Science curriculum

Science: Curriculum and Teaching

At Park Lane School, we believe that all pupils should have access to a meaningful, ambitious and inclusive Science curriculum that develops their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through Biology, Chemistry and Physics, pupils explore and investigate the natural and physical world in ways that are relevant, engaging and accessible.

Science is taught throughout the school from KS1 to KS4 and is linked to termly themes. Learning is organised around four key areas:

•Scientific Enquiry

•Energy and Forces

•Living Things

•Materials

Our Science curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners and is carefully adapted so that every pupil can participate, experience success and make progress from their individual starting point.

Teaching is personalised through pupils' individual learning pathways and includes:

•adaptive teaching

•practical, hands-on and multisensory experiences

•visual supports and total communication approaches

•appropriate scaffolding, modelling and repetition

•opportunities to develop communication, independence and problem-solving skills

•meaningful and accessible real-life learning experiences

Pupils develop their scientific understanding through observation, exploration, prediction, questioning and practical investigation. Key knowledge, skills and scientific concepts are revisited and developed over time, enabling pupils to build on prior learning and supporting progression, understanding and retention.

Through Science, pupils develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to their age, ability and learning pathway. They are supported to communicate and share scientific ideas, develop curiosity, build confidence and resilience, and become increasingly independent in their learning.

Where appropriate, Science teaching contributes towards pupils' EHCP outcomes, communication targets, independence skills and preparation for adulthood. Opportunities to apply scientific learning in meaningful, everyday contexts help pupils make connections between their learning, themselves, their environment and the wider world.

Achievement in Science

Achievement in Science is recognised through each pupil's engagement, participation, developing knowledge and skills, and individual progress from their starting point. Success is considered in relation to each pupil's learning pathway, individual needs and personal outcomes.

As pupils progress through Park Lane School, achievement can be seen through:

•developing a greater understanding of scientific concepts and the world around them

•becoming increasingly curious and confident when exploring and investigating

•developing communication skills and the use of appropriate scientific vocabulary

•improving observation, enquiry and problem-solving skills

•increasing independence and resilience during practical activities

•applying scientific knowledge and skills to everyday situations

•making progress towards individual curriculum targets and, where appropriate, EHCP outcomes

•developing knowledge and skills that contribute to preparation for adulthood

Progress may look different for individual pupils. It may be demonstrated through increased engagement, greater independence, improved communication, the acquisition and application of new knowledge and skills, and an increasing ability to transfer learning across familiar and new contexts.

By the time pupils leave Park Lane School, they will have developed a greater understanding of themselves, their environment and the role of science in everyday life. They leave with increased knowledge, skills, curiosity, confidence and independence, enabling them to continue learning, make informed choices and participate as fully and independently as possible in their communities and future pathways.