Science

 

Science Subject Lead: Jane Adcock

Science is an important part of the curriculum as it stands as one of the core subjects. It is taught at our school within the guidelines of the National Curriculum and in liaison with the pupil’s ‘home school’. The National Curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics,
  • develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them,
  • are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Intent

Our school works hard to make lessons engaging and whenever possible set in a practical context. Science is best taught by pupils answering questions through exploration and collaboration. Where pupils have missed parts of their learning we try and fill these gaps and build upon what they already know. Pupils receiving support from our outreach service are supported in collaboration with their home school and closely follow exam specifications. Alongside this we hope to give pupils a sense of achievement through the AQA Unit Award Scheme when certification is awarded for units of study.

Implementation

  • Lessons are often practical and will fit with current learning,
  • Access to excellent teaching resources from other secondary schools,
  • Pupils are always encouraged to read during lessons and vocabulary is emphasised,
  • Pupils will have the opportunity to explore avenues of interest,
  • Science weeks allow for across sites focus,
  • Mathematics will often be incorporated into a lesson,
  • Access to outdoor spaces allows for meaningful learning particularly for younger years and delivery of parts of the biology curriculum,
  • All of the three disciplines are taught up to GCSE level with accompanying AQA Unit Awards

Impact

Science is fundamental to our understand of the world around us and our place within it. All pupils should have the opportunity to explore and find pleasure and wonder in this subject. Our school promotes and supports pupils in doing so, whether taught in hospitals, at home or at our outreach centre. Pupils have made good progress at all levels and some achieved good passes at GCSE, going on to study science at A level. Pupils have found a sense of achievement and pride in their learning through certification.