Science is a global endeavour and a triumph of human cooperation. It is driven by curiosity of the world around us. With science, we can explain natural phenomena and develop technologies that improve quality of life. It is becoming ever more important that we develop a generation of scientifically literate citizens. 

Intent

At Magdalen Court School we aim to provide a safe, positive learning environment where our learners feel they belong, can believe in themselves, developing confidence and resilience as learners. We support them to achieve the desired outcomes to be successful in their next steps on the path to the world of work and independence, well-prepared for life and adulthood, who are keen to make a difference to the world they live in.

We aim to make accessible and enjoyable, a broad and balanced Science Curriculum which enables pupils to make ever more sense of themselves, others and the world around them. 

Our Science curriculum allows our pupils to explore the wonder of the world around them, to be curious of different phenomenon and be willing to take risks in order to find solutions to a variety of life’s challenges.​

By providing stimulating opportunities for our pupils to develop their problem-solving skills through group discussion, guided activities and independent investigation, in order to best prepare them to thrive in a multi-faceted and often complex world.

Implementation

At Magdalen Court School we use a variety of quality resources to interest and inspire our students. Our curriculum is planned to offer Biology, Physics and Chemistry from KS2 onwards. Lessons include practical investigations as well as the theory underpinning them, and class discussions. Our pupils will have their science lessons delivered to them in a manner which will give them opportunities to explore and learn about the world through a wide variety of activities.​

 These opportunities include class discussions and debates, planning and carrying out investigations (both collaboratively and independently) and making use of the plethora of resources we have available whilst being supported by appropriate adults.​

There are many opportunities for enriching students' experience of learning, through a cross-curricular approach in this subject, particularly with Mathematics, PE, Geography and especially PSHE in areas such as sex, substance abuse, healthy eating and the environment. They will become aware of their own bodies and the health impacts of their actions. They will develop their awareness of their environment and their own and other's impact upon it.

As our pupils progress through school, the aspiration is for them to become more independent and resilient, allowing them to contribute to the communities they live in when they leave Magdalen Court School.

 We work towards this goal in science by developing an understanding of the world around our pupils through the traditional sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  A variety of topics are first introduced early on and then revisited in later years to deepen and develop their knowledge of each topic. This leads to pupils making links between the topics and how the world around them not only affects them, but how they can make a positive impact on their environment.​

Impact 

Our pupils leave our school with Science having played a key role in their education. Our pupils will have the opportunity to gain appropriate qualifications, including single and separate science iGCSEs and both Award and Certificate opportunities at BTEC allowing us to differentiate appropriately, according to our students’ interests and abilities. We also have the capacity to support our learners should they wish to undertake A/S and A-level courses in Science whilst remaining at Magdalen Court. 

Throughout their Science lessons at Magdalen Court School, learners will have the chance to develop problem-solving  skills, the dexterity to safely handle equipment and potentially hazardous substances, resilience to manage unknown situations, and an understanding of their place in our changing environment. Their accreditations will allow them to progress to the next stage of their chosen path to independence and the next stage in their lives, be it in further education or as an apprentice. We aim to provide our youngsters with the skills necessary in order to continue along their journey to achieve their goals.​

 

Careers in science

Learning in science is all about innovation, discovery and research.  Careers in science are genuinely some of the most exciting, interesting and significant out there. They are diverse.  It’s all about improving people’s lives, improving commercial enterprises and developing knowledge and understanding of people, nature, the world and the universe.  Jobs in the scientific sector include:

• Biomedical engineer
• Clinical psychologist
• Clinical scientist (various fields)
• Crime scene investigator
• Doctor
• Forensic scientist
• Hospital pharmacist 
• Meteorologist
• Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Researcher
• Teacher