Science

At Thomas Bewick School, we aim to provide pupils with the opportunity to understand the world around them by learning about themselves and their environment. Using guidance from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the National Curriculum, we have developed a high-quality Science curriculum that is both relevant and engaging. We want our pupils to explore scientific theory and recognise how it relates to the real world. Providing opportunities to actively explore and experiment will allow pupils to gain understanding and build upon their scientific knowledge and skills. Active learning will also facilitate the development of interpersonal communication and self-advocacy, and will contribute to enhancing the self-esteem of our learners, ultimately benefiting the development of the whole child.

The Science curriculum is delivered through the block teaching of units and through Engage and Explore Time; methods which have been proven to promote engagement as they allow pupils more time to practice skills and reinforce knowledge, allowing for deeper, sequential learning. Following objectives from national frameworks allows us to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, characterised by progressive steps that allow pupils to build upon their understanding at their own pace, thus recognising and responding to the diverse learning needs and abilities of our pupil population.

Science Progression Routes at Thomas Bewick School

Engagers, Explorers, and Steps into Independence

For pupils accessing an engager, explorer pathway, the science curriculum reflects the key principles of the EYFS framework. Teachers use progressive steps from the Thomas Bewick Learning Journal to help pupils develop scientific skills and knowledge at a developmentally appropriate level.

Pupils will be given repeated exposure to new experiences to help reinforce their learning. Staff will model techniques and repeat new vocabulary to strengthen their awareness of scientific language through direct instruction. Pupils will learn through play during Engage and Explore time, where they are provided with support to understand new and familiar substances, mixtures and natural resources, in and outside the classroom.

Pupils and students following the Steps into Independence pathway will access the ASDAN Personal Progress (KS4 and Post 16), ASDAN Exploring Aspirations (KS4) and ASDAN Realising Aspirations (Post 16) programmes.

Key Stage 4/Post 16 Steps into Work

KS4 pupils and Post 16 students will participate in projects throughout the academic year linked to the themes above, and will receive a certificate for successful completion of each project.

The ASDAN CoPE programme includes units in the following areas, which lend themselves well to incorporating scientific study:

• Introduction to Working with Others (in a team)
• Introduction to Improving Own Learning and Performance
• Introduction to Problem Solving
• Planning and Carrying out a Piece of Research
• Communicating Through Discussion (in a group)
• Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation

Post 16 students on this pathway will also follow the ASDAN Personal and Social Development programme, which promotes the acquisition of functional scientific knowledge through topic themes which focus on life skills, independence and employability.

The ASDAN Personal and Social Development programme includes units in the following areas, which lend themselves well to incorporating scientific study:

• Community action
• Healthy living
• Preparation for work
• Making the most of leisure time
• Environmental awareness
• Using technology in the home and community
• Personal safety in the home and community
• Working as part of a group

Students on the Steps into Work pathway will also participate in various work experience. For example, with Hextol, they gain hands-on work experience whilst learning to care for the environment. When working outdoors on the school grounds, students will also learn about scientific concepts such as agricultural preparation, health and safety, planting and cultivation of produce and sustainability.