Curriculum Statement - Science

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‘Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work.’ – Thomas Edison

Our Vision

To create an ambitious and challenging curriculum that provides all students with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to succeed in life and a depth of understanding that will enable them to pursue science beyond key stages 4 and 5.

We offer a broad and deep curriculum that focuses on powerful knowledge and threshold concepts. We believe that mastery of threshold concepts is integral to students accessing powerful knowledge and gaining a deep understanding and appreciation of science.

We aim for each child to develop a natural curiosity and passion for science through scientific enquiry and a wide range of enrichment activities.

 

Science Curriculum

We have identified key threshold concepts for our three disciplines below.  Our curriculum is designed to teach, revisit and build on these concepts throughout the key stages.

 

Threshold Concepts in Science

 

Curriculum Features

  • Taught in specialisms; Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
  • Covers the vast majority of the national curriculum but focuses on identified threshold concepts (see above). More time is devoted to these concepts and a mastery learning philosophy is promoted.
  • There are many topics we cover in addition to the national curriculum as we believe these topics can enhance student’s cultural capital and understanding of science.
  • There is a large focus on understanding concepts through;
    • Testing prior knowledge,
    • Explanation,
    • Retrieval,
    • Interleaving,
    • Spaced practice,
    • Practice
  • Interleaving and self-testing are a feature of the curriculum and independent study.

 

Practical Work

  • There is always a focus to practical work;
    • Knowledge,
    • Procedure and techniques,
    • Scientific enquiry.

 

Marking

  • Marking of the Threshold Concepts identified above (approximately 1 in 6 lessons). This may take the form of:
    • Retrieval (low stakes tests)
    • Extended writing questions
    • Practical or Data questions
  • Term 1 Exam
  • End of Year Exam

 

Co-curricula Enrichment

Our vision is embodied in the Laurus Trust’s four Cornerstones: Academic Aspiration, Leadership & Service, Culture, Creativity & Rhetoric and Competition & Physical Endeavour

We provide enrichment opportunities throughout the year in order for students to develop these qualities. Science enrichment also promotes;

  • A love of the subject.
  • Understanding of powerful knowledge specific to Science.
  • Interest in STEM Careers.
  • Understanding of the subject beyond the National Curriculum.
  • Oracy and Rhetoric.