Science Curriculum | SewellParkAcademy

Science

KS3 Science Overview

Purpose of study [NC]

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Aims [NC]

The national curriculum for science 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.

The Value of KS3 Science at SPA

For our KS3 students, we provide the following:

Development of the practical and mental skills required to be a Scientist.
Exposure to Key ideas to give a broad Scientific knowledge.
Real-world, grounded context to the subject in the form of professions, “Big Ideas”, and application.
Help for students to speak like a scientist through effective modelling and literacy tasks.

Supporting our learner’s development

Big Ideas

To give students context and a sense of intrigue, in every topic, a student will be introduced to a “Big Idea” related to that topic. These ideas are something that isn’t covered on the National Curriculum but is regardless, an important part of the subject, either for its history, real world application, relevance, or just sheer fascination.

Academic literacy

Students will be given the opportunity to develop their literacy skills in Science primarily through the use of “Talking technical” tasks, where students create an extended writing piece on a topic using key words that they have learnt. This gives them the chance to practice writing, speaking, and presenting their knowledge of the subject. Each topic also includes a “Challenge task” which has students create resources such as posters, leaflets, and reports which encourage the students to consider aspects like audience and writing styles.

Professions

For each of the 20 topics taught across KS3, the students will be exposed to 4 careers that relate to, and require knowledge and skills from that topic. For each career, the students will see: a brief job description, responsibilities of the job, salary,and qualifications required.

KS4 Science Overview.

Purpose of study [NC]

Teaching in the sciences in key stage 4 continues with the process of building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

For some students, studying the sciences in key stage 4 provides the platform for more advanced studies, establishing the basis for a wide range of careers. For others, it will be their last formal study of subjects that provide the foundations for understanding the natural world and will enhance their lives in an increasingly technological society.

Aims [NC]

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 scientific enquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry, problem-solving skills and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other environments;
develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The Value of KS4 Science at SPA

For our GCSE students, we provide the following:

Further Development and refinement of the skills required to be a Scientist.
A deeper exploration of Key ideas to give a deep Scientific knowledge.
Real-world, grounded context to the subject in the form of professions, “Big Ideas”, and application.
A chance for students to master their scientific literacy through effective modelling and literacy tasks.

Supporting our learner’s development

Big Ideas

To give students context and a sense of intrigue, in some topics, a student will be introduced to a “Big Idea” related to that topic. These ideas are something that isn’t covered on the National Curriculum but is regardless, an important part of the subject, either for its history, real world application, relevance, or just sheer fascination.

Academic literacy

Students will be given the opportunity to develop their literacy skills in Science primarily through the use of “Talking technical” tasks, where students create an extended writing piece on a topic using key words that they have learnt. This gives them the chance to practice writing, speaking, and presenting their knowledge of the subject. Some topics also includes a “Challenge task” which has students create resources such as posters, leaflets, and reports which encourage the students to consider aspects like audience and writing styles. After some required practicals, students will produce a lab report to present their findings and understanding of the theory.

Professions

For each of the 12 to 18 topics for each subject, the students will be exposed to 4 careers that relate to, and require knowledge and skills from that topic. For each career, the students will see: a brief job description, responsibilities of the job, salary,and qualifications required.