Science
At Ainsdale St. John's Church of England Primary School, we believe that science helps children develop a sense of wonder about the world around them. From Reception to Year 6, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas and explore how things work through practical and engaging learning experiences.
Children develop scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to work scientifically, including observing, predicting, testing, recording and evaluating. Through learning about the natural world, the human body, materials and significant scientific discoveries, pupils gain an understanding of how science impacts everyday life.
Our aim is for every child to leave Ainsdale St. John's with curiosity, confidence and a secure foundation of scientific knowledge that inspires them to continue exploring and learning throughout their lives.
Oak National Academy
At Ainsdale St. John's, we follow the Oak National Academy Science curriculum from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to help children build secure scientific knowledge and understanding over time.
Learning is organised so that pupils develop both substantive knowledge (scientific facts, concepts and theories) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work, investigate and use evidence).
Through the curriculum, children study the key areas of biology, chemistry and physics identified in the National Curriculum. They learn to work scientifically by asking questions, making observations, carrying out investigations, gathering and analysing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. These skills are taught progressively and applied across a range of scientific contexts.
Oak's curriculum is designed to help children make meaningful connections between new and prior learning. Key concepts are revisited and built upon throughout their time in school, supporting long-term retention and deeper understanding. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and regularly used, enabling pupils to communicate their ideas with increasing confidence and accuracy.
Through this carefully structured approach, children develop a secure foundation of scientific knowledge, an understanding of how science works and the curiosity to continue exploring the world around them.
Working in Partnership
Parents can make a huge difference to children's scientific understanding by encouraging curiosity and helping them to explore the world around them. Science is all around us, and many of the best learning opportunities come from everyday experiences. Talking about how things work, observing changes in nature, cooking, gardening, building, visiting parks and exploring the local environment can all help children develop their scientific thinking.
Encourage your child to ask questions, make predictions and explain their ideas. Discussing scientific topics in the news, observing the weather, identifying plants and animals, or carrying out simple investigations at home can help children develop the enquiry skills they use in school. Most importantly, show enthusiasm for discovering new things together and celebrate your child's curiosity.
The following websites provide engaging, age-appropriate resources to support science learning at home:
Primary Science Websites
BBC Bitesize Science
Interactive lessons, videos, quizzes and activities linked to the primary science curriculum.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z2pfb9qBBC Teach – Science
A wide range of short videos and classroom resources covering key scientific concepts.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teachOak National Academy
Curriculum-linked science lessons, videos and activities that children can revisit at home.
https://www.thenational.academyNational Geographic Kids
Fascinating articles, videos and games about animals, habitats, space and the natural world.
https://www.natgeokids.com/ukSTEM Learning
Family-friendly science activities and investigations that can be completed at home.
https://www.stem.org.ukScience Museum
Interactive activities, videos and resources linked to science, technology and engineering.
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.ukNASA Kids' Club
Fun games and activities exploring space, Earth and the solar system.
https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclubWoodland Trust – Nature Detectives
Outdoor activities that encourage children to observe, investigate and learn about nature.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives
We encourage children to continue their scientific learning beyond the classroom by exploring, questioning and investigating the world around them. Small moments of curiosity often lead to the greatest discoveries.