Science

Introduction

Our Science curriculum empowers all students to understand the world around them through a rich, coherent and knowledge-driven journey from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4. We are determined to create scientifically literate young learners who think like Scientists: using scientific theory and methods to solve problems, improve lives and shape the future. 
 
We want our chosen topics to inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong interest in science. We want them to develop and secure clear knowledge and skills across Biology, Chemistry and Physics during their time with us here. Over the five years, we revisit the big scientific ideas in increasing depth. We teach our students to understand how scientific ideas develop through understanding evidence, carrying out investigations and evaluating exciting scientific outcomes. 

During Key Stage 3 we build strong foundations for working scientifically including enquiry, data handling, evaluation and application. We learn about core concepts such as cells, particles, energy, forces, chemical reactions, ecosystems and Earth systems. 
 
When they progress to Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy or AQA Separate Sciences, developing specialist understanding across Biology learning about aspects such as cell biology, infection and response, and inheritance and ecology. In Chemistry, we study the atomic structure and the atmosphere around us for example, whilst in Physics, we learn about energy, electricity, waves and electromagnetism. This is simply a sample of the diverse learning embedded within our intended curriculum. 

We support our students to interpret scientific information and evaluate claims in media, health, and technology and as the world evolves, we want our next generation to impact changes for the better through scientific enquiry. We want to have taught clinicians, leaders who can address climate change and those who can pioneer medical breakthroughs. We are proud to say that some of our alumni have gone on to study scientific enquiry in universities such as MIT and Stamford.  

Our students love carrying out practical work and experimentation. They learn to analyse patterns, evaluate results and draw valid conclusions. 
 
Our curriculum is co-constructed across a team of experts to embed confidence and resilience through structured practice, retrieval and regular feedback. This enables our students to approach complex problems with curiosity and confidence. 

We work hard to secure understanding of how science drives innovation in an ever-changing world.   

How Science Supports Our School Values

We Co-operate
Our Science lessons frequently include structured discussion in the form of small group debates, or explaining concepts to a partner. We ask our students to explain ideas to others in order to clarify their own understanding and learn from different perspectives. Opportunities for real scientific collaboration where students analyse patterns and trends together mirrors real-world laboratories. 

We Pioneer
Our lessons at KPHS reflect the core of Scientific Method by encouraging our students to ask questions, test ideas and working to improve their findings. We encourage innovative thinking once students have secured the grounding of their scientific knowledge. We encourage them to build confidence as they acquire the tools to become pioneering scientists. 

We Belong
We aim for our students to see themselves in our curriculum and to connect to eminent Scientists in their real-life understanding. We teach Science through relevant and meaningful schemes of learning which incorporate health issues, everyday technology, environmental issues, medicines and local issues such as air and water quality. 

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in Science

Studying science develops scientific method, investigative reasoning, hypothesis testing and analysis skills.  These transferable skills are highly sought after by employers, helping students solve intricate problems, interpret complex environmental or technical data, and make logical, evidence-based decisions in diverse professional environments.

Career Areas Linked to Science:

• Healthcare, Medicine & Pharmaceuticals – using biological knowledge, data interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning to understand human health, develop treatments, and care for patients.
• Engineering, Technology & Manufacturing – applying physics principles, quantitative analysis, and design testing to build structures, develop software, and manufacture physical products.
• Environmental Science, Conservation & Sustainability – utilizing ecological understanding, data analysis, and hypothesis testing to protect natural habitats, manage resources, and combat climate change.
• Research, Innovation & Laboratory Work – employing the scientific method, precise measurement, and analytical thinking to run experiments, test materials, and discover new technologies.
• Energy, Utilities & Infrastructure – applying chemical and physical concepts to develop renewable energy sources, manage power grids, and maintain safe public utilities.

• Science Communication, Media & Journalism – translating complex technical information, evaluating scientific claims, and using clear communication to write articles, produce documentaries, or educate the public.

Science can lead to careers in the following Greater Manchester growth sectors:

www.gmacs.co.uk/engineering-and-manufacturing

www.gmacs.co.uk/beeline/digital-and-technology

www.gmacs.co.uk/beeline/health-and-social-care

www.gmacs.co.uk/beeline/creative-culture-and-sport

www.gmacs.co.uk/beeline/construction-and-the-green-economy

www.gmacs.co.uk/beeline/financial-business-and-professional-services

For more information about careers linked to Science, visit: 

Science - icould

After GCSE you can study Science at Rochdale Sixth Form College, Oldham Sixth Form College, Bury College, Hopwood Hall College, Oldham College and Manchester College

For further information about the Science curriculum, please contact: info@kingswaypark.org