The Science department offers an ambitious and engaging curriculum that encourages students to develop curiosity about the world around them. Science underpins every aspect of life, and an understanding of scientific principles enables students to engage meaningfully with the natural world and the universe. 

Students are given regular opportunities to develop their practical skills through scientific investigations. Alongside this, they build essential skills in numeracy, literacy and communication, which will support them in future study, employment and wider life. We also aim to develop resilience by encouraging students to design, undertake and evaluate meaningful investigations that produce valid results. 

Our curriculum is carefully spiralised across all key stages. This allows students to revisit, deepen and build upon key scientific concepts over time, helping them to understand increasingly complex ideas. Through this approach, students become confident learners who enjoy their lessons and develop a genuine love of science. 

At Key Stage 3, students follow the National Curriculum. At Key Stage 4, students study Combined Science, developing a broad and secure understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. This provides a strong foundation for students wishing to progress to any A Level science subject, as well as supporting future study and careers in STEM-related fields. 

We also offer a range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing students to further develop their interest in science. These include residential trips to London to visit the Science Museum, STEM clubs, focused workshops and other science-based activities. 

Science Curriculum Intent: Vibrant Science 

At Cardinal Newman, our mission is to equip our students so that they may have “life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). In Science, we support this mission by delivering a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that helps students understand the world around them and their place within it. 

Our curriculum is values based. We want students to appreciate the importance of science in society, including how scientific understanding can improve lives, protect the environment and support informed decision-making. Through this, students learn to think carefully, act responsibly and contribute positively to the wider world. 

Science is inspirational. Our curriculum is designed to awaken curiosity about the natural world, from the smallest cells to the wider universe. We aim to make learning motivational, engaging and memorable, so that students develop an enquiring mind and a genuine interest in science. 

Our curriculum is broad and balanced. Students study key ideas across biology, chemistry and physics, building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills over time. Learning is carefully spiralised, allowing students to revisit and deepen their understanding of important scientific concepts across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This provides a secure base for further study, employment and later life. 

Science at Cardinal Newman is relevant and rigorous. The curriculum is adapted so that all students can access challenging scientific ideas, while expectations remain high for every learner. Students are supported to develop confidence with complex concepts, scientific vocabulary, mathematical skills and extended written explanations. 

Our curriculum is ambitious. We expect students to think deeply, ask questions, make links between ideas and challenge themselves. We want students to leave us with the knowledge, confidence and ambition needed to continue successfully into the next stage of education, including A Level sciences, vocational science routes, apprenticeships or employment. 

Knowledge is at the heart of our curriculum. Students develop a secure understanding of key scientific principles, but they also learn how to apply this knowledge in unfamiliar contexts. Alongside this, they develop essential skills in numeracy, literacy, communication, analysis and evaluation. 

Practical investigation is central to our intent. Students learn how to design, undertake and evaluate meaningful scientific investigations, producing valid results and understanding the importance of evidence. This helps them to become resilient, reflective and independent learners. 

We want all students to experience enjoyment in science. Lessons are designed to be purposeful, engaging and accessible, helping students develop confidence and a love of learning. We aim for students to see science not simply as a subject they study, but as a way of understanding the world. 

At Key Stage 4, students work towards nationally recognised qualifications in science. Our aim is that all students leave Cardinal Newman with strong outcomes, gaining at least two GCSEs in science and achieving in line with, or above, national benchmarks. 

Our curriculum also promotes cultural capital. Students learn about important scientific discoveries, current developments and the role science plays in medicine, technology, industry and the environment. This helps students see the value of science and understand how it can support social mobility and future opportunities. 

Finally, we provide enrichment beyond the classroom. Through trips, visits, practical experiences and wider opportunities, students are encouraged to further develop their curiosity, deepen their understanding and see science in real-world contexts. 

Through our Vibrant Science curriculum, students become knowledgeable, curious and confident learners who are well prepared for further study, employment and life beyond school.