Intent
The intent of the science curriculum at Newton Abbot College is to develop curious and enthusiastic science students that seek to question and understand the world around them.
Students learn to use scientific approaches to help to explain these natural phenomena by:
- Developing a strong knowledge and understanding of scientific phenomena through hard work and apply this knowledge to a range of different scenarios
- Achieving their best through effectively communicating science, both written and orally and become strong readers in science
- Using specialist terminology with confidence, accurately and precisely, building up an extended science specific vocabulary so they can access texts both inside and outside of the curriculum
- Developing practical skills which allow them to demonstrate their understanding and applying their mathematical knowledge to science
- Showing respect for opposing arguments, to evaluate and question the validity of the science presented to them
- Having opportunities to develop the STEM skills needed to be successful in modern society (STEM).
- Having the choice of studying science beyond GCSE by achieving their best
- Having enrichment opportunities that are inclusive and develop curiosity, wonder and awe
In the Science Department teachers know each student well, adapting the implementation of the curriculum to cater for the needs of all students. All students are actively encouraged to fully participate in lessons by asking and answering questions and practising/developing their science skills through a range of activities including practical, written and mathematical applications.
We expect all student to take pride in their work and support students through scaffolded tasks ensuring all can access learning and use models to support understanding. We encourage students to have courage to challenge themselves students through the setting of high expectations.
Implementation
- Developing substantive knowledge – studying a range of big picture topics that include the key facts, concepts and phenomena that are essential to a good grounding in science
- Developing disciplinary knowledge – practical skills enabling students to know about how scientists work and how science knowledge is created, verified and tested
- Application of knowledge – be able to apply the knowledge gained to new and varied scenarios and evaluate what is presented
At Key Stage 3, we use the National Curriculum to build on Key Stage 2 topics, including; plants, animals, properties of materials, light, sound, electricity, evolution and inheritance, earth and space.
We use this knowledge to focus on the development of key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
We apply knowledge through a range of practical and theoretical opportunities to inspire students to be inquisitive about how their world works.
At Key Stage 4 students follow one of two pathways, Edexcel combined science or Edexcel separate science.
We use the understanding of key concepts learnt in Key Stage 3 to develop specialist knowledge across a greater range of scientific phenomenon and skills.
At 6th Form students can study one or more of the following courses:
- Applied Human Biology BTEC
- A-Level Biology
- A-Level Chemistry
- A-Level Physics
All these qualifications develop in-depth subject knowledge and skill allowing students to progress to University courses and careers in STEM including medical, engineering and further study of science.
Impact
- That students achieve their full potential and are successful in science.
- That Newton Abbot College’s students contribute to local, regional and national science agendas, events and strategies by having a thorough understanding of science and its place in the world; past present and in the future.
- That an increasing number of students go on to study science in further education and pursue careers in STEM including medical, engineering and science.
- That students have a full understanding of the role that science plays in the world and its contribution to solving many global problems.