Science

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: 

  • Foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning through engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking content. 
  • Develop scientific literacy, oracy, and metacognitive skills to enable learners to think critically, communicate effectively, and reflect on their learning. 
  • Ensure all students, regardless of background or starting point, can access and succeed in science through inclusive, trauma-informed, and adaptive teaching practices. 
  • Embed cultural capital and real-world relevance by linking science to local, national, and global contexts, and by celebrating diverse scientific contributions. 

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 

  • Scientific Literacy: Structured vocabulary instruction, tiered language support, and scaffolded writing tasks. 
  • Oracy: Debates, presentations, and discussions on ethical and topical issues. 
  • Metacognition: Retrieval practice, self-assessment rubrics, and guided reflection tasks. 

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 

  • Improved student outcomes and progress over time. 
  • Increased engagement, confidence, and participation in science. 
  • Positive student voice and feedback on curriculum relevance and enjoyment. 
  • Successful transitions to post-16 science pathways and STEM careers. 

Inclusion and SEND Provision 

Our curriculum is inclusive and trauma-informed. We: 

  • Use predictable routines and visual structures to reduce cognitive load. 
  • Provide multi-sensory learning and scaffolded tasks to support diverse needs. 
  • Collaborate with SEND specialists to ensure meaningful adaptations. 
  • Foster a safe, respectful environment where learners feel confident to take intellectual risks. 

Cultural Capital and Careers Education 

We enrich the curriculum by embedding STEM careers education and promoting cultural capital. This includes: 

  • Guest speakers, alumni talks, and career spotlights. 
  • Real-world links to local issues (e.g., Thames pollution, climate change). 
  • Celebrating diverse scientists to challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations. 

Enrichment and Cross-Curricular Links 

Science learning extends beyond the classroom through: 

  • Educational visits to museums, exhibitions, and fieldwork sites. 
  • Cross-curricular projects linking science with Maths, English, and Business Studies. 
  • Whole-school events like the Marshmallow and Spaghetti Tower Challenge to promote teamwork, creativity, and scientific thinking.