Intent

In science, we deliver an ambitious and broad curriculum that caters for all learners. During Key Stage 3 in science, we want our students to be curious about the world around them and be confident to ask questions and investigate a range of possibilities.

Our curriculum is designed to be sequential, building upon the learning in Key Stage 2 and enabling students to develop the necessary skills when working as a scientist. Vocabulary is very important in science, and we develop the amount of science-specific words learnt by students and ensure these are practised both orally and in written work.

Once at Key Stage 4, we build upon the key skills and knowledge learnt in Key Stage 3 and continue to master these and apply them to a range of ideas and contexts.

Implementation

We have a centralised spiral curriculum in Key Stage 3, designed to ensure the National Curriculum is covered with appropriate levels of challenge for all students.

We provide opportunities for students to prepare, practise and perform, enabling them to become great learners.

For Key Stage 4, we have a centralised scheme of work designed to ensure the AQA specification is covered from grades 1–9.

We improve and master the working scientifically skills built upon in Key Stage 3, while covering the required practical elements of the course.

Common formative assessment tasks are used to inform both teachers and students of level of understanding and next steps.

Clear focus on expanding scientific vocabulary to ensure fluency in both written and verbal answers.

Impact

During Key Stage 3, we want students who are ready for Key Stage 4 with necessary skills and knowledge to build upon and are 'GCSE ready'.

Students have high aspirations and enjoyment of science when leaving Key Stage 3 and students can achieve age-related expectations (ARE) or above and are fully prepared for their GCSE.

Once in Key Stage 4, our aim is to increase the number of students going on to study a science subject at higher education and to ensure students leave with the ability to question the changing world around them.

Curriculum Map KS3 Curriculum Map KS4 Handbook

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