Science

Strategic Intent for Science department.

To develop a curriculum which:

• Is thoughtfully sequenced, using research into how pupils learn, so they are inspired to learn new material in a meaningful manner and develop their understanding.

• In Science we understand the preconceptions that pupils bring to science lessons and discuss with pupils at the start of new topics. Lessons are engaging and relevant to build on prior knowledge. Pupils’ develop thinking through cognitive conflict and discussion to inspire pupils to develop their understanding of science.

• Making links between pupils’ experiences in the community and locality to concepts within the science curriculum aids the development of cognitive pathways.

• As a department we enhance knowledge and understanding of careers through the delivery of the curriculum. Opportunities are provided in lessons to educate pupils on different careers linked to science.

• The development of technical vocabulary is a priority in science. Retrieval incorporates recall of key terminology on a regular basis. A variety of word rich strategies aim to encourage a fascination with words.

• Regular opportunities are built into the curriculum for pupils to check their understanding. We use modelling to help pupils develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, explicitly teaching pupils about models and encouraging pupils to critique them.

• Feedback is provided in line with Hillside feedback policy. Acceleration is built in to allow pupils time to reflect on learning following any assessment. Pupils receive regular feedback and use this to correct errors in their thinking and strengthen their understanding.

• In science we aim to provide pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding to be healthy, safe and responsible young adults. We have an RSE programme which meets all statutory guidance. We provide ample opportunities throughout the KS3 and KS4 curriculum to teach healthy lifestyles, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and environmental and sustainability issues.

Curriculum Principles

• We prioritise depth of knowledge. We identify the core knowledge within each unit that pupils need in order to master the subject.

• We have high expectations of the development of literacy, numeracy skills and we promote reading across both key stages.

• The use of up-to-date research, current scientific developments and news articles makes learning relevant.Links to local community and local science-based organisations are included in the curriculum in additional to National and Worldwide organisations and events e.g. World Space Week and British Science Week.

We thread careers information, with a focus on STEM careers, throughout the curriculum; consistently promoting high aspirations for our young people.

• We use extracts from scientific texts to enhance knowledge and encourage reading.There is an ample supply of reading material in laboratories that can capture pupils’ interests.

• The science department has high standards and expectations of pupil’s communication both verbal and written.

• We develop cross-curricular links making connections with other subjects and strengthening understanding of key scientific concepts.

Course Content

Key Stage 3 Pathways:

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are delivered in units across each year which incorporate scientific enquiry. Pupils study Key Stage Three Science across Years 7, 8 and 9.

Key Stage 4 Pathways:

We follow the AQA Science Trilogy and AQA Separate Science GCSE courses. Pupils study Key Stage 4 Science in Years 10 and 11.

Enrichment

The science department offers opportunities to visit higher and further education establishments including Liverpool University. Visitors and guest speakers are invited in to work with and speak to pupils about higher education.Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in STEM trips and activities, working with other schools and developing their wider understanding of those subject areas. British Science Week and World Space Week incorporates competitions, activities, alternative classroom activities and community nights.

Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare

The Science department promotes a positive, safe learning environment where pupils are supported to develop social, moral, spiritual and cultural wellbeing. Throughout the Science curriculum we aim to educate our pupils to make informed choices in their lives to keep themselves healthy and safe, and to develop life skills which will enable them to make a positive contribution to the wider community. Personal Development is delivered throughout both KS3 and KS4. In addition to following National Curriculum lessons, our curriculum is enhanced to deliver a number of RSE topics. Additionally, we have incorporated Career links into our schemes of learning to promote opportunities for pupils to engage with future employability and career options.

The Science department communicates the whole school ethos of “excellence in the heart of the community” in all interactions with pupils. The department’s focus is one of excellence in teaching and learning so that pupils make the best progress that they are able to.

You can find more granular detail of each of our three whole school curriculum intent strands, Knowledge Led, Reading is Power and Diverse Opportunities here:
K​nowledge Led

R​eading is Power

D​iverse Opportunities

Y​ou can find out more information on the sequencing of our curriculum and what is being studied in each term here:

L​earning Journey

P​arents and pupils will find the following Journey of Knowledge overviews useful as they outline the core content to be learnt in each KS3 unit: