At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe science provides children with opportunities to explore the world around them, develop their curiosity and discover how and why things happen.

Our science curriculum encourages children to ask questions, investigate ideas and develop an understanding of the natural and physical world. Through practical investigations, exploration and discussion, children develop their scientific knowledge alongside important skills such as observation, reasoning and problem-solving.

We want every child to see themselves as a scientist. Science encourages children to think critically, explore possibilities and develop the confidence to investigate questions independently, recognising that curiosity and discovery are at the heart of scientific learning.

Our Science Curriculum – CUSP

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the CUSP Science Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned and sequenced approach to developing children's scientific knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Throughout Years 3 to 6, children build on their previous learning as they explore key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry and physics. The curriculum encourages children to make connections between different areas of science and understand how scientific knowledge helps us explain the world around us.

Our science curriculum focuses on two important areas:

• Substantive Knowledge – developing an understanding of scientific facts, concepts and vocabulary relating to the topics children study.

• Disciplinary Knowledge – learning how scientists work, including asking questions, planning investigations, collecting evidence, interpreting results and drawing conclusions.

Our curriculum aims to ensure that children:

• Develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and processes.

• Ask questions and explore different ways of finding answers.

• Plan and carry out practical investigations using appropriate equipment and methods.

• Make careful observations, take accurate measurements and record findings.

• Use scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas, observations and conclusions.

• Analyse evidence, identify patterns and use their findings to support explanations.

• Understand how science influences everyday life and the world around them.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children revisit important knowledge, develop their understanding and apply their skills with increasing independence.

Working Scientifically

Practical investigation is an important part of science at Burnt Oak Junior School.

We provide regular opportunities for children to explore scientific questions through experiments, observations and hands-on activities. Children are encouraged to make predictions, test their ideas, collect evidence and reflect on what they have discovered.

Through different types of scientific enquiry, children learn to recognise patterns, carry out comparative and fair tests, observe changes over time, classify living things and materials, and use research to answer questions.

We encourage children to explain their thinking, question results and recognise that making mistakes and trying different approaches are important parts of scientific discovery.

Science Beyond the Classroom

We believe science becomes even more meaningful when children can connect their learning to real-life experiences.

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we provide opportunities for children to explore science beyond the classroom through practical activities, educational visits and enrichment experiences.

Our annual Science Week provides exciting opportunities for children to investigate different areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through workshops, experiments and challenges, children develop their curiosity and discover how science influences the world around them.

We also encourage children to make connections between science and other curriculum subjects, including mathematics, computing, geography and Design and Technology, helping them recognise the importance of scientific knowledge in everyday life.

Our aim is for children to leave Burnt Oak Junior School as curious, knowledgeable and confident young scientists who enjoy asking questions, investigating the world around them and using evidence to explain their discoveries.