Science

Science Curriculum Overview

At Salmons Brook School, Science provides our students with a vital foundation for understanding the world around them. Our curriculum nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for evidence, helping students explore how scientific discovery shapes society, industry, and daily life. We aim to ensure that our learners—each with an EHCP and SEMH needs—access a broad, meaningful, and ambitious Science education that inspires them, develops key life skills, and prepares them for future learning and careers. 

Intent 

Our Science curriculum is designed to: 

  • Develop secure knowledge and understanding of key concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics. 

  • Promote scientific thinking, including hypothesis formation, enquiry, observation, experimentation, analysis, and evaluation. 

  • Build students’ confidence in applying scientific knowledge to real-world contexts, including health, environment, energy, and technology. 

  • Ensure all learners are equipped with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed for successful progression to Entry Level, GCSE Science, or everyday functional scientific literacy. 

  • Support personal growth by exploring themes such as the human body, environmental responsibility, genetics, and chemical safety in ways that are relevant and therapeutic for students with SEMH needs. 

Implementation 

The Science curriculum at Salmons Brook School is structured as a five-year programme that builds on key knowledge and working scientifically skills from KS3 through to KS4. Key features include: 

  • KS3 Curriculum: Students study thematic units across biology, chemistry and physics, such as The Human Body, Cells, Forces, Space, Chemical Reactions, Ecology, and Electricity. Lessons are enriched with practical investigations and carefully scaffolded to support cognitive development and emotional regulation. 

  • KS4 Pathways: Students progress to either: 

  • GCSE Single Science or GCSE Combined (Double) Science, depending on their readiness and needs. Both pathways provide comprehensive coverage of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with assessments that support a range of learning styles and abilities. Students develop a deep understanding of key scientific principles while building the analytical, practical, and evaluative skills needed for further study or application in everyday life. The choice between single and double awards ensures that all learners are appropriately challenged and supported to succeed. 

  • Entry Level Certificate in Science – covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics in manageable units, assessed through modular exams and coursework. 
    Both routes emphasise real-world applications, scientific careers, and working scientifically skills. 

  • Practical Science: From Year 7 onward, all students engage in hands-on experiments, observations and demonstrations that develop practical competence and foster curiosity and responsibility. 

  • Working Scientifically: Skills such as predicting, planning, measuring, interpreting data, evaluating results, and drawing conclusions are embedded across all year groups. 

  • Assessment for Progress: Formative and summative assessments inform teaching, with frequent feedback and opportunities for students to reflect and act on advice. KS4 students regularly practise exam techniques and complete full papers. 

  • Contextual and Inclusive Delivery: Lessons are adapted to individual need and include opportunities to explore science through personal experience, everyday phenomena, and therapeutic dialogue. 

  • CREATE Values: Science lessons reflect the school’s values of Community, Relationships, Enrichment, Aspirations, Trust and Education—encouraging teamwork in practical experiments, respectful dialogue, and aspirational learning about scientific careers and solutions to global issues. 

Impact 

Through the science curriculum, students at Salmons Brook: 

  • Achieve personal progress and gain recognised qualifications such as Entry Level Certificate or GCSE Single or Double Award. 

  • Demonstrate improved scientific literacy, including the ability to apply knowledge, interpret information, and work safely and responsibly in practical tasks. 

  • Develop increased curiosity, independence, and confidence in explaining and investigating the natural world. 

  • Understand the relevance of science in everyday life—ranging from health and nutrition to climate change and technology. 

  • Feel empowered to explore further study or training in science or related areas. 

Impact is measured through termly assessment data, engagement in practical experiments, qualification outcomes, and student voice. Ultimately, our success lies in developing learners who are scientifically curious, resilient, and ready to take their next steps with knowledge and confidence. 

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