Secondary Pathways – Key Stage 3 Science curriculum map

Our aim in science is to provide young people with an understanding and appreciation of the world around us. We seek to develop enquiring minds and a scientific literacy that young people can draw on in the future, together with a sound knowledge of the course content. We seek to enable learners to fulfil their potential with personalised learning.

Intent - Why?

• Develop the understanding of the scientific process
• Develop a working knowledge of fundamental scientific concepts
• Develop scientific language and critical thinking
• Understand and describe the world and universe around them
• Develop problem-solving skill
• Develop future scientists

Implementation – How?

As part of Secondary Pathways, the young people who are members of our KS3 group follow a bespoke course that focuses on key themes of the science curriculum. We seek to support learners who may previously have missed significant amounts of formal schooling, and who may continue to have sporadic attendance, to develop their knowledge and understanding and support their future transition to KS4 and other settings. We run a two-year rolling programme of study to ensure that young people are engaging with new material irrespective of the duration they are with us.

Lessons are planned to meet the sensory and learning needs of our diverse cohort within small group environments, aimed at building both the theory and practical skills for science, as well as their confidence in their ability to succeed.

Typical science teaching may include some or many of the following:

• Practical activities using a range of scientific equipment
• Questioning and modelling answers
• The use of mini whiteboards to demonstrate understanding
• Simulations and high-quality videos to help support practical understanding
• Quizzes

Impact – outcomes?

• Studying with us, young people have been able to discover an interest in the sciences and their ability to succeed in a subject many traditionally consider to be ‘hard’, thereby boosting their confidence;

Young people from Secondary Pathways are prepared well to make transition to other settings