Science Curriculum Intent

Connecting with learning

Science at Radcliffe on Trent Juniors hooks the children’s interest enabling them to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the natural world around them.  We want to create learners who are curious and love learning and are eager to deepen their understanding through experience.  Science is key to creating a culture of innovation by which children can grow up to create a better world for future generations. 

Memorable knowledge and skills have been identified for each unit of learning to ensure progression across the school.  Through carefully planned sequences of lessons, which build on prior learning, they are taught to question, predict, explain and analyse.  Our curriculum ensures that every child makes progress and reaches their full scientific potential. Using their metacognitive learning skills, they work scientifically to develop their understanding of scientific concepts and knowledge.  This is supported by the use of ‘sticky knowledge’ and key scientific vocabulary which is referred to regularly.   Links between other STEM subjects and areas of the curriculum are utilised to enhance a deeper level of learning. 

We aim for children to develop an understanding of how to work with regard to their own safety and that of others and to develop the confidence to choose questions to investigate and create their own investigations.  We teach them to critically question and evaluate evidence and discuss findings whilst considering the views of others. They are encouraged to persevere, linking to our Be Brave and Bounce Back school value and embrace a challenge.

Connecting with our community

The teaching of science at ROTJS will provide children with the foundations for understanding the world around them.   Children explore their local surroundings conducting investigations into materials and habitats in the school grounds and local area which links their learning to real life science.  Adults from the local community with science linked careers such as paramedics, physiotherapists and nurse practitioners are invited into school to share their experiences and inspire children. At ROTJS we link with National events such as British Science week and link learning to significant scientific events across the world. We discuss differences and similarities within the context of our Global Community.

Connecting with others

We aim for our learners to be empathetic towards others and be able to work with everyone in a respectful manner. Science at ROTJS promotes the ability to work both independently and in co-operation with others. Children learn to collaborate through carrying out practical investigations. They develop key communication skills needed to share their learning in a variety of ways.  Children are taught to relate science concepts to their own life experiences.   We foster respect for all living organisms and for the physical environment of the wider world.  Stereotypes around science are challenged through highlighting diverse scientists and their achievements.