Science

At Winterton Community Academy, our Science curriculum is more than a subject; it’s a launchpad for the future.  We are ambitious for our learners; nurturing critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators who are ready to shape the world.

Rooted in the wisdom of great scientists like Sir Isaac Newton, we empower students to build on the best that has been thought and said.  Our approach blends rigorous scientific inquiry with real-world relevance, helping learners understand the past, thrive in the present, and shape a sustainable, equitable future.

Knowledge is at the heart of what we teach as we challenge misinformation with evidence, foster curiosity through experimentation, and connect science to every aspect of life, from health and careers to culture and creativity.  Our learners explore scientific ideas through reading, numeracy, discussion, and hands-on investigation, supported by cross-curricular links to the other subjects taught at Winterton Community Academy.

We believe in learning through mistakes, building resilience, and celebrating progress.  Our ambitious curriculum is designed to reduce cognitive overload while deepening understanding over time.  This is done through a carefully planned scheme of work that builds on prior knowledge developing our learners’ ability to apply scientific content in a wide range of real-life applications.  With links to local industries and expert voices, we bring science to life and open doors to exciting futures.

We are a truly inclusive department, adapting our teaching to meet the needs of all learners.  Our deliberate, nurturing approach ensures that every student, regardless of background or starting point, can access and engage with critical scientific knowledge.

Our learners are taught the relevance of common words in a scientific context, link subject specific words such as ‘convection’ to other subject areas and break down words using etymology to support the retention of the meanings of new words.

Reading opportunities are regularly provided including articles from scientific journals and biographies from scientists across many different fields.  Learners are given informational texts relating to the content of the lesson where they are then required to answer questions designed around exam command words, such as analyse, compare, evaluate and explain to demonstrate their comprehension.

Our ‘maths in science lessons’ are taught using the same methods developed by the maths department which allows our learners to apply their learning in context.  This content is revisited whenever we introduce a new equation, graph, or scale diagram. 

At Winterton Community Academy, science is not just about facts, it’s about forming confident, informed individuals ready to make a difference.  Our science curriculum contributes to the broader cultural capital of our learners, offering enriching experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and a strong moral compass.  These experiences include visits to areas of wildlife conservation, observing science industries in action and talks from people at the forefront of scientific research.

We aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are articulate, globally aware, and ready to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, and future developments in technology and medicine.

Our department is a place where ambition meets opportunity.  Through our dynamic and inclusive approach, we aim to ignite a lifelong passion for science in every learner.