Science Statement of Intent

At Stalyhill Junior School, we want to provide children with fun and exciting opportunities to develop their understanding of the world around them. We believe that accessible and practical investigations and enquiries will offer all children a chance to experience first-hand learning, that will provide them with the scientific knowledge needed to conceptually understand the importance of Science today, and in the future.  Working scientifically is encapsulated within our stimulating and fascinating curriculum where we make use of our fantastic school grounds and local area. Outdoor learning helps children to achieve a deeper understanding of Science and provides a space to explore and investigate interesting and engaging scientific methods, processes and enquiries. By the end of KS2, our expectation is that children will understand that Science is an integral factor in our lives and requires consistent attention and investigation. Children will explore how scientists, both past and present, have contributed to society's understanding of the world and build on this learning with their own scientific experiences.

Throughout their time here, pupils will study the following topics: Animals including Humans, Living things and their Habitats, Plants, Light, Rocks and Soils, Forces and Magnets, States of Matter, Sound, Electricity, Earth and Space and Evolution and Inheritance.

Our enriched science curriculum is relevant and engaging, with many opportunities to explore real-life scenarios, utilise useful resources and engage in fantastic lesson plans which only encourage scientific enquiry and exploration. Our science lessons are not only limited to the classroom, we use every chance we can get to learn in our fabulous outdoor environment; including the woodlands, field and playground. This allows for our curriculum to be fresh and exciting each year and more opportunities for cross-curricular learning, whereby children can easily see and make links within their learning. Through practical activities in and out of the classroom, children can build skills that will assist with investigations, problem solving and teamwork. It is our mission to empower the children of Stalyhill to become scientific thinkers!

What does the National Curriculum say?

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes (National Curriculum, England, 2014).

Science Ambassadors

We have appointed Science Ambassadors to help us to make Science at Stalyhill the best that it can be. Science Ambassadors will help Mr Foster to monitor the fantastic Science that is taking place in the school each day. These ambassadors will help to promote Science in our school and they will work hard on projects that improve Science in our school.  The Science Ambassadors can easily be identified in Science lessons from their white lab coats.  

Since starting as Science Ambassadors the children have began picking Science stars fortnightly, promoting a love for the subject within every classroom.  The ambassadors are next looking at creating their own videos for Stalyhill does Science to share with our whole school community.  Stay tuned for more.

Science within Stalyhill