'For pupils, science is the exploration of the world around them through investigation.'
At HJS, we aim for our pupils to explore the world and new concepts through practical learning and exciting experiences. We want our pupils to become independent thinkers and be able to question the world around them.
We encourage our pupils to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of different areas of science through discussions, practical work, research and written work.
We aim to equip our pupils with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
At HJS, we want our pupils to be able to understand how to explain new and exciting ideas in the world around them. We encourage our pupils to problem solve and become independent thinkers. Pupils develop their practical skills to become scientists and learn through their experiences. As they progress through school, they learn to communicate their ideas more independently.
Practical work becomes a focus in science. During science lessons, we encourage the pupils to become independent thinkers by discussing key reasoning questions introduced at the start of a topic. Key vocabulary is reinforced with pupils during lessons; being developed and expanded as the learners move through the school. Pupils explore new concepts and processes through child-led investigations. This allows the learners to question the world around them and communicate their findings to each other. Teachers aim to provide practical lessons with a range of investigations and experiments that allow the children to observe, notice patterns, group and classify, compare and explain. Their knowledge of fair testing is enhanced and refined through the year groups. We believe that practical lessons help the learners have a better understanding of new process and concepts in their life.
At HJS, we want to provide and engaging science lessons. This year, we have introduced thought-provoking questions for each topic. After the pupils have learnt the about the topic, they then use their knowledge to answer the question.
For example
‘Why can’t I get my flour back?’ Changes State.
‘What does a plant put on its wish list?’ Plants.
Topics are planned so that they are revisited over the pupils’ time at HJS to allow the opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of topics and ensure a retention of skills and learning. As the pupils move through the school, we want them to have confidence to take ownership of their learning and understanding by posing their own enquiry questions and deciding what to observe.
What is happening in Science?
The pupils study a range of different scientists, inventors and inspirational figures during their time at HJS.
Year 5 pupils prepare an interview for Neil Armstrong during their topic Earth and Beyond.
To enrich the curriculum, teachers plan for visits to help bring learning to life during topics. As a school, we make use of the local RSPB Centre at Sandwell Valley. Year 4 and 6 explore ideas during their topic Living things and Environment topics with pond dipping and using classification keys.
At HJS, we are lucky have Outdoor learning areas where pupils are able to enhance their learning. In Year 3, pupils use the edible garden area to investigate seeds and growth during the Plants topic. In Year 4, pupils go on a Minibeast hunts when learning about classification. Year 5 are able to test out air resistance with helicopters when learning about forces. While in Year 6, pupils use our grounds to test out the effect of activity on our heart rates.
