Science
"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow."
Edward Teller
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.
Intent
The Science curriculum at St John’s aims to ensure all pupils develop secure scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary through a carefully sequenced programme aligned with the 2014 National Curriculum and EYFS framework. The intent is for pupils to know more, remember more and understand how scientific ideas and methods apply to their own work, with clear progression in both disciplinary skills and substantive knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics. Key “Need to Know” knowledge, skills and vocabulary are explicitly identified to ensure consistency and high expectations for all learners, with equality of access at the centre so that every pupil can engage meaningfully with scientific learning.
Implementation
Science is taught weekly for five terms per year through sequential units that build knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a structured two-year cycle. The school uses the Kapow scheme to support teacher subject knowledge and deliver high-quality lessons, enriched by videos, modelling and ongoing CPD. Each unit includes clear “Need to Knows”, retrieval opportunities, explicit vocabulary instruction and regular formative assessment. Pupils develop scientific enquiry skills—such as questioning, planning, observing, measuring, analysing and evaluating—through varied contexts, becoming increasingly independent as they progress. Teachers ensure lessons are inclusive, draw links to other subjects where appropriate, and assess learning continuously and at end points, supported by the subject leader’s oversight and resourcing.
Impact
By the end of their journey at St John’s, pupils are expected to leave with strong scientific foundations, including secure knowledge, well-developed enquiry skills and confident use of vocabulary, preparing them effectively for Key Stage 3. Teachers assess understanding through observation, discussion, unit outcomes and centrally recorded evidence of progression, using this to adapt future teaching. Summative assessment via Headstart Science, combined with ongoing retrieval and “Need to Know” checks, ensures pupils retain key learning over time and that teaching responds to gaps in understanding. Overall, the structured curriculum and high-quality delivery enable pupils to develop curiosity, confidence and competence as young scientists.
