What matters most in Science
Everyone is a scientist. In a world where STEM technologies and careers are the most rapidly growing sector globally and an increase of misinformation in the media, it is important to equip students with the skills and knowledge to be critical of the world and to use appropriate evidence to form an opinion.
A high-quality science curriculum matters because it equips students with both scientific literacy and the habits of mind to navigate an increasingly complex, technological society. It empowers them to ask: How do we know this? What is the evidence? Could there be another explanation?
Scientists are:
- sceptical: question the ideas of yourself and others including those presented in the media
- open minded: consider all the possibilities
- curious: ask questions about the world around them (Why? How? What if?)
- creative: Engage in divergent thinking in order to come up with creative solutions
- risk takers: Express their ideas about the questions they have about the universe
- resilient: Persist in the face of experimental failure and difficulty in understanding concepts. Get excited when an experiment disproves your hypothesis as you are one step closer to finding the answer!
- humble: Seek people who will critique their ideas and learn from those critiques. Be willing to accept when you are wrong
How students learn in science and move from novice to expert
- Make connections between their existing ideas and scientific models.
- Experience phenomena through practical work, demonstration, and modelling, to see abstract ideas made concrete.
- Develop language and representations (e.g., diagrams, graphs, equations) that enable scientific reasoning.
- Practise applying concepts to different contexts, moving from memorising facts to using ideas flexibly.
What students must carry with them for life
- A grasp of key scientific concepts that help them interpret the world (e.g., the particle model, the idea of energy conservation, natural selection, the importance of biodiversity).
- An understanding of the nature of science itself—that knowledge is provisional, built through evidence and debate, and open to revision.
- A habit of asking for evidence and assessing the quality of that evidence before accepting claims.
- A sense of responsibility: that science gives us the means to act on the world, but also the ethical duty to do so thoughtfully and for the common good.
Prior Learning
The science curriculum builds on the Key Stage 2 science content and is based on six key concepts that spiral through the curriculum and are revisited each year where they are extended by progressively more abstract and complex concepts. Science also builds on the work students have completed in both Maths and English at KS2 and we are intentional with planning and delivery of both the thinking scientifically and mathematical skills needed for our students to succeed in our subject as they progress through each key stage. All students in year 7 will start with an introduction unit to build their understanding of how to think and work like a scienctist.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Concepts
The foundational knowledge in science is split into 6 key areas that are revisited from year 7 through to year 11. These concepts are: Organisms, Particles, Materials, Energy and Forces which ensure coverage of the 3 subject disciplines that are examined at GCSE; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These are taught using a wide range of techniques including building the essential science practical skills to see the subject in action.
Subsequent Study
Students at Post-16 are able to access A levels in each of the three sciences plus Applied Science within TWHF as well as courses at other institutions related to Healthcare, Engineering and Environmental Science. In addition, Grade 6 or above is often a requirement for A level Psychology courses. Across all sciences students continue to develop their working scientifically and numeracy skills. In addition, all Post-16 Science A levels require students to develop and evidence competencies in key practical techniques over the course of study.
Beyond Study
Science qualifications lead students to a range of careers in STEM and beyond. A Level sciences are well regarded by Universities for a wide range of courses.