Science

Curriculum Intent in Science

Intent

The intent of the science curriculum at Archers Brook SEMH Residential School is to capture our students’ sense of awe and wonder at the world around them, to explore science they see in the media and how it is relevant to their lives, whilst equipping them with the subject knowledge to achieve their potential in external examinations.

The science curriculum spans Key Stages 2, 3, and 4, culminating in the opportunity for students on Pathway 1 to sit their GCSE in Combined Science (AQA Trilogy 8464) (double award). Students on Pathway 2 will complete an Entry Level qualification in science – currently Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Science (NCSO).

During their science lessons, students will learn about key concepts and apply these in scientific enquiry activities, carry out practical investigations, reveal the science behind the headlines, and explore the many and varied careers in the science, industry, and health care sector.

Implementation

Science is taught as a core subject at Archers Brook, and is delivered as a spiral curriculum where complex subjects are introduced repeatedly throughout Key Stages 2, 3, and 4, building on prior learning and increasing in complexity and depth of understanding each time a topic is re-visited. The success of this model is reflected in our students gaining level 1 and 2 qualifications, including GCSE, at the end of Key Stage 4 and are ready to move on to further study at college, or apprenticeships.

Impact

Pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills across the subject curriculum and, as a result, achieve well. This is reflected in results from examinations, which meet government expectations of progress at KS2 and in the qualifications obtained at KS4.

Pupils are ready for the next stage of education, employment or training. They have the knowledge and skills they need and, where relevant, they gain qualifications that allow them to go on to destinations that meet their interests and aspirations and the intention of their course of study. Pupils with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes in the subject.

Science at Archers Brook

	HAT 1+2	HAT 3 + 4	HAT 5 + 6
Key Stage 2	Separating Mixtures Forces	Life Cycles Materials	Types of Change Earth and Space
KS3 Year 7	Cells and Movement Acids and Alkalis Metals and Non-Metals Contact Forces Pressure Variation	Human Reproduction Particle Model Separating Mixtures Earth Structure Universe Plant Reproduction	Interdependence Energy Costs Energy Transfer Sound Wave Effects Voltage and Resistance Electrical Current
KS3 Year 8	Types of Reaction, and Chemical Energy Breathing System Digestion Speed Gravity Inheritance	Evolution The Periodic Table of the Elements Elements Climate Earth's Resources Respiration	Photosynthesis Work Heating and Cooling Light Wave Properties Magnets Electromagnets
KS3 Year 9	Cells Microscopy Electricity Investigating the Resistance of a Wire Speed and Stopping Distances The Effect of Lifestyle on Health	States of Matter Domestic Electricity Mixtures and Separating Mixtures Chromatography Respiration	Atoms and the Periodic Table Purifying Sea Water The Earth's Atmosphere and Global Warming Radioactivity Waves The Digestive System
KS4 Year 10 GCSE	Forces and Speed Atomic Structure Bonding Cells, Cell Transport, Growth. Stem Cells and Stem Cell Ethics Metal Reactions Acids and Bases: Neutralisation Metal Extraction Electrolysis	Mitosis and Meiosis Retrieval Genetics Digestion Enzymes Electricity Resistance Power and Efficiency Energy Energy Transfer Retrieval activities	Respiration Response to Exercise Metabolism Photosynthesis Factors that Affect Photosynthesis Ecology Particle Model of Matter Density Changes of State
KS4 Year 11 GCSE	Infection and Response Waves Electromagnetic Spectrum Dangers of EM Waves Homeostasis The Nervous System Hormones and Reproduction	Rate and Extent of Chemical Change Separating Mixtures Evolution Ecology	Mock Preparation Mock analysis and address areas identified by the mock exams Retrieval of previous topics and consolidation of learning Exam Preparation