Science

Why is STEM so important?

STEM subjects are important at IQRA Academy because they serve as the fertile ground from which future technical and industry leaders will be nurtured. We have high aspirations for our children to engage in higher education and to go on to have meaningful jobs in adult life. In an ever-changing technical world STEM learning will help children achieve this and more.

STEM subjects provide the foundations and tools for future scientists, inventors, and engineers.

STEM sectors are set to be the largest employers in the world. In the UK alone a minimum of 120,000 STEM graduates a year are needed to fill the demand in the workplaces. It is vital that we give our children at IQRA Academy the stepping-stones needed to be successful in an ever-evolving world.

Science

At our school, science is brought to life through curiosity, investigation and real-world learning. Our curriculum is carefully designed around the National Curriculum, but enriched through meaningful end points and purposeful real-life scenarios that inspire children to think and work like scientists.

We believe children learn best when science is relevant to their lives and community. By connecting learning to authentic contexts, pupils develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and recognise the importance of science in the world around them. This approach is strongly supported within primary science guidance and research into real-world learning. (EuHu)

Throughout school, pupils are immersed in exciting scientific experiences that develop knowledge, enquiry skills and problem-solving abilities. Each unit has a purposeful end point which allows children to apply their learning in a practical and meaningful way.

For example:

• In Year 1, pupils explore the properties of materials by creating their own “That’s Not My…” books, using scientific vocabulary to describe and compare everyday materials.

• In Year 5, children become rescue workers as part of their learning about properties and changes of materials. They investigate and test materials and objects that could be used in emergency flood rescue situations, applying their scientific understanding to real-life challenges.

• In Year 6, pupils study the heart and circulatory system through the topic Animals Including Humans. Learning is linked to the local area of Bradford, which has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the country, helping children understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and the impact science has on communities.

Science learning is enriched through practical investigations, collaborative enquiry and opportunities to work scientifically. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas and communicate their findings confidently using scientific language.

We are incredibly proud of our state-of-the-art Science Lab, which provides children with everything they need to succeed as primary scientists. The lab enables pupils to work with high-quality equipment in a stimulating environment that mirrors secondary school science facilities. This not only enhances engagement and aspiration, but also supports a smooth and confident transition into Year 7.

Our aim is for every child to leave our school with:

• A secure understanding of scientific knowledge and concepts

• Curiosity about the world around them

• Confidence in working scientifically

• The ability to apply science to real-life situations

• Excitement about future learning and STEM opportunities

Through inspiring experiences and meaningful learning opportunities, we nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, medics and innovators.

Space week

Each year, our school celebrates an exciting and immersive Space Week, where children across school take part in inspiring cross-curricular learning linked to a different annual theme. Space Week encourages pupils to explore science, creativity, engineering and the arts whilst developing their curiosity about the universe and the world beyond Earth.

Every year brings a new focus, allowing children to experience space and science through a variety of creative and engaging approaches. This year’s theme was Art and Space, where pupils combined scientific thinking with artistic expression to produce imaginative and meaningful work. Creative approaches to science learning are increasingly recognised for helping children engage more deeply with scientific ideas and exploration. 

Throughout the week, year groups explored artists, films and creative media connected to space and the universe:

• Reception children studied Vincent van Gogh and recreated The Starry Night, using colour and texture to represent the night sky.

• Year 5 pupils explored the work of Peter Thorpe and designed vibrant rocket paintings inspired by his imaginative space art.

• Year 6 used the film WALL-E as inspiration for perspective artwork, contrasting a thriving, healthy Earth with a world damaged by human impact. This encouraged thoughtful discussion about sustainability, environmental responsibility and the future of our planet.

Space Week provides opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively, think creatively and apply their scientific understanding in exciting new ways. Across school, children engage in hands-on investigations, art projects, design challenges and discussions that develop both scientific knowledge and imagination.

By combining science with creativity, Space Week helps children see that science is not just about facts and experiments - it is also about innovation, curiosity and imagining the possibilities of the future.

AWARDS WE HAVE WON 

Year 5 pupils at IQRA Academy, won the National Primary Innovation Award from the Business of Science Conference with their creative solution to air pollution.

The students’ innovative idea, which would see pollution meters on traffic lights in the streets of Bradford, was one of many national entries entered in the awards across three categories. Primary, secondary and people aged over 18 from across the UK were asked to propose their big science dream for fixing a real-world problem. Entries were judged on the ambition, design and positive change the idea would create for society and shortlisted entrants were invited to present their ideas at the conference in Edinburgh, with the finalists announced at the close of the conference.

We have also been accredited the PSQM Outreach award.

The projects we have taken part in 

Key Stage 1 and 2 had an after school CREST awards club.

We worked with IVE on applied creativity labs for two years. This included children taking part in STEM career days as well as taking part in a 10-week course to create their very own invention to reduce air pollution on the streets of Bradford. Our children then got a dedicated page on the Bradford council website. 

Bradford Council and IQRA: Thinking Eco-nomically