Science
The intention of our Science curriculum is to:
Ensure every single pupil fulfils their Scientific potential and is equipped with the tools they need to enrich their lives with a lifelong love of Science.
We believe that every child has the right to thrive, enjoy and benefit from studying Science!
We aim to provide a curriculum that stimulates the natural curiosity of all learners from all backgrounds. Enrichment opportunities are available for all pupils and are a key part of developing a life-long love of scientific learning.
Our Science curriculum is implemented by:
A team of dedicated, specialist teachers!
We deliver the Ark Mastery curriculum in Years 7-9, enriched with our own in house positive homework system and Seneca intelligent online learning system. We promote an investigative approach to Science, re-enforced with a rigorous support system of knowledge organisers, personalised learning checklists and thorough feedback systems.
Year 9 is a foundational step towards GCSE study with students receiving a thorough grounding in essential units including: cells, transport systems, tissues and organ systems, atoms, bonding, structure and the Periodic Table, particle, matter, radiation and energy.
This preparatory work provides a strong basis for our GCSE programme. At KS4, we follow the AQA syllabus supported by the Ark Mastery Pilot curriculum for 2023 onwards.
Our curriculum implementation is supported by a local STEM network that provides ongoing training and CPD opportunities. The Stimulating Physics network also supports our work.
Students’ progress in learning is judged using assessment for learning and the use of end of unit synoptic tests. All pupils have access to Tassomai, a system which provides instant feedback, and which develops independent learning strategies. Question level analysis is built into our tracking systems meaning precise skills and knowledge can be targeted to next steps objectives.
The impact of our Science curriculum is:
For students to leave school with a strong grasp of the Scientific concepts that they will need to draw on in every day live, as well have having the opportunity to progress into further areas of scientific study Post 16 where this is their chosen progression route.
We believe in impact beyond the classroom also and aim for every student to have taken part in any one of a number of Scientific extra-curricular opportunities. These include but are not limited to:
Trips to CEFAS with our gifted separate science students to look at how they operate on a globally significant scale.
Trips to CERN in Geneva for pupils to see first-hand how the largest Physics experiment in history is organised.
Trips to Iceland to see the key Geological formations.
STEM days linking with Bournemouth and Southampton Universities.
Visits to the BMA medical experience, Ejector Seat Design challenge at Yeovilton Air Museum and the Tank Challenge at Bovington.
Science clubs include the CREST group and the ECO group.
Key Stage 4 Assessment
We deliver AQA specifications in both the Double Award (“Trilogy”) and separate Sciences
GCSE Specification
Click to view GCSE specification- Combined Science
Click to view GCSE specification- Biology