Science
Context
At Fairfield, Science encourages pupils to ask questions, investigate ideas and understand the world through evidence. Through biology, chemistry and physics, they develop knowledge of important concepts and learn to reason scientifically. We want pupils to become curious, confident learners who can explain phenomena, evaluate information and approach unfamiliar problems thoughtfully.
Our curriculum brings scientific knowledge together with practical enquiry, mathematical understanding and clear communication. Pupils develop their ability to use models, analyse findings and consider explanations, revisiting important ideas over time. This prepares them for further scientific study and a range of future pathways, while supporting informed participation in a world shaped by science and technology.
An Inclusive Curriculum
Our Science curriculum aims to give all pupils access to ambitious scientific knowledge and practical experiences. Clear explanations, accessible resources and purposeful support help pupils engage with demanding ideas. Teachers use assessment and knowledge of individual needs to address barriers, while reading, discussion and mathematical practice strengthen the foundations needed to participate confidently.
Powerful Knowledge
Pupils develop connected knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics. Important foundations include relationships between structure and function, the particle model, and energy resources and transfers. Practical enquiry, scientific models and mathematical application help pupils test ideas and interpret evidence, while carefully sequenced learning supports progression towards Combined Science or Separate Science at GCSE.
Assessment
Assessment combines regular checks for understanding with topic tests and broader formal assessments. Pupils demonstrate scientific knowledge, practical understanding, mathematical application and their ability to explain ideas. Revision lists and structured preparation help them approach assessments confidently, while teachers use the findings to identify misconceptions, plan improvement tasks and target additional support.
Feedback
Feedback helps pupils improve scientific accuracy, reasoning and communication. Teachers use questioning, quizzes, model responses and guidance on assessed work to identify strengths and address misunderstandings. Pupils have time to complete targeted improvement activities, refine explanations and revisit difficult concepts, ensuring that feedback leads to further thinking and more secure understanding.
Science
Expert Teaching
Teachers connect new scientific ideas with prior learning through retrieval, explanation and models. Practical investigation and guided application help pupils develop understanding, while visual demonstrations support skills such as scientific writing and interpreting graphs. Questioning and regular checks inform responsive teaching, enabling pupils to practise, receive feedback and strengthen their knowledge over time.
Literacy
Pupils learn scientific vocabulary explicitly and apply it in reading, discussion and writing. Articles, case studies, diagrams and data provide opportunities to interpret information and evaluate evidence. Structured talk and presentations help pupils rehearse explanations, while model responses support clear written reasoning and the accurate communication of increasingly complex scientific ideas.
Supporting Pupils with SEND
Teachers use Individual Support Plans and work with SEND colleagues to understand pupils’ needs. Thoughtful seating, adapted materials and varied explanations help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities access scientific learning. Support focuses on building knowledge across the curriculum over time, enabling participation in challenging ideas and developing greater confidence and independence.
Home Learning
Home learning combines reading, creative tasks, revision and examination practice. Seneca Learning supports Years 7 and 8, while Tassomai supports Years 9 to 11 with regular retrieval practice and feedback. Tasks shared through Microsoft Teams help pupils revisit important concepts, and teachers use responses to identify areas needing further explanation or practice.
Careers
Science develops enquiry, analytical thinking and the ability to evaluate evidence. Knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics provides foundations for further study and pathways such as healthcare, engineering, laboratory work and environmental science. Practical investigation, mathematical application and clear communication also develop skills that pupils can use across a wide range of future careers.
