Science Curriculum Overview
Click here to download our Biology learning journey.
Aim
Here at Southmoor Academy, we aim to securely equip all of our students for life beyond school as successful, confident, responsible and respectful citizens. We believe that education provides the key to social mobility and our curriculum is designed to build strong foundations in the knowledge, understanding and skills which lead to academic and personal success. We want our students to enjoy the challenges that learning offers.
Our aims are underpinned by a culture of high aspirations. Through developing positive relationships, we work towards every individual having a strong belief in their own abilities so that they work hard, build resilience and achieve their very best.
Intent
We aim to provide a high-quality science education that provides the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students should be taught essential aspects of foundational knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of core knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
The curriculum aims to ensure that knowledge is taught to be remembered, not encountered. The curriculum embraces learning from cognitive science about memory, forgetting and the power of retrieval practice. Knowledge for each unit is planned vertically and horizontally, giving thought to the optimum knowledge sequence for building secure schema.
The curriculum aims for pupils to:
- Develop scientific knowledge through the 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 answer scientific questions about the world around them;
- Develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry, problem solving and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and other environments;
- Develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Throughout our programmes of study, every attempt is made to make explicit links to careers and the world of work. In addition to subject specific links, we aim to explicitly reinforce the skills and aptitudes which support employers say are important in the workplace;
- Resilience (Aiming High Staying Positive Learning from Mistakes)
- Collaboration (Teamwork Leadership Communication)
- Creativity (Originality, Problem Solving, Independent Study)
The British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect of those with different faiths and beliefs are taught explicitly and reinforced in the way in which the school operates.
Sequence and structure
Our curriculum is split in to Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) and Key Stage 4 (years 10 and 11). Our longer school day and generous allocation of curriculum time ensures a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for success at KS4.
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Year 7 KS3 Curriculum
Click here to view the Year 7 Biology curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 7 Chemistry curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 7 Physics curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
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Year 8 KS3 Curriculum
Click here to view the Year 8 Biology curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 8 Chemistry curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 8 Physics curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
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Year 9 KS3 Curriculum
Click here to view the Year 9 Biology curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 9 Chemistry curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
Click here to view the Year 9 Physics curriculum intent for 2021-2022.
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
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Year 10 KS4 Curriculum
Our Key Stage 4 Curriculum
At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA Exam board, taking either Separate Science or Combined Science: Trilogy.
KS 4 Half Term 1 Half Term 2 Half Term 3 Half Term 4 Half Term 5 Half Term 6 Year 9 Cell Biology Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic structural units of all organisms. Comparing plant, animal and bacterial cells, including plant and animal stem cells. Investigating sub cellular structures using light and electron microscopy. Mitosis, stem cells and transport in cells.
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Development of the various atomic models from Dalton’s model to current nuclear model and the development of the periodic table. How atoms arrange themselves into elements, compounds and mixtures. Physical methods of separating mixtures.
Electron configuration, groups of the periodic table and bonding.
Energy
Energy stores, transfers and efficiency. Investigating specific heat capacity of materials.
Cell reproduction and transport Gas exchange and circulatory systems necessary for larger organisms such as animals. Structure and function are explored in depth.
Groups of the periodic table
Properties and trends of the groups related to atomic structure. To gain greater stability, atoms can form ionic and covalent bonds. These structures have specific properties relating to their structure.
Electricity
Investigating I-V relationships of different components, including graphical representations. Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits. Compare and contrast AC and DC current.
Health and Lifestyle Problems with organ systems such as heart disease and cancer. Transport systems in plants are investigated and compared to mammalian systems.
Allotropes of Carbon
Structure and properties of diamond, graphite and graphene. Nanoscience and nanoparticles are also explored.
Changes during chemical reactions can be measured using experimental techniques and a knowledge of moles. Masses can be calculated and used to balance equations.
National grid
How energy is supplied from power stations to homes and businesses.
Static electricity
Investigating static electricity and understanding the dangers.
Disease Relationship between health and disease, with particular focus on communicable diseases. Role of the immune system against disease and the development of medicines.
Energy changes in reactions
Representing energy changes graphically and calculating energy changes through bond energy calculations.
Chemical and fuel cells as energy sources.
Particle model of matter
Behaviour of particles in substances. The concepts of density and particle behaviour during changes of state. Internal energy latent heat and specific heat capacity are explored further.
Treating Disease Development of drugs, investigating effectiveness of disinfectants. Detecting and treating disease in plants.
Reactions of metals
Oxidation, neutralisation, investigating metals and hydroxides, preparing soluble salts from acids.
Gas Laws
Investigating the effect of temperature, pressure and volume on gases.
Autotrophs Photosynthesis as a key process in food production and factors affecting rate of photosynthesis. Respiration
The importance of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in cells. Changes in respiration due to exercise and the physiological changes that follow.
Titrations
Find concentrations of unknown substances.
Investigating electrolysis.
Radiation
Recap atomic structure and theories of the atom, develop further to explain the unstable nature of large nuclei and how random decay produces predictable outcomes in terms of half life. Nuclear decay can be represented by equations. Understand that radioactive materials must be handled following very strict guidelines and correct clothing must be worn.
Year 10 Investigating factors which affect the rates of a chemical reaction. Reversible reactions and equilibria. Uses of radiation
Comparing nuclear fission and fusion as energy resources. Details on reactions, control and future viability are explored
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Adrenaline and thyroxine in controlling metabolism. Investigating plant growth responses.
Exploring contact and non-contact forces using free body diagrams. Elastic energy changes investigated using springs and Hooke’s Law.
Sexual and asexual reproduction, the role of mitosis and meiosis. Determination of sex, gene expression and the inheritance of genetic disorders. Applications and implications of genetic engineering. Hydrocarbons
Refining crude oil through fractional distillation and cracking. Properties and uses of hydrocarbons.
Fuels
Uses and properties of carboxylic acids. Polymerisation of compounds with reference to biological molecules. Chemical analysis of substances to find oxygen, carbon dioxide, metal ions, halides and sulphate ions.
Quantitative Chemistry
Moments in levers and gear systems.
Motion
Forces on submerged objects are explored. Mathematical relationships are used to investigate speed, distance and time.
Future applications of genetics Cloning in humans and ethics of genetic profiling.
Evolution
Artificial and natural selection. Darwin’s theory of evolution and evidence for evolution. Factors causing extinction are also explored.
Classifying organisms
Early atmosphere
Causes of change in atmospheric composition. Human impact on atmosphere and how it may change
Supplying water
Purification, treatment and supply of water to populations.
Black body radiation
Investigating radiation by different materials.
The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety (ie: stopping distances and impact force calculations to design road safety features).
Investigating populations through random sampling and effect of abiotic factors using transects. Energy flow though ecosystems including decay and carbon/water cycles. Materials
Life cycle assessments and production of glass, ceramics, alloys and fertilisers.
Waves
Properties and uses of waves. Investigating sound and electromagnetic waves. Investigating light using concave and convex lenses.
Exploration of human impact upon environment. Role of biotechnology in maintaining biodiversity and food security. Quantitative Chemistry
Magnetism
Investigating magnetic fields. Practical applications of the motor and generator effect
Biology required practical elements Chemistry required practical elements
Physics required practical elements.
Year 11 Cell Biology Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic structural units of all organisms. Comparing plant, animal and bacterial cells, including plant and animal stem cells. Investigating sub cellular structures using light and electron microscopy. Mitosis, stem cells and transport in cells.
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Development of the various atomic models from Dalton’s model to current nuclear model and the development of the periodic table. How atoms arrange themselves into elements, compounds and mixtures. Physical methods of separating mixtures.
Electron configuration, groups of the periodic table and bonding.
Energy
Energy stores, transfers and efficiency. Investigating specific heat capacity of materials.
Cell reproduction and transport Gas exchange and circulatory systems necessary for larger organisms such as animals. Structure and function are explored in depth.
Groups of the periodic table
Properties and trends of the groups related to atomic structure. To gain greater stability, atoms can form ionic and covalent bonds. These structures have specific properties relating to their structure.
Electricity
Investigating I-V relationships of different components, including graphical representations. Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits. Compare and contrast AC and DC current.
Health and Lifestyle Problems with organ systems such as heart disease and cancer. Transport systems in plants are investigated and compared to mammalian systems.
Allotropes of Carbon
Structure and properties of diamond, graphite and graphene. Nanoscience and nanoparticles are also explored.
Changes during chemical reactions can be measured using experimental techniques and a knowledge of moles. Masses can be calculated and used to balance equations.
National grid
How energy is supplied from power stations to homes and businesses.
Static electricity
Investigating static electricity and understanding the dangers.
Disease Relationship between health and disease, with particular focus on communicable diseases. Role of the immune system against disease and the development of medicines.
Energy changes in reactions
Representing energy changes graphically and calculating energy changes through bond energy calculations.
Chemical and fuel cells as energy sources.
Particle model of matter
Behaviour of particles in substances. The concepts of density and particle behaviour during changes of state. Internal energy latent heat and specific heat capacity are explored further.
Exams Investigating factors which affect the rates of a chemical reaction. Reversible reactions and equilibria. Uses of radiation
Comparing nuclear fission and fusion as energy resources. Details on reactions, control and future viability are explored
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Adrenaline and thyroxine in controlling metabolism. Investigating plant growth responses.
Exploring contact and non-contact forces using free body diagrams. Elastic energy changes investigated using springs and Hooke’s Law.
Sexual and asexual reproduction, the role of mitosis and meiosis. Determination of sex, gene expression and the inheritance of genetic disorders. Applications and implications of genetic engineering. Hydrocarbons
Refining crude oil through fractional distillation and cracking. Properties and uses of hydrocarbons.
Fuels
Uses and properties of carboxylic acids. Polymerisation of compounds with reference to biological molecules. Chemical analysis of substances to find oxygen, carbon dioxide, metal ions, halides and sulphate ions.
Quantitative Chemistry
Moments in levers and gear systems.
Motion
Forces on submerged objects are explored. Mathematical relationships are used to investigate speed, distance and time. The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety
Future applications of genetics Cloning in humans and ethics of genetic profiling.
Evolution
Artificial and natural selection. Darwin’s theory of evolution and evidence for evolution. Factors causing extinction are also explored.
Classifying organisms
Early atmosphere
Causes of change in atmospheric composition. Human impact on atmosphere and how it may change
Supplying water
Purification, treatment and supply of water to populations.
Black body radiation
Investigating radiation by different materials.
The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety (ie: stopping distances and impact force calculations to design road safety features).
Investigating populations through random sampling and effect of abiotic factors using transects. Energy flow though ecosystems including decay and carbon/water cycles. Materials
Life cycle assessments and production of glass, ceramics, alloys and fertilisers.
Waves
Properties and uses of waves. Investigating sound and electromagnetic waves. Investigating light using concave and convex lenses.
Magnetism
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
-
Year 11 KS4 Curriculum
Our Key Stage 4 Curriculum
At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA Exam board, taking either Separate Science or Combined Science: Trilogy.
KS 4 Half Term 1 Half Term 2 Half Term 3 Half Term 4 Half Term 5 Half Term 6 Year 9 Cell Biology Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic structural units of all organisms. Comparing plant, animal and bacterial cells, including plant and animal stem cells. Investigating sub cellular structures using light and electron microscopy. Mitosis, stem cells and transport in cells.
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Development of the various atomic models from Dalton’s model to current nuclear model and the development of the periodic table. How atoms arrange themselves into elements, compounds and mixtures. Physical methods of separating mixtures.
Electron configuration, groups of the periodic table and bonding.
Energy
Energy stores, transfers and efficiency. Investigating specific heat capacity of materials.
Cell reproduction and transport Gas exchange and circulatory systems necessary for larger organisms such as animals. Structure and function are explored in depth.
Groups of the periodic table
Properties and trends of the groups related to atomic structure. To gain greater stability, atoms can form ionic and covalent bonds. These structures have specific properties relating to their structure.
Electricity
Investigating I-V relationships of different components, including graphical representations. Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits. Compare and contrast AC and DC current.
Health and Lifestyle Problems with organ systems such as heart disease and cancer. Transport systems in plants are investigated and compared to mammalian systems.
Allotropes of Carbon
Structure and properties of diamond, graphite and graphene. Nanoscience and nanoparticles are also explored.
Changes during chemical reactions can be measured using experimental techniques and a knowledge of moles. Masses can be calculated and used to balance equations.
National grid
How energy is supplied from power stations to homes and businesses.
Static electricity
Investigating static electricity and understanding the dangers.
Disease Relationship between health and disease, with particular focus on communicable diseases. Role of the immune system against disease and the development of medicines.
Energy changes in reactions
Representing energy changes graphically and calculating energy changes through bond energy calculations.
Chemical and fuel cells as energy sources.
Particle model of matter
Behaviour of particles in substances. The concepts of density and particle behaviour during changes of state. Internal energy latent heat and specific heat capacity are explored further.
Treating Disease Development of drugs, investigating effectiveness of disinfectants. Detecting and treating disease in plants.
Reactions of metals
Oxidation, neutralisation, investigating metals and hydroxides, preparing soluble salts from acids.
Gas Laws
Investigating the effect of temperature, pressure and volume on gases.
Autotrophs Photosynthesis as a key process in food production and factors affecting rate of photosynthesis. Respiration
The importance of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in cells. Changes in respiration due to exercise and the physiological changes that follow.
Titrations
Find concentrations of unknown substances.
Investigating electrolysis.
Radiation
Recap atomic structure and theories of the atom, develop further to explain the unstable nature of large nuclei and how random decay produces predictable outcomes in terms of half life. Nuclear decay can be represented by equations. Understand that radioactive materials must be handled following very strict guidelines and correct clothing must be worn.
Year 10 Investigating factors which affect the rates of a chemical reaction. Reversible reactions and equilibria. Uses of radiation
Comparing nuclear fission and fusion as energy resources. Details on reactions, control and future viability are explored
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Adrenaline and thyroxine in controlling metabolism. Investigating plant growth responses.
Exploring contact and non-contact forces using free body diagrams. Elastic energy changes investigated using springs and Hooke’s Law.
Sexual and asexual reproduction, the role of mitosis and meiosis. Determination of sex, gene expression and the inheritance of genetic disorders. Applications and implications of genetic engineering. Hydrocarbons
Refining crude oil through fractional distillation and cracking. Properties and uses of hydrocarbons.
Fuels
Uses and properties of carboxylic acids. Polymerisation of compounds with reference to biological molecules. Chemical analysis of substances to find oxygen, carbon dioxide, metal ions, halides and sulphate ions.
Quantitative Chemistry
Moments in levers and gear systems.
Motion
Forces on submerged objects are explored. Mathematical relationships are used to investigate speed, distance and time.
Future applications of genetics Cloning in humans and ethics of genetic profiling.
Evolution
Artificial and natural selection. Darwin’s theory of evolution and evidence for evolution. Factors causing extinction are also explored.
Classifying organisms
Early atmosphere
Causes of change in atmospheric composition. Human impact on atmosphere and how it may change
Supplying water
Purification, treatment and supply of water to populations.
Black body radiation
Investigating radiation by different materials.
The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety (ie: stopping distances and impact force calculations to design road safety features).
Investigating populations through random sampling and effect of abiotic factors using transects. Energy flow though ecosystems including decay and carbon/water cycles. Materials
Life cycle assessments and production of glass, ceramics, alloys and fertilisers.
Waves
Properties and uses of waves. Investigating sound and electromagnetic waves. Investigating light using concave and convex lenses.
Exploration of human impact upon environment. Role of biotechnology in maintaining biodiversity and food security. Quantitative Chemistry
Magnetism
Investigating magnetic fields. Practical applications of the motor and generator effect
Biology required practical elements Chemistry required practical elements
Physics required practical elements.
Year 11 Cell Biology Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic structural units of all organisms. Comparing plant, animal and bacterial cells, including plant and animal stem cells. Investigating sub cellular structures using light and electron microscopy. Mitosis, stem cells and transport in cells.
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Development of the various atomic models from Dalton’s model to current nuclear model and the development of the periodic table. How atoms arrange themselves into elements, compounds and mixtures. Physical methods of separating mixtures.
Electron configuration, groups of the periodic table and bonding.
Energy
Energy stores, transfers and efficiency. Investigating specific heat capacity of materials.
Cell reproduction and transport Gas exchange and circulatory systems necessary for larger organisms such as animals. Structure and function are explored in depth.
Groups of the periodic table
Properties and trends of the groups related to atomic structure. To gain greater stability, atoms can form ionic and covalent bonds. These structures have specific properties relating to their structure.
Electricity
Investigating I-V relationships of different components, including graphical representations. Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits. Compare and contrast AC and DC current.
Health and Lifestyle Problems with organ systems such as heart disease and cancer. Transport systems in plants are investigated and compared to mammalian systems.
Allotropes of Carbon
Structure and properties of diamond, graphite and graphene. Nanoscience and nanoparticles are also explored.
Changes during chemical reactions can be measured using experimental techniques and a knowledge of moles. Masses can be calculated and used to balance equations.
National grid
How energy is supplied from power stations to homes and businesses.
Static electricity
Investigating static electricity and understanding the dangers.
Disease Relationship between health and disease, with particular focus on communicable diseases. Role of the immune system against disease and the development of medicines.
Energy changes in reactions
Representing energy changes graphically and calculating energy changes through bond energy calculations.
Chemical and fuel cells as energy sources.
Particle model of matter
Behaviour of particles in substances. The concepts of density and particle behaviour during changes of state. Internal energy latent heat and specific heat capacity are explored further.
Exams Investigating factors which affect the rates of a chemical reaction. Reversible reactions and equilibria. Uses of radiation
Comparing nuclear fission and fusion as energy resources. Details on reactions, control and future viability are explored
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Conscious and unconscious response pathways to environmental stimuli.
Coordination and control in humans
Adrenaline and thyroxine in controlling metabolism. Investigating plant growth responses.
Exploring contact and non-contact forces using free body diagrams. Elastic energy changes investigated using springs and Hooke’s Law.
Sexual and asexual reproduction, the role of mitosis and meiosis. Determination of sex, gene expression and the inheritance of genetic disorders. Applications and implications of genetic engineering. Hydrocarbons
Refining crude oil through fractional distillation and cracking. Properties and uses of hydrocarbons.
Fuels
Uses and properties of carboxylic acids. Polymerisation of compounds with reference to biological molecules. Chemical analysis of substances to find oxygen, carbon dioxide, metal ions, halides and sulphate ions.
Quantitative Chemistry
Moments in levers and gear systems.
Motion
Forces on submerged objects are explored. Mathematical relationships are used to investigate speed, distance and time. The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety
Future applications of genetics Cloning in humans and ethics of genetic profiling.
Evolution
Artificial and natural selection. Darwin’s theory of evolution and evidence for evolution. Factors causing extinction are also explored.
Classifying organisms
Early atmosphere
Causes of change in atmospheric composition. Human impact on atmosphere and how it may change
Supplying water
Purification, treatment and supply of water to populations.
Black body radiation
Investigating radiation by different materials.
The applications of Newton’s laws are explored. Laws of motion applied ion context of road safety (ie: stopping distances and impact force calculations to design road safety features).
Investigating populations through random sampling and effect of abiotic factors using transects. Energy flow though ecosystems including decay and carbon/water cycles. Materials
Life cycle assessments and production of glass, ceramics, alloys and fertilisers.
Waves
Properties and uses of waves. Investigating sound and electromagnetic waves. Investigating light using concave and convex lenses.
Magnetism
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
How does our Curriculum cater for students with SEND?
Sandhill View is an inclusive academy where every child is valued and respected. We are committed to the inclusion, progress and independence of all our students, including those with SEN. We work to support our students to make progress in their learning, their emotional and social development and their independence. We actively work to support the learning and needs of all members of our community.
A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made that is additional to or different from that made generally for other children or young people of the same age. (CoP 2015, p16)
Teachers are responsible for the progress of ALL students in their class and high-quality teaching is carefully planned; this is the first step in supporting students who may have SEND. All students are challenged to do their very best and all students at the Academy are expected to make at least good progress.
Specific approaches which are used within the curriculum areas include:
- Seating plans to allow inclusion
- Use of differentiation in lessons including challenge and support, differentiated tasks and differentiated reading materials.
- Where possible, use of additional support from adults is planned and communicated in advance.
- Intervention strategies are used when required.
- Written and verbal feedback to stretch and support pupil progress.
- Ensure all resources are accessible to all pupils
- Homework tasks to promote literacy and independent study.
- Use of data to support planning
- Group work
- Questioning and class discussion
How does our curriculum cater for disadvantaged students and those from minority groups?
As a school serving an area with high levels of deprivation, we work tirelessly to raise the attainment for all students and to close any gaps that exist due to social contexts. The deliberate allocation of funding and resources has ensured that attainment gaps are closing in our drive to ensure that all pupils are equally successful when they leave the Academy. More specifically within the teaching of Science, we:
- Provide targeted support for underperforming pupils;
- Use data to identify gaps and underperforming pupils;
- Discuss strategies and implement these in order to address pupils needs;
- Provide knowledge organisers for all pupils to support with essential, core, substantive knowledge;
- Ensure homework is accessible and where needed resources and support are provided outside of lesson time;
Provide revision materials to pupils to reduce financial burdens on families.
How do we make sure that our curriculum is implemented effectively?
The Science curriculum leader is responsible for designing the Science curriculum and monitoring implementation.
The subject leader’s monitoring is validated by senior leaders.
Staff have regular access to professional development/training to ensure that curriculum requirements are met.
Effective assessment informs staff about areas in which interventions are required. These interventions are delivered during curriculum time to enhance pupils’ capacity to access the full curriculum.
Curriculum resources are selected carefully and reviewed regularly.
Assessments are designed thoughtfully to assess student progress and also to shape future learning.
Consistency, accuracy and reliability of assessments are validated through standardisation, which is then quality assured by the Science curriculum leader.
Members of the department mark for the AQA, OCR and Edexcel exam boards and provide CPD to the rest of the department to improve reliability of data.
Gap analysis is used following summative assessments to inform subsequent teaching, identify gaps in knowledge and plan more specific, targeted intervention if required.
How do we make sure our curriculum is having the desired impact?
- Examination results analysis and evaluation, reported to the senior leaders and the local governing body to ensure challenge
- Termly assessments-analysis and evaluation meetings
- Lesson observations
- Learning walks
- Book scrutiny
- Regular feedback from Teaching Staff during department meetings
- Regular feedback from Middle Leaders during curriculum meetings
- Pupil surveys
- Parental feedback
- External reviews and evaluations
