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Intent

It doesn't matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn't matter how smart you are. If it doesn't agree with experiment, it's wrong.

Richard Feynman

Curriculum Rationale: Science
 

Powerful knowledge in Science – Why do we teach these concepts?

Our students study Science so they can better understand the physical, material and biological world around them. A good understanding of science is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens of the United Kingdom in the 21st Century. This means understanding…

  • The key subject knowledge in biology chemistry and physics, subdivided into the big ideas in each subject.
  • How scientists work, and how everyone needs to be able to understand and use scientific method in everyday life.
  • Why we need to think independently and sceptically about scientific phenomena in the world around us.
  • How all living things on this planet work in the same basic way and how all life on Earth depends on other living things.
  • How the materials around us are like they are. How humans have changed the world for the better and discover how science can solve the problems faced by humanity.
  • How the physical world works, from things that can’t be seen like the tiniest atoms to the entire Universe itself.
  • How by knowing how to take measurements from meters and experiments we can find out about the world around us.
  • How understanding and balancing risk and benefit effects everyone and every decision we make.

 These ideas mean that our students have the scientific capital to ensure that students are prepared for further study in science or employment at local or national level.

Curriculum Features - How do we embed the learning?

Our students develop understanding of science by….

  • Focusing on the key scientific principles that underpin understanding of the natural world.
  • Using assessment and low stakes testing to check and correct the misconceptions that students develop about scientific ideas.
  • Learning key facts about science and applying them to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
  • Understanding that scientists use evidence to make judgements and assess reliability of theories.
  • Showing how many people use science in their employment or as part of their everyday lives
  • Using experiments to ..
  • Develop understanding of the scientific approach to enquiry.
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
  • Learn how to use laboratory equipment and carry out standard procedures.

Using a consistent approach to teaching and learning, including thinking carefully about what we are teaching and why. This includes modifying our approach to science teaching for different groups of students.

Curriculum Enrichment – How do we link with other subjects and offer experiences?

The Science Curriculum has strong links to other subjects.

  • Mathematics- the use of maths skills to explain and predict events in the natural world.
  • Technology- through measuring the properties of materials and explaining how these properties arise.
  • Geography – by shared study of the science of the Earth.
  • History – by understanding and explaining the development of scientific theories over time.
  • We offer extracurricular experience to show students the wonders of the material world around them.