The purpose of the science curriculum is to develop the Accrington Academy students scientific understanding so they can be scientifically informed citizens and, if they wish, pursue careers in science, or in careers that require some scientific understanding. To be scientifically informed requires a broad knowledge of scientific ideas, an appreciation of how experimentation and observation develop this knowledge, and an ability to think rationally and analytically when applying this knowledge in new contexts.
Here we explore these principles in the context of the science curriculum:
Entitlement:
The United Learning science curriculum covers the National Curriculum. We have added to the content covered by the National Curriculum, but we have not removed any content specified in the National Curriculum.
Coherence:
We sequence our units to introduce knowledge and new ideas in a way that begins with the simplest and builds to the more complex, including a range of vertical concepts developed over time in a variety of contexts.
Mastery:
Reviewing prior knowledge is threaded throughout all units, with concepts and skills revisited, built upon, and developed in new contexts.
Adaptability:
All lesson materials are editable, with advice included to help teachers adapt lessons to suit their context, including scaffolding examples and assessment tools to identify gaps in learning.
Representation:
A diverse range of names, images and scientists are used in resources throughout the curriculum so that students from all backgrounds recognise the relevance of science.
Education with character:
The science curriculum raises several ethical, culturally significant, or sensitive questions which students will want to explore in ways that go beyond the curriculum. We encourage teachers to respond sensitively to these and use their professional judgement to help students to reflect and have informed opinions on these.