Welcome to Oak Bank School’s Science Department
Broad, Ambitious, and Grounded
Our Science curriculum at Oak Bank is aligned with the National Curriculum, ensuring that all students are challenged and encouraged to achieve their potential. Through tailored teaching and practical experiments, we foster a lifelong love for science while linking key concepts to the world around us. Our enriched schemes of work are designed to prepare students for a range of qualifications, empowering them with essential scientific knowledge and skills.
Knowledge Rich
Central to our approach is a pupil-centred learning environment that builds resilience and navigational skills. Our curriculum provides a balanced and diverse range of learning experiences, equipping students with scientific theory, methodology, and practical application. Students develop the ability to explain natural phenomena and global changes scientifically, alongside a curiosity for advancing technology. Analytical skills are honed through observation, data recording, and drawing scientifically valid conclusions.
Intelligently Planned
We sequence our curriculum to build long-term knowledge, emphasising a cross-curricular approach that supports students’ educational journeys. At Oak Bank, Science lessons are meticulously planned to deliver foundational knowledge across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from KS2 through KS4. We offer AQA ELC qualifications and GCSE options at KS4, ensuring each student can achieve their potential.
Culturally Rich
Science education at Oak Bank embraces current global events such as wildfires, viral outbreaks, and climate change. By integrating these topics into our curriculum, students relate scientific content to real-world issues, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of science in a global context.
Reading Focused
Promoting literacy is integral to our Science curriculum. From KS2 to KS4, our lessons incorporate starter activities that encourage reading and writing. We provide support for students with varying literacy levels and maintain science labs with reading corners filled with engaging scientific books, further promoting a love for reading.
Context-Specific
We provide tailored support for students who may not yet be secondary-ready or confident in numeracy and literacy. Our approach includes regular opportunities for numeracy within Science tasks across different key stages, ensuring all students can access and excel in the curriculum.
Values-Driven
Respect, kindness, and excellence are core values embedded in our Science lessons. Through our behaviour management policy and ASPIRE nominations, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment where students respect diversity and strive for personal growth. Discussions on topics like the ethical use of stem cells broaden students’ perspectives and prepare them for making informed decisions in adulthood.
Underpinned by Rules
Safety is paramount in our science labs. Students are taught to adhere strictly to health and safety rules, including the respectful use of equipment like Bunsen burners and protective gear. Our commitment to safety ensures a secure learning environment where accidents are prevented.
Thank you for exploring Oak Bank School’s Science Intent. Our goal is to inspire and equip students with the scientific knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive academically and beyond.
