KS3
Intent
It is our intention at Harbour Vale school to develop trust, understanding and positivity through well planned, sequenced and engaging lessons. Our aim is to develop a curriculum which shows how science applies to the world in which we live, inspiring students to critically think about science and develop skills which can apply across the curriculum.
We aim to provide an environment allowing students of all abilities to enhance and build upon their prior knowledge in science, improving key academic and personal skills in order to have aspirations for the future beyond Harbour Vale School.
Implementation
In key stage 3 science students learn a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics knowledge, utilising and building upon their previous learning and skills from years 7 through to year 9.
Due to the differing nature of their placements, educational backgrounds and the time of year of which pupils arrive at Harbour Vale School; each child will start at the most appropriate step in the learning journey to give them the best possible chance of success in their future learning.
Students will be taught how to work safely, identify equipment and how to use the correct scientific method. They will explore scientific careers through discussion. Student’s knowledge and understanding is checked regularly alongside structured teacher feedback allowing students to reflect, grow and deepen their understanding in a safe and supportive environment.
Impact
At Harbour Vale School we endeavour to ensure that all students reach their full potential in science, no matter their starting point. Student progress will be measured through regular assessments as they move through their learning journeys.
Students will be able to work scientifically, think and challenge as a scientist and be able to reason and evaluate the world around them.
We aim to educate students academically and emotionally so they can prepare themselves for their next steps as they will know the options available to them regarding study, careers and apprenticeships; aspiring them to study science in the future.
Year 10 GCSE AQA Combined Science: Synergy
Intent
The Year 10 curriculum provides an ambitious and inclusive science education that develops pupils’ knowledge, practical skills and scientific thinking. Pupils are introduced to key concepts across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while developing their ability to analyse data, evaluate evidence and apply scientific knowledge. Learning is carefully sequenced to build understanding over time, with adaptive teaching and appropriate challenge ensuring all learners, including those with SEND, can access and succeed in the curriculum.
Implementation
The curriculum is delivered through carefully planned units that introduce new scientific concepts and practical skills. Teachers use retrieval practice, questioning and regular assessment to reinforce learning and address misconceptions. Scientific vocabulary and literacy are explicitly taught throughout. Oracy strategies are used to develop pupils’ confidence in discussing scientific ideas, explaining concepts and justifying their thinking, while providing teachers with opportunities to assess understanding and address misconceptions. Pupils complete the required practical activities, developing their skills in planning, conducting, analysing and evaluating investigations. Across the course, pupils gain experience of all 21 required practical activities that support understanding of key scientific concepts and prepare them for examination questions.
Impact
Pupils develop secure foundational knowledge and practical skills across all science disciplines. Regular assessments, including verbal responses and scientific discussions, demonstrate increasing confidence in scientific enquiry, data analysis and extended scientific writing. Pupils are able to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and are well prepared for the more examination-focused demands of Year 11.
Year 11 GCSE AQA Combined Science: Synergy
Intent
The Year 11 curriculum builds upon pupils’ scientific knowledge and focuses on securing long-term retention, developing examination confidence and preparing pupils for GCSE success. Pupils refine their understanding of key concepts across Biology, Chemistry and Physics while strengthening their ability to apply knowledge, interpret data and answer examination-style questions. Adaptive teaching and targeted intervention ensure all learners, including those with SEND, are supported to achieve their potential.
Implementation
The curriculum is delivered through a combination of final content delivery, systematic revision and examination preparation. Teachers use retrieval practice, low-stakes testing and regular examination questions to strengthen memory and address gaps in learning. Oracy is embedded through structured scientific discussions, questioning and verbal explanations, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding while providing teachers with ongoing opportunities for formative assessment. The 21 required practical activities are revisited through practical work, recall activities and examination questions to ensure pupils understand the methods, variables, data analysis and evaluation skills required for assessment. Pupils complete regular topic tests, mock examinations and structured revision activities in preparation for the four AQA Combined Science: Synergy GCSE examination papers.
Impact
Pupils demonstrate strong retention of scientific knowledge and are able to confidently apply their understanding to a range of examination contexts. Assessment outcomes, including verbal questioning, mock examinations and GCSE results, show that pupils are prepared for the demands of the four final examination papers. Pupils leave the course with the scientific knowledge, practical understanding and examination skills needed for further study and future success.
GCSE Combined Science: Synergy KS4 Learning Journey