Science

Throughout the Science curriculum at New Forest School we endeavour to deliver a broad, knowledge rich curriculum which encourages all pupils, regardless of their special needs, to be inspired by science.  We aim for them to understand its relevance and come away understanding the Big Ideas of Science which are:

• All material in the Universe is made of very small particles.
• Objects can affect other objects at a distance.
• Changing the movement of an object requires a net force to be acting on it.
• The total amount of energy in the Universe is always the same but energy can be transformed when things change or are made to happen.
• The composition of the Earth and its atmosphere and the processes occurring within them shape the Earth’s surface and its climate.
• The solar system is a very small part of one of millions of galaxies in the Universe.
• Organisms are organised on a cellular basis.
• Organisms require a supply of energy and materials for which they are often dependent on or in competition with other organisms.
• Genetic information is passed down from one generation of organisms to another.
• The diversity of organisms, living and extinct, is the result of evolution.

Our curriculum is designed to meet our principal aim, which is to enable every pupil to re-engage and achieve in their learning.  Our intention is:

• To have a broad, balanced, and holistic curriculum which provides a range of academic and vocational pathways (with recognised qualifications) to further education, training and employment whilst also providing therapeutic and pastoral support to enable them to develop as an individual.
• To provide every pupil with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the Universe, starting with the fundamental principles of Forces, Particles and Energy in Year 7 and then applying these principles to more complex ideas in GCSE such as Inheritance, The Atmosphere and Electromagnetism.
• To have a curriculum which provides academic challenge based on pupil’s prior educational experience and starting point on entry to our school.
• To have a curriculum which engages our pupils, makes learning enjoyable and is flexible enough to respond to the need for change and provide individualised programmes where required.
• To help pupils acquire knowledge, skills and practical abilities, including those of problem solving, teamwork and decision making whilst developing resilience to overcome hurdles, cope with setbacks and the self-confidence to try new things and learn from their mistakes.
• To help pupils understand the world in which they live.
• To foster the skills and understanding needed for the pupils to take their place successfully in modern British society.
• To understand and respect social, moral, spiritual, and cultural themes.
• To arm pupils with the knowledge of the careers that science can offer, from tree surgeon to doctor, hopefully sparking a lifelong interest in the awe and wonder that is the fascinating topic of science.

Key Stage 3: Science is delivered by subject specialists and given a high priority with the majority of students receiving 3 dedicated Science lesson per week.
Key Stage 4: Students receive 3 dedicated Science lessons, delivered by subject specialists.

We have also introduced STEM lessons for some students to further their science curriculum and link with other key subjects.

The curriculum map for English (topics taught by term/year) can downloaded in .pdf format

Depending on ability, students have the opportunity to undertake the following, nationally recognised, qualifications:

Entry Level Certificate in Science: Level 1- Level 3

BTEC Science: Level 1 – Level 2

GCSE Science: Foundation or Higher

Students benefit from a well equipped Science Lab for all their lessons which includes practical work stations, a PC per student, digital projector and sound system. All students also have access to an iPad.

Science for Key Stage 3 books: A series of books from Oxford University Press.
Kerboodle Online Learning Environment: For use by teachers and students within school
AQA Higher and Foundation Text books: Used within GCSE lessons.