Secondary Pathway 1

Our Secondary Pathway 1 follows the Exploring Science scheme of work, but has been adapted to meet the needs of our students. The curriculum is developed through the big ideas principle. The aim being that when students complete the Secondary Pathway 1 they will have knowledge of individual concepts and understand how they interconnect with each other. This will provide them with the framework to apply that knowledge to unfamiliar contexts, which are explored in the Secondary Pathway 3. Content for the big ideas principle is divided into the three strands of science Biology, Chemistry and Physics in order to provide our students with a balanced curriculum. Within the 3 strands there are 8 big idea headings: Structure and function of living organisms, Matter, Forces, Humans and Animals, Chemical Reactions, Electricity, Waves, Earth and Atmosphere.

As well as developing our students’ knowledge and understanding of scientific theory, our curriculum has an integrated working scientifically component and a clear focus on literacy and communication that seeks to develop students’ confidence in articulating the scientific ideas.