The Aims of Science are:
At Arco Academy, our intent for the Science curriculum is to explore Science through a practical, hands-on approach to scientific study, that encourages them to develop a sense of enquiry and an ability to solve problems. Students will be able to explore resources that will inspire them to plan, conduct and evaluate experiments that will enrich their scientific knowledge of the world and develop their investigative skills.
We encourage students to:
ask and answer scientific questions;
plan and carry out scientific investigations, using equipment correctly;
know and understand the life processes of living things;
know and understand the physical processes of materials, electricity, light, sound and natural forces;
know about the nature of the solar system, including the earth;
evaluate evidence and present their conclusions clearly and accurately.
Pathway 1 will cover the three subject areas of Science – Biology, Physics & Chemistry. Following the Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) curriculum, which is designed for students aged 11-14, our students will embark on a journey of discovery and experience a curriculum that unleashes their full potential through asking The Big Idea.
The BEST resources are developed based on careful consideration of the best research evidence we can find on learning pathways, common student misunderstandings, and effective teaching approaches.
Pathway 2 will cover the full AQA GCSE Biology course – students will be entered into foundation or higher dependent on their predicted grades.
Pathway 3 will work through the ASDAN Science Short course. Due to Short Courses being multi-levelled, the focus is on completing challenges and skills development according to individual ability, rather than attainment at a specific level.
Lessons will be a mixture of teacher-led, group work, independent work and IT based projects, as well as cross curricular projects.
Please see our Science Curriculum Map for more information!