions and then answer questions through an enquiry-based approach. 

Where possible Science lessons are linked to existing topics throughout the year in addition to enrichment opportunities provided to enhance learning that takes place. 

By the end of KS2, we expect children to have met the objectives set out in the National Curriculum. A progression of scientific knowledge and skills are taught throughout a child's time at Minet, preparing them for the next step in their education. 

Implementation

Science at Minet is taught through practical lessons where possible, developing the skills of working scientifically and enquiry based learning, supported by subject specific knowledge and vocabulary, all of which become increasing challenging as children progress through the school. We celebrate British Science Week every year, with a whole school programme of Science activities and assemblies. The children become immersed in Science for the week and respond with great enthusiasm for the investigations and experiments carried out.

Children will develop their scientific knowledge and understanding through a balance of practical activities and knowledge based lessons. All children will develop an understanding of the five different types of enquiry (observation over time, pattern seeking, identifying, classifying and grouping, research using secondary sources and comparative and fair testing) that will help them answer scientific questions about the world around them. Enrichment opportunities (whole school Science week, educational visits and assemblies) help to develop children's Science capital and aim to offer aspirational experiences. 

Impact 

Children will have confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills. Scientific vocabulary is confidently used by all. All ideas from children are valued and children are encouraged to use skills such as predicting and reasoning to help deepen their scientific understanding. Children can make links to topics and real life encounters with hands on experiments and investigations. We aspire for all children to achieve well, produce good quality work and be ready for the next stage in their education. Impact can be seen in high levels of engagement from the children during lessons, progress in books and pupil voice. 

Vision and Principals 

Our vision for science at Minet Junior School is that science is important because it allows our children to explore and understand the awe and wonder of how, why and what we do. We encourage children to develop their enjoyment, interest and curiosity in science so they appreciate the impact science has on our lives and the world in which we live. We ask questions, investigate, explore and explain our thinking encouraging our children to be inquisitive learners.

At Minet Junior School, we believe that good science occurs when…

• Science teaching is linked to the real world
• Children are engaged and excited in lessons
• Lessons are child led
• Learning is practical and hands on
• Teacher are well organised and well prepared with enough resources for all to be involved
• Lessons build on prior knowledge