Science Curriculum
Overview
At Westbury Junior School, we want every child to be curious about the world around them and to see themselves as a scientist. Our Science curriculum encourages pupils to ask questions, investigate ideas and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and explain the natural and physical world.
Our Science Curriculum
We use the Plymouth Science Scheme to deliver a carefully sequenced and progressive Science curriculum across Years 3–6. The scheme is aligned with the National Curriculum and develops secure knowledge across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, alongside the skills pupils need to Work Scientifically. Learning builds on prior knowledge, with important concepts revisited and developed as children progress through the school.
Science is taught as a distinct subject, while meaningful connections are made with our wider curriculum and year-group driver projects. For example, Year 3 learning about Rocks complements Through the Ages, Year 4 explores habitats and environmental change as part of Change, Community and Identity, while Year 6 draws together increasingly complex scientific ideas through Understanding Our World.
Working Scientifically
Practical investigation is an important part of Science at Westbury Junior School. Children learn through a range of scientific enquiry approaches, including observing over time, pattern seeking, grouping and classifying, comparative and fair testing, research using secondary sources and problem-solving.
As pupils progress from Year 3 to Year 6, they become increasingly independent scientists. They develop their ability to ask investigable questions, make predictions, plan enquiries, select appropriate equipment, measure accurately, record and interpret data, draw evidence-based conclusions and evaluate the reliability of their investigations.
Science for Every Child
Our Science curriculum is designed to be accessible and ambitious for all pupils. Clear explanations, modelling, carefully taught scientific vocabulary, appropriate scaffolding and adaptations to practical activities enable pupils to access the same important scientific concepts. Where pupils are ready for greater challenge, they are encouraged to reason more deeply, make connections and apply their knowledge independently.
By the end of Year 6, we aim for pupils to leave Westbury Junior School with secure scientific knowledge, strong investigative skills and the curiosity and confidence to continue asking how and why the world works.
Big Questions
Each unit begins with a Big Question which provides a clear purpose for the learning. The question explores an important scientific theme or idea and gives children a reason to develop and apply their knowledge throughout the unit.
Each Big Question is supported by a sequence of five carefully planned lessons. Children develop the knowledge and understanding needed to address the question while also developing the scientific skills associated with the topic.
Click here to access our Term 1 Knowledge Organisers
Knowledge Organiser - Year 3 Term 1
Knowledge Organiser - Year 4 Term 1
Knowledge Organiser - Year 5 Term 1
