Science

At Over St John's CE Primary School, our Science curriculum is shaped explicitly by our theologically rooted Christian vision:"Let your light shine before others" (Matthew 5:16). We believe that every child is created by God with unique worth, curiosity and potential, and we seek to nurture that God given light through inspiring scientific learning that enables pupils to explore, understand and marvel at the world God has created.

Our intention is to develop confident, inquisitive and reflective young scientists who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity to make sense of the world around them. Through the study of science, we encourage children to ask meaningful questions, think critically, investigate thoughtfully and develop a deeper understanding of natural phenomena. We want our pupils to experience awe and wonder, recognise the beauty, complexity and interconnectedness of creation, and understand their responsibility to care for the world and those within it.

Science at Over St John's is designed to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum while meeting the needs of our mixed-age classes and ensuring strong progression in both substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge. We enable pupils to build secure scientific understanding over time by revisiting and deepening key concepts across biology, chemistry and physics.

Working Scientifically is at the heart of our curriculum. Pupils progressively develop the skills needed to think and work as scientists through observing over time, asking questions, identifying and classifying, recognising patterns, carrying out comparative and fair tests, researching using secondary sources, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions. Through practical investigations and first-hand experiences, children learn to approach problems with curiosity, resilience and independence whilst developing confidence in using evidence to support their ideas. 

Vocabulary development is a central feature of our Science curriculum. We deliberately teach and revisit ambitious scientific vocabulary so that pupils can communicate their understanding accurately, articulate scientific explanations with confidence and engage in meaningful scientific discussion. By developing scientific literacy alongside scientific knowledge, pupils become increasingly capable of explaining their thinking, justifying conclusions and presenting findings effectively.

Our curriculum aims to raise aspirations by helping pupils see themselves as scientists and recognise the diverse opportunities science offers in the wider world. Through learning about scientists, scientific discoveries and a range of science-related careers, pupils understand how science shapes society and contributes to human progress. They learn that scientific thinking has the power to improve lives, solve problems and make a positive difference in the world.

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, can access and succeed within an ambitious Science curriculum. Through adaptive teaching, practical experiences, high-quality questioning and carefully structured learning, every child is supported to flourish and achieve.

Science also provides opportunities for children to develop an understanding of stewardship and responsibility. By exploring living things, habitats, biodiversity, environmental change and sustainability, pupils learn the importance of caring for God's creation and making informed choices that positively impact the world around them.

Our Science curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to become thoughtful, responsible and informed citizens. We want every pupil to leave Over St John's with a secure understanding of scientific concepts, a love of discovery, confidence in their own abilities and the aspiration to let their light shine through curiosity, wisdom and a lifelong engagement with science.

Within our school, Reception and Key Stage One children are taught in single-age classes, whilst Key Stage Two children are taught across three mixed-age classes. Our Science curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure progression, consistency and high expectations for all pupils within this structure. Our mixed-age class structure is carefully considered within curriculum planning. We prioritise full National Curriculum entitlement for every pupil and ensure that learning is deepened through increasingly sophisticated scientific enquiry, vocabulary, reasoning and application of knowledge.

Please click on the links below to access our current Science Subject Map and Science Progression of Knowledge and Skills documents.