Science

Curriculum Aims

We aim for ALL students to advance their understanding of the material and natural world around them. Students will develop their scientific knowledge and ability to work scientifically so that they can make informed life choices with both scientific and ethical perspective.

The social, moral, spiritual and cultural elements of our Science curriculum are the threads that interweave the main disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students learn about the collaborative nature of science through both practical work and the historical role it has played locally and regionally in our industrial town of Widnes: this is our heritage.

The Science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity; to be tactile and provide learners with an exciting experience of Science. Our goal is for ALL pupils to be aspirational learners who wish to continue their learning beyond the classroom. The desire to learn is enriched with opportunities such as Science Club, STEM competitions, Brilliant Club, homework projects and theme/context based personal development.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced and differentiated to be accessible and challenging to all. Understanding the structure and behaviour of our world requires competent numerical and literal transferable skills. Language acquisition and development is deliberate and perfunctory in our Science curriculum as is careful amalgamation with the Maths curriculum to enable cumulative development of analytical skills. The Science curriculum is littered with opportunities to practice high standards of both numeracy and literacy because communicating science, reporting science and explanation of science related solutions are vitally important in our lives, communities and the wider world.

The Wade Deacon Science curriculum provides an excellent foundation for further education and the vast variety of careers needed for social, economic and environmental development. Students value the importance of science in solving national and global problems and recognise, that through scientific enquiry, ideas can be revised as new evidence becomes available. Our students are the scientists of the future!

Key Stage 3

At foundation level, we believe pupils must experience a passion for Science. Our curriculum is designed to be fun for pupils and aims to emphasise relevant issues in current science whilst pupils learn the specific subject knowledge and skills that underpin their KS4 studies. We use the AQA Kerboodle suite of resources to support pupils in Science. Pupils receive a login when they start in year 7 and will continue to have access to online resources throughout their school science career.

Each science discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) is taught in periods of learning. At the end of each period of learning, pupils undergo a MAP (mini assessment point). Teachers provide bespoke feedback to pupils to help them understand if they are still developing their learning, secure in their learning, are mastering that period of learning or excelling in it. Homework is either bi-weekly or project based depending on the time-point in the academic year. RISE points and half termly rewards are awarded for outstanding or consistent effort, creativity and scientific accuracy and show teachers recognition of hard work and pupil achievement.

KS3 Science Learning Journey

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, students can choose to follow one of two science qualification routes:

Combined Science Trilogy (AQA)- 2xGCSE grades

KS4 Dual Award Trilogy Learning Journey

Separate Science GCSE (AQA) – 3xGCSE grades

The main purpose of the Separate Science GCSE is to enable students to develop a deeper and broader understanding of the subject. More content is covered in comparison to the Trilogy Combined Science course and there are more required practicals for the students to complete and be examined on.

KS4 Biology Learning Journey

KS4 Chemistry Learning Journey

KS4 Physics Learning Journey