Intent – What are we aiming to achieve through our curriculum?
- To develop our student’s curiosity in the world around them giving them the tools to ask questions and find answers through the concepts, processes and methods of science.
- To enthuse students by engaging them in practical activities that help them develop a passion for science.
- To develop the habit of regular revision and research using secondary sources such as reading books, articles, watching educational programmes and videos, and completing practical tasks.
- To make connections between science, other subjects and real-life situations.
- To develop students’ ethical, social and cultural awareness in a variety of ways based on practical and reflective tasks in science lessons.
- To ensure students leave The Valley School with a science qualification which reflects the best of their ability.
Implementation – How are we delivering our curriculum?
Curriculum Delivery
- Students will learn from a curriculum based on the National Curriculum 2014 and OCR Entry Level specification.
- The science curriculum is designed to challenge students at an appropriate level based on their individual stage of development.
- In KS3 Science is part of the topic-based curriculum. This encourages students to make connections between science and the other subjects taught. Students will also spend time exploring how science is all around us and how it links with students’ everyday lives. Students are predominantly taught science in their classrooms but on occasion they may carry out investigations in the science lab.
- In year 9 we begin delivering the units from OCR Entry level Science qualification which best support our topic-based curriculum. This transitions our students into discrete Science lessons whilst maintaining their understanding of science as part of their wider learning.
- The KS4 Science curriculum is taught in a fully equipped Science laboratory by a science specialist and a supported by a specialist science learning partner. Students have four science lessons a week, some of which may be double lessons. All students in KS4 can gain an accreditation in Entry Level Science.
Teaching and Learning
- In Year 7, 8 and 9, students are taught by their class teacher and are supported by the Head of Science.
- Our year 10 and 11 students are taught by a Science specialist in our Science laboratory.
- Scientific vocabulary is taught explicitly and is supported through signs and symbols.
- Students’ study as a whole class, as small groups and as individuals depending upon task and learning needs.
- Practical tasks are modelled with an emphasis on transferable skills such as risk assessment.
Impact – What difference is the curriculum making to our students?
- Most of our students make better or expected progress in science.
- All students who attend Science lessons have access to a broad and balanced curriculum covering the 3 Sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics with a focus on transferable life skills.
- Our students know how to work scientifically and can apply these skills to everyday life; boiling, freezing, melting, separation, sorting.
- Our students are aware of the parts of their bodies and how to care for themselves.
- Students become more caring individuals by learning how to look after the world around us.
- Our students feel better prepared for post-16 education as our science curriculum encourages students to work in different situations and teaches them skills for life after The Valley.
