Curriculum Statement - Science

Our Vision

To create an ambitious and challenging curriculum that provides all students, regardless of background or circumstance, with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to succeed in life, as well as a depth of understanding that will enable them to pursue science beyond key stages 4 and 5.

We offer a broad and deep curriculum that builds on the National Curriculum focusing on powerful knowledge, disciplinary knowledge and threshold concepts.  We believe that mastery of threshold concepts is integral to students accessing subsequent powerful knowledge and gaining a deep understanding and appreciation of science.

Our students will develop a passion and enthusiasm for science through science lessons, projects, competitions and the electives program.

 

Science Curriculum

We have identified the most important threshold concepts below. Our curriculum is designed to teach, revisit and build on these concepts throughout the key stages.

 

Threshold Concepts in Science

 

Curriculum Features

• Taught in specialisms where possible.
• Covers the national curriculum but focuses on identified threshold concepts (see above). More time is devoted to these concepts and a mastery learning philosophy is promoted.
• There are many topics we cover in addition to the national curriculum as we believe these topics can enhance student’s cultural capital and understanding of science.
• There is a large focus on understanding concepts through;

Explanation

Retrieval

Interleaving                  Formative assessment

Practice

Feedback

 

Practical Work

• There is always at least one of the following foci to practical work;
  • Improve knowledge,
  • Practice procedures and techniques,
  • Learn about scientific enquiry.

 

Co-curricula Enrichment

We provide enrichment for a number of reasons;

• To promote a love of the subject.
• To enhance student’s cultural capital.
• To teach powerful knowledge specific to science.
• Increase at uptake at KS4, 5 and beyond.
• Narrow attainment gaps.
• Promoting STEM Careers.
• Stretch / Challenge / Aspirations.
• Promote oracy.