The Science Curriculum at Westfield Academy 

Through the teaching and learning of science, we aspire to create competent and curious scientists. We encourage children to observe and ask questions about phenomena to help them better understand the world around them, and support this by providing practical enquiries and experimentation wherever possible to bring the topics to life.

The aim of our curriculum is to enable students:

• To hold a lifelong interest in science.
• See the benefits and opportunities provided to them by a STEM career.
• Be prepared for the challenge of A-level and BTEC study by securing a solid foundation.
• To become scientifically literate in areas relating to everyday life.
• To access and have the ability to critically evaluate data presented to them by organisations and the media.
• Gain transferable skills to use for themselves and future employers.

What do students learn in Science?

Preparation is the key to success and this is a driving force in the organisation of our curriculum. Our intent in Science is to prepare students for their scientific journey at school and beyond their school journey. Students experience a curriculum which supports them to gain a deeper understanding of the world they live in.

The Science curriculum’s aim is that it will enhance their understanding of life and will also develop reasoning skills. The curriculum also aims to enable students to recall and apply key knowledge and apply a structured and logical approach to problem-solving effectively.

What skills do students acquire?

Throughout our students' journey through the science curriculum, we reward their efforts and really celebrate their achievements. We want to foster positive attitudes towards attainment and build well-rounded and confident students.

We are proud to expose our students to a wide range of experiences in our curriculum that goes beyond the national curriculum to enhance their cultural capital, from coding robots to flying drones. We have encouraged students to see science outside the classroom through talks from the National Space Programme, physics tournaments for our female scientists and our STEM-based science extracurricular club.

At Key Stage 3 we carefully map out the science curriculum, to ensure that pupils’ science knowledge and their scientific skills are built upon throughout lessons, as well as enable them to use previous learning from science and other subjects to create confident and independent scientists.

In KS4, students study the AQA GCSE  in Combined Science qualification and have the option to study Triple Science if they are interested in pursuing a career in science. The GCSE builds on the Key Stage 3 curriculum and covers the National Curriculum Programme of Study for Science at Key Stage 4. 

Science in the Sixth Form 

In KS5, students have the choice to study OCR A Level Biology or Chemistry and the L3 BTEC in Applied Science. Both these pathways allow students to successfully  progress into careers in Science. 

Science is a highly valued subject that nurtures the development of transferable skills essential for the workplace. Science provides a foundation for many science-related and unrelated careers, such as: doctor, vet, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, plumber, nurse, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer, sports trainer, lawyer, journalist, computer games developer, marine biologist and electrician.