Science

As a member of Northern Ambition Academies Trust, we ensure that our curriculum is ambitious, rich in skills and knowledge, develops independent learning, promotes curiosity alongside incorporating the Trust’s values of Ambition, Bravery and Respect.

“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated” Rosalind Franklin

• Students leave Airedale Academy with inquisitive, enquiring minds, in which they have an ability to think logically through a problem.
• Students will have a rich and deep knowledge of how the world around them works, which is free from misconceptions.
• Students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to novel situations that they encounter.
• Students will be ambitious and will be equipped with the skills and understanding they need to progress into a science field of their choosing at further education (and ultimately higher education) to become good scientists.
• Students will be brave and can problem-solve creatively and use their way of thinking to question what people tell them (including teachers).
• Students will be respectful and will be open to new, alternative ideas that challenge their way of thinking and have the courage to change their minds on ideas and try again.
• Students will follow the national curriculum in KS3 and KS4.

• The science curriculum is a spiralling 5-year curriculum that builds on previous knowledge and understanding as far back as KS1.
• The curriculum is built on ‘10 Big Ideas’ from science and uses cognitive load theory to introduce new concepts and skills at the right time for maximum impact.
• Starts of lessons will recall previous knowledge through ‘Do It Now’ tasks that retrieves previous knowledge.
• Airedale Academy’s Teaching and Learning sequence will be used to maximise learning.
• Draw on experiences to explain natural phenomena
• Feedback has been adapted to ensure students receive regular feedback through Whole Class Feedback after each Response Time, assessing different aspects of the course and skill-sets.
• Staff undertake regular CPD opportunities to ensure they have a good subject knowledge. Further support is provided for our teachers teaching outside their main area of expertise.
• Staff will use subject-specific terminology frequently in order for students to develop their own scientific vocabulary.
• The curriculum will be enriched through ‘Drop Everything and Read’ (DEAR) articles that promote a love of reading and learning.

• Students will leave Airedale Academy more confident in their skills, knowledge and understanding. Students will be able to apply the scientific method to a range of different
• Students will be able to produce work, which demonstrates sophisticated answers and an understanding of how the world around them works.
• Students will make significant progress from their starting points.
• Students’ understanding will be void of misconceptions.
• Students will be ready for their next stage in their education.