Overview
This programme covers the 10 Big Ideas of Science that are introduced at Key Stage 3 and further developed through GCSE. These Big Ideas cover topics in Ciology, Chemistry and Physics.
Who should apply?
The Science support for non-specialist teachers in Year 7 and 8 is for any teacher of science who is teaching out of specialism; without a conventional science qualification. It is also relevant to teachers who would like to expand and strengthen their subject pedagogical knowledge. The sessions are designed to show how big ideas develop in science from Year 7 to Year 8, with the awareness that these ideas are further developed throughout Years 9 to 11. The aim is to enable non-specialists in an area of science to be able to teach successfully across all areas of science.
Suitable applicants may be:
- Trainee teachers, NQTs and RQTs
- Science teachers without a conventional science qualification
- Experienced science teachers looking to develop their teaching of a new science specialism
Curriculum Statement
We firmly believe that all children, irrespective of their starting point, are entitled to a broad and ambitious curriculum. To that end, we are delighted to offer an innovative and knowledge-rich curriculum, which enables any student within Northern Education Trust to full their potential and develop the all-important skills and qualities, which will serve them well in later life.
The curriculum reflects the Northern Education Trust vision of ‘outcomes focused, child centred’. Our curriculum delivers vital subject knowledge and skills, which are complemented by a raft of enrichment activities that broaden and extend the student experience.
The curriculum is designed to give all students the opportunity to develop as enquiring individuals who feel valued and respected, so that they, in turn, learn to value those around them. Equality of opportunity is a key principle in the design of our curriculum model and we fully support the entitlement that students have to study the English Baccalaureate.
Learning Portal
The Learning Portal for this programme can be found here: https://sites.google.com/northerneducationtrust.org/science-cpd/home
What’s included in the programme?
Students in Year 7 and Year 8 study 4 topics per Big Idea; for each topic a short video has been introduced to highlight the key subject knowledge, curriculum links and teaching strategies to enable science teachers to deliver these areas of science successfully to their students.
The training aims to focus on the most important concepts of each lesson within a topic to ensure any teacher is able to deliver the lesson effectively. Practical work will be highlighted with tips for delivery, alongside alternative approaches to the lesson. Videos will be released half termly for teachers to familiarise themselves with content prior to teaching. By considering some of the most difficult concepts of the biology, chemistry and physics curricula and how to use practical work successfully, the sessions will develop the confidence of classroom teachers and their understanding of pedagogical approaches.
The sessions include:
- Subject knowledge in key areas of biology, chemistry and physics
- Common student misconceptions
- How to teach and scaffold difficult concepts
- Links between different areas of the curriculum
- How to deliver practical work to enhance understanding
