Science
Our Intent
Throughout their time at Sholing Junior School, we want all children to become confident, excited, and enquiry-led scientists who strive to ask questions and develop their ideas through investigative learning. We want children to see science as an everyday phenomenon that is constantly adapting and changing. It cannot be seen as a stand-alone subject but as a development of ideas and skills that can enhance and improve the world around us.
Our vision is rooted in kindness, curiosity, and success:
- Kindness: We encourage children to work collaboratively, respect diverse ideas, and support one another in their scientific journeys. Science thrives when we share discoveries and learn together.
- Curiosity: We aim to nurture a natural thirst for knowledge, inspiring children to question, explore, and investigate the world around them. Curiosity is the spark that leads to innovation.
- Success: We define success not only by answers found but by the resilience, creativity, and passion shown in the process. Every child should feel empowered to achieve and see themselves as capable scientists.
Implementation
Children will explore scientists who have impacted our lives today, as well as current innovators shaping the future—from Alexander Bell, the inventor of the telephone, to the six women chosen as part of NASA Class of Astronaut Candidates 2025 who will be supporting exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars. Through research and exploration of these scientists, we hope to challenge stereotypes and show that anyone can be a scientist. It’s about having the passion, drive, and thirst for knowledge that will help you succeed.
We will engage children in enquiry-based learning and promote questioning to deepen their thinking around key concepts. Building on KS1 scientific skills, children will explore, observe, record, and evaluate so they constantly question the world and expand their understanding. Our curriculum aims to build curiosity about science concepts and improve understanding of current issues—from global warming to pandemics—so children see their potential to make a positive impact on the future.
Teachers will model curiosity and kindness, showing enthusiasm for science and encouraging enquiry through play and observation rather than teacher-led learning. Success will be celebrated through Science Days, displays, newsletters, and guest speakers, as well as opportunities to learn about careers in science.
Ultimately, our vision is to inspire children to take on the role of a scientist, continually question ideas, and challenge previous knowledge through open-ended enquiries that lead to new discoveries. We want every child to see themselves as a future scientist who can make a difference and follow in the footsteps of great scientific thinkers who have shaped our world.