Sandy Secondary School | Curriculum

Achieving Excellence Beyond Belief

Subject Name: Science

Science Department Staff List:

Department Vision & Ethos

INTENT

It is our intent…..

To equip students with problem solving ability they need to move forward with all of their subjects and in wider life.
We aim to introduce students to methods of identifying patterns, investigating variables and placing the scientific phenomena studied in lessons into relatable contexts for the students.

We aim to expand student knowledge to be able to explain basic scientific concepts, and expand upon ideas that they may have encountered previously.

We aim to enhance students investigative and practical skills to enable them to carry out experiments in a safe and controlled manner and understand the need to do so.

We aim to expand student thinking and challenge preconceived ideas, encouraging them to develop their own opinions, be able to justify these and broaden their own cultural capitol, particularly in relation to areas of ethical and moral controversy within the subject.

We aim to develop knowledge, inspire and enthuse, creating “awe and wonder”, encouraging students to question, query and analyse

Allow students to form their own opinions of the world around them and challenge pre conceived notions or those brought about through the spread of misinformation.

IMPLEMENTATION

How the curriculum is implemented:

IMPACT

What can be expected by the end of each key stage (for KS4 this will the end of course)

By the end KS3…

Students will be prepared for KS4 science, with a basic understanding of practical methods, and a base knowledge of scientific processes.
Students will have had some practice at answering both short and longer answer questions based around theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge, and be prepared to build on that moving into KS4.
Students will have a grasp of key terms and will have had practice describing key processes.
Students will have a baseline level of ability at data handling, be able to draw a simple table independently, and be able to draw a graph of a set of results.

By the end of KS4....

Most students will have achieved 2 GCSEs in science.
Students that wish to carry on with their study of science at KS5 will be prepared and able to describe common processes, structures and practical methods.
Students will be able to analyse data and information presented to them and use it to draw conclusions.
Students will be able to describe patterns and link that to the wider world.
Students will be able to establish cause and effect between variables (i.e. changing x causes y).
Students will have experience following methods and making appropriate suggestions for improvements to methodology.

By the end of KS5…..

Most students will have achieved a grade C or higher in their A level science courses studied.
Students wanting to study sciences in further education will have a solid foundation of knowledge, and be able to recall facts, describe and explain complex processes and be able to apply that to new areas of study.
Students will be able to comprehensively analyse data and review patterns, using them to establish cause and effect, or make suggestions as to further studies to carry out.
Students will be versed in their studied area of science and able to contribute to their chosen area of work or further study, by being able to communicate ideas effectively that are supported with evidence.