Our Curriculum

Science at Philip Southcote offers pupils a broad and purposeful curriculum that will show the relevance of science in ‘Learning for Life’. Through the delivery of Science, we introduce our pupils to the wonders of science that are so vital for our survival. Pupils learn by hands-on experimentation, questioning and research to ensure every pupil learns transferable skills and develops a love of science.

All pupils will leave the school with an understanding of the breadth of science. They will develop an appreciation of how integrated the natural systems of this world are and how important it is for us to care for our World.

Pupils are helped at every stage to reach their full potential. We use a range of technologies to aid their learning, from Bunsen burners to microscopes. These are combined with focussed teaching, clear individual objectives with regular feedback and guided practical experimentation where the pupils work in small groups. We also use the quiet garden, playing field and El Bosque (Our Outdoor Education Centre).

Our curriculum gives pupils an understanding of the Laws of Science and develops their confidence to challenge viewpoints. When they move on from Philip Southcote, pupils are able to take advantage of scientific advances, to improve their lives and to understand the major science issues that are facing our World.

Science is a cross curricular subject, particularly in the areas of Maths, PSHE, Humanities, Food Technology and ICT. We link with these areas where there is a merging of content, such as renewable energy – Humanities; counting and drawing bar charts – Maths; the adverse effects of drinking/smoking - PHSE. Thus demonstrating that science is not a ‘stand-alone’ subject: it is all encompassing and affects every aspect of our lives.        

Throughout Key Stage 3 pupils learn about key science topics, such as light and sound, electricity, metals and their uses, plants and animals. We explore how they work, their importance to us and how everything in the natural world is interlinked.

We work towards these aims using hands-on experimentation, questioning and research. Then through discussion of what was discovered and using facts from their experiments, pupils learn to deliver and support their conclusion. Real life situations are woven into topics to link these skills into all aspects of pupils’ everyday life.

All topics are repeated and broadened across Key Stage 4. We continue to build on the experience and knowledge the pupils have gained throughout Key Stage 3, encouraging pupils to pursue their own area of interest. Pupil’s achievements and attainment are recognised through the qualifications we offer from Entry Level Science to GCSE Biology.

Our aim is for all pupils to discover a love of science, appreciate its usefulness and leave school as confident and resilient young adults.

Science Department Subject Rationale

Science Department Learning Journey