Science at SRWA

• We want our students to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
• We want them to use new knowledge and understanding to explain these phenomena, predict how things will behave and critically analyse outcomes.
• We want them to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• We want them to develop as science communicators by using scientific vocabulary, to clearly and precisely articulate their understanding of scientific concepts.

The science curriculum is structured and sequenced in a way that presents students with opportunities to experience the key disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and working scientifically concurrently across their seven year journey at the Academy.

Breadth and depth of learning are achieved by revisiting the key concepts that underpin each discipline, developing the knowledge and conceptual understanding each time whilst challenging misconceptions. This facilitates the progression of our learners by attempting to develop a secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts, whilst embedding assessment for learning in order to identify any superficial understanding that would otherwise inhibit genuine progress to the next stage.

To support the transition of students from primary school and between each subsequent key stage, our learners experience working scientifically as either discrete units of work or embedded into specific lessons that integrate the skills required for each discipline. This consolidates the foundations of the previous key stage and prepares them moving forward on their science journey at the Academy and beyond.

The pathway to future scientists and citizens of science is clearly signposted and evidence ranges from the academic offering we have at KS5 and high quality enrichment opportunities, to the use of contextualised 3D learning outcomes in lessons.

The development of Science Capital among our KS4 and KS5 learners is enhanced by access to high quality independent research projects in collaboration with the Institute for Research in Schools, which provide links to leading universities and opportunities to present their findings to scientists from around the world. Students at KS3 also have the opportunity to attend a Science Club which is designed to develop that sense of curiosity and excitement about the world around them.