Curriculum Intent
Ormiston Bridge Academy – Developing Scientific Thinkers for Life
At Ormiston Bridge Academy, our Science curriculum is designed to inspire, challenge, and empower all learners to become curious, critical, and confident scientific thinkers. Rooted in our vision of “Developing Scientific Thinkers for Life,” we aim to provide a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to engage meaningfully with science in their everyday lives and future careers.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is underpinned by the belief that science is a powerful tool for understanding and shaping the world. We aim to:
Implementation
Our curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time. It is structured around the AQA KS3 and KS4 Science frameworks, with clear progression from foundational concepts to more complex ideas.
Key Stage 3
We follow the AQA KS3 Science syllabus, organised into 10 “Big Ideas” (e.g., Forces, Energy, Organisms), each broken down into smaller, sequenced topics. Learners follow differentiated pathways based on prior knowledge and confidence, ensuring appropriate challenge and support. Each topic culminates in an enquiry-based activity focused on developing core scientific skills: analyse, communicate, enquire, and solve.
Key Stage 4
At KS4, we deliver the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy and Synergy pathways. Content is broken into smaller modules to support spaced retrieval, interleaving, and accessibility for mid-phase arrivals and students with irregular attendance. Key ideas are prioritised for their relevance, stickability, and foundational importance. Required practicals are embedded to develop scientific enquiry and procedural understanding.
Pedagogical Approaches
Assessment and Adaptation
We use a range of formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and inform responsive teaching. Diagnostic tasks and low-stakes quizzes identify misconceptions early, while modular content and flexible grouping support personalised learning. Data is used to plan interventions and ensure all learners make sustained progress.
Impact
Inclusion and SEND Provision
Our curriculum is inclusive and trauma-informed. We:
Cultural Capital and Careers Education
We enrich the curriculum by embedding STEM careers education and promoting cultural capital. This includes:
Enrichment and Cross-Curricular Links
Science learning extends beyond the classroom through: