St John Henry Newman Catholic School

Curriculum Intent

The Science Department at SJHN aims to inspire curiosity and wonder about the natural world, enabling students to flourish as inquisitive, analytical and reflective learners. Inspired by our mission to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope, we encourage students to develop questioning minds as they explore how science explains the universe and shapes everyday life.

We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum covering biology, chemistry and physics, ensuring curriculum excellence by building secure scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills that prepare students for future study and careers. Through practical work, real-world applications and enquiry-based learning, students engage deeply with science and develop confidence in planning investigations, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions.

We promote engagement and curiosity, encouraging students to explore and question the world around them. As they progress, they develop a thirst for knowledge, applying understanding with increasing independence while learning to think critically and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts. This also develops scientific literacy, enabling students to evaluate evidence, consider reliability and make informed decisions about scientific issues.

We are committed to inclusivity and support, ensuring all students are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential in science. Lessons are ambitious, accessible and responsive to individual needs.

We also prioritise continuous improvement through ongoing professional development for staff, ensuring teaching reflects current scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice.

Additionally, we foster a hunger for justice by exploring how science impacts society, health, technology and the environment. Students leave SJHN as knowledgeable, reflective and inquisitive scientists, who are equipped to use scientific understanding responsibly to lead with kind hearts which improve lives and care for the world we share.

Our Aims:

Curriculum Excellence: Deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that covers key scientific concepts and skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic and career opportunities.
Engagement and Curiosity: Inspire students to explore and question the world around them through hands-on experiments, real-world applications, and inquiry-based learning.
Scientific Literacy: Equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about scientific issues, fostering an understanding of the impact of science on society and the environment.
Inclusivity and Support: Provide an inclusive learning environment that supports all students, regardless of their background or ability, to achieve their full potential in science.
Continuous Improvement: Commit to ongoing professional development for our staff, ensuring the latest pedagogical strategies and scientific advancements are integrated into our teaching practices.

By achieving these aims, we strive to develop confident, knowledgeable, and inquisitive learners who are prepared to contribute positively to the scientific community and society as a whole.

students and parents

Students and parents, to find out how our curriculum is planned and sequenced, click on our subject learning journeys below.

curriculum overviews

To find out more about our how our curriculum is implemented you can click on our curriculum overviews

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