Science

Science vision statement

“Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organising our curiosity.” - Tim Minchin

Definition of the subject

Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning to develop and test hypotheses and theories. It seeks to explain phenomena, understand underlying principles, and predict outcomes using empirical data gained from practical investigation.

Child friendly definition

Science is a way to understand our world by carefully thinking about it and testing our thoughts out with observations and experiments.

Subject Aims

At HBJS we recognise the importance of scientific knowledge when it comes to our pupils engaging with and understanding the world around them. Through the acquisition of scientific knowledge, children will develop an increasingly coherent conceptual understanding of the big ideas of and about science. This will be underpinned by rich opportunities to investigate the world through experiments and investigations, led by teachers with a rich subject knowledge and passion for the subject. This will involve experience of all of science’s three sub-disciplines (biology, chemistry and physics), focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry. Rich links will also be made with other interconnected aspects of our curriculum, such as geography, history, oracy, mathematics, computing and design technology.

Subject Dream

Science truly is the key to unlocking the wonders of the world we live in. Pupils who participate in our science curriculum will first and foremost develop a sense of curiosity, awe and wonder, engaging in science lessons with an enthusiasm that reflects the value and joy inherent to the subject. Science is also the foundation for effective participation in the increasingly technologically-defined world that we live in, which links to our aim of enabling pupils to be successful as learners for life and proactively-engaged future citizens. As such, developing a passion for the sciences will also enable pupils to engage creatively and effectively with the modern world, understanding that they will be the scientists and engineers of tomorrow, empowered to make the world a better place and to take on the possibilities, opportunities and challenges of the future.

5 - point fingerprint (The academic essence of Science)

Develop fascination, curiosity and wonder about the natural phenomena of the world we live in.
Acquire a secure base of scientific knowledge in the key areas of biology, chemistry and physics.
Engage as scientists in practical experiments and experiences that enable them to deepen their understanding of scientific knowledge and methodology.
Use scientific vocabulary accurately in both written and oral explanations and explorations of scientific knowledge to make predictions about what they have experienced.
Recognise how science and great scientists have shaped our understanding of the world and how this has changed over time.

Big Ideas of Science

All matter in the universe is made up of very small particles	Objects can affect each other at a distance	Forces can change the movement of objects	Energy can be stored, transferred and used in different ways
The Earth and its climate are shaped by scientific processes	Our solar system is a very small part of an enormous universe	Living things are made up of different systems and have a limited lifespan	Living things need a supply of energy and materials to survive
Living things pass their characteristics down the generations	The diversity of life on Earth, living and extinct, is the result of evolution