Science
Back to Subjects MenuWhat is the Intent of the Science Curriculum?
Science permits students to find answers about the world around them, to be inquisitive and ask further questions, to problem solve and have practical skills that are transferable in many walks of life. Students will gain greater knowledge about how the world around them works, develop skills to investigate, analyse and evaluate scientific ideas from a range of data sources including experiments. Students will become skilled in the scientific method knowing how to conduct experiments, collect and record data, present data in a form/s that are understood and communicate further scientific ideas using the language of maths.
From a range of sources and topics, students will be encouraged and taught how to critically evaluate the science, data, claims and discoveries, and be aware of bias and ethical considerations.
It is our intent in science to encourage students along this journey of discovery by fostering an environment in which asking questions, seeking answers and high-level communication is encouraged.
Rationale:
In Key Stage 3, students will follow a programme of study which has the scientific method and investigation at its core. Students will meet key scientific topics repeatedly throughout the Key Stage with the aim that they will have a full quiver of skills and key knowledge to make greater progress in Key Stage 4. The topic for each term will usually visit ideas in biology chemistry and physics and have a central investigation which build on the key skills required to be a scientist.
In Key Stage 4, students follow a programme of study that prepares them to sit their GCSE exams at the end of year 11. Building on the familiar key ideas met at Key Stage 3, students should be perfectly placed to make accelerated progress in this key stage as they work towards their GCSE. They will continue to meet new and challenging ideas, use the scientific vocabulary in reporting and discussing scientific ideas and developing mathematical skills critical to success in a range of areas.
Key Stage 5 is often about preparing pupils students for university and further study outside of this Academy. However, Key Stage 5 is also about further equipping students with critical thinking skills, the use of higher technical language and deeper mathematical skills that are transferable across a whole range of subjects and thus of great value to a student who does not follow a scientific career/path.
