Garland Junior School

Gains a Robust Understanding: Achieves a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as outlined in the National Curriculum for Science. 

Experiences Practical Application: Engages in hands-on investigations and experiments that promote practical skills and reinforce theoretical knowledge. 

Develops Scientific Skills: Builds essential scientific skills such as observation, prediction, analysis, and evaluation, enabling them to conduct experiments with confidence. 

Cultivates Curiosity: Remains curious about the natural world, leading to questions and further investigation, thereby nurturing a passion for discovery. 

Values Scientific Literacy: Understands the importance of science in everyday life and its impact on societal issues, fostering a sense of responsibility as informed citizens. 

Progressive Curriculum Design: Our science curriculum is sequenced to ensure progression and coherence from Year 3 to Year 6. Each unit builds upon prior knowledge, allowing students to make meaningful connections and deepen their understanding. 

Inquiry-Based Learning: Lessons are designed around scientific questions that inspire curiosity and engagement. Students are encouraged to formulate their hypotheses, design experiments, and draw conclusions based on their findings. 

Experiential Learning Opportunities: We provide a variety of hands-on activities, including investigations, practical experiments, and field trips, enabling students to observe scientific principles in real-world contexts. Our school collaborates with local science institutions and environmental centres to enhance learning experiences. 

Rosenshine’s Principles for instruction: Teaching strategies are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners. We introduce new information in small steps and provide several opportunities for practise and retrieval. Tasks are modelled and scaffolded to the needs of the learners and questioning is used throughout lessons to encourage children to deepen their understanding. Children start all lesson with a retrieval activity aimed at activating prior knowledge from previous lessons, terms and years. 

Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative assessments are embedded throughout the curriculum, enabling teachers to monitor progress and adapt instruction. Summative assessments, including projects and presentations, provide opportunities for students to showcase their understanding and skills. 

Professional Development for Staff: Continuous professional development is provided for science teachers to ensure they remain abreast of the latest educational research, pedagogical techniques, and developments in science education. 

Student Engagement and Enthusiasm: Observations and feedback indicate high levels of engagement and enthusiasm in science lessons, with students displaying a positive attitude towards learning and collaboration. 

Pupil Outcomes: Pupils demonstrate high levels of knowledge and skills as scientists, which is evidenced by teacher assessment and observational data.  

Development of Scientific Skills: Students demonstrate the ability to conduct sustained scientific investigations independently, effectively employing scientific methods to solve problems. They articulate their understanding with clarity, showcasing critical thinking and reasoning skills. 

Parental Involvement: Feedback from parents highlights a growing interest in science, evidenced by participation in science fairs and workshops. 

Informed Future Scientists: Students leave Garland Junior School with a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, an ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively, and a desire to pursue further studies in science. They are equipped to make informed decisions about scientific issues in society.