Science
Subject Intent
The Science curriculum at Whitehill Community Academy is delivered through weekly timetabled lessons, visits and trips. When designing the Science curriculum, the full national curriculum for Science was followed, ensuring that pupils are exposed to all of the aims and more.
The science curriculum at Whitehill Community Academy is designed to teach pupils the foundational knowledge, concepts and skills of the subject which develop curiosity and awe about the world around them. Curriculum design ensures delivery of the National Curriculum aims. It is structured sequentially so that pupils build their understanding of essential knowledge, processes and uses of science in the modern world. This enables pupils to distinguish between and make connections across the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. A sound understanding of these three disciplines equips our pupils with the knowledge needed to learn how to work and think scientifically, taking a rational and logical approach to their exploration of the subject.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop a sense of empathy and responsibility towards the world they live in, with an appreciation and respect for the environment and all living things. It aims to equip them with the knowledge they need to understand a range of real-world issues, such as global warming. Children are encouraged to think critically and consider the moral and ethical implications of advances in science, such as genetic modification.
The depth of knowledge gained will give pupils the strong foundations of scientific learning which not only prepares them for future study, but also helps them to understand the uses and implications of science for now and the future. Through working scientifically, they develop the ability to explore, question and form hypotheses independently, building resilience through challenging and adapting their ways of thinking to assimilate new knowledge. Pupils develop their skills within listening, reading, speaking and writing, and practise and improve their skills in lessons. They are made aware of opportunities for careers in STEM, broadening their horizons and raising aspirations for their futures.
In addition, the curriculum is designed to increase pupils’ cultural capital. Pupils are taught about key scientists from across history which challenge stereotypes, links to the knowledge being taught and helps pupils to consider the ethical and moral decisions surrounding scientific developments. They leave Whitehill Community Academy with a good understanding of how science has helped them to explain, develop and create the world in which they live, alongside instilling a sense of wonder and intrigue about natural phenomena.
Golden Threads
To enable our subject leaders to provide a robust approach to the Science curriculum, knowledge and skills are structured so that each term and year build upon one another. This is done by mapping out the ‘Golden Threads’ of our Science curriculum. Through mapping out the ‘Golden Threads’ we can ensure that pupils are given lots of opportunities to perfect their skills, knowledge and understanding.
The Golden Threads of ‘Science’ are:
- Working Scientifically
- Living Things (including humans, animals, plants)
- Habitats (seasonal changes)
- Materials (rocks, changing state)
- Forces
- Energy (light, sound, electricity)
