Science is an essential part of the One Curriculum because Science is a way of thinking; developing an understanding of the world around us and how we fit into the universe as a species and how technological advancements will enable the progress of humanity and environment.
Lower School – Key Stage 1
At Gad’s Hill School, Science is a vibrant and essential part of The One Curriculum. From Kindergarten to Year 6, we nurture curiosity through hands-on investigations, explorative learning, and real-world discovery. Our dedicated Junior Science Lab and year-round STEM Clubs provide exciting opportunities for children to experiment, question, and think independently.
We believe challenge is key. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build scientific knowledge and skills progressively, ensuring every child is supported and stretched. Through engaging topics and practical enquiry, pupils develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that prepare them for success in all areas of life.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Science is embedded within the Understanding the World area of learning, supporting children in achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) through exploration, observation, and questioning.
Our approach includes high-quality resources, specialist equipment, and a strong focus on “working scientifically” from the earliest years. Differentiated tasks and enrichment activities ensure every learner is inspired, regardless of their starting point.
Science at Gad’s Hill fosters a love of learning, resilience, and a deep understanding of the world. It’s not just about facts—it’s about developing confident, curious learners who are ready to shape the future.
Lower School – Key Stage 2
In key stage 2 children at Gad’s Hill have already had a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, skills, and investigative approaches. At this stage, they build on that understanding, deepening their ability to explore and explain the world around them. This progression not only strengthens their curiosity but also prepares them for more advanced science in Key Stage 3.
In addition to revisiting topics from Key Stage 1, children will explore new areas such as Evolution and Inheritance, Forces, Electricity, Light, States of Matter, and Sound. These topics encourage them to think critically and make connections between scientific concepts and everyday life.
At Gad’s Hill, children gain core values such as—curiosity, resilience, critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental responsibility—these are at the heart of science learning. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions, think like scientists, choose methods to investigate ideas, test hypotheses, solve problems, and reflect on their discoveries. Through this process, they grow as independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and active learners, ready for the next stage of their education.
Science at Gad’s Hill also strengthens learning across the curriculum. Children apply mathematical skills through measuring and graphing, enhance literacy with scientific vocabulary and reading, use technology creatively, and collaborate effectively in teams
These experiences make science at Gads Hill a dynamic and integrated part of children’s education.
Upper School – Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 our One Curriculum follows the national curriculum for science, but we separate teaching into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are therefore taught by specialist teachers, and become familiar with the scientific vocabulary and the intricacies of the separate laboratories. Students take part in educational visits and experiences, and we aspire for each student at this key stage to participate in weekly “hands on” learning in lessons.
A weekly Science Club runs for students at this key stage for students enthusiastic about Science.
KS3 Biology is a two-year journey and themes covered include:
- Cells and Respiration
- Humans as Organisms
- Plants and Ecosystems
- Inheritance, Variation and Survival
These topics are designed to provide foundational knowledge for students working towards the separate GCSE Biology.
KS3 Chemistry is a two-year journey and themes covered include:
- Classifying Materials
- Chemical Changes
- The Earth and The Atmosphere
These topics are designed to provide foundational knowledge for students working towards the separate GCSE Chemistry.
KS3 Physics is a two-year journey and themes covered include:
- Energy and Matter
- Forces and Motion
- Waves
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Earth and Beyond
These topics are designed to provide foundational knowledge for students working towards the separate GCSE Physics.
Upper School – Key Stage 4
Each student works towards a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Alongside these weekly lessons, students at Key Stage 4 have a dedicated “Science Skills” lesson where they consolidate their experimental skills, use of models, vocabulary, units, symbols, and mathematical skills, all crucial for understanding the scientific process.
For those students who would like additional support in their studies, there is a weekly GCSE Science Support Clinic, where topics covered are tailored to individual needs.
Our One Curriculum gives students the best opportunity to progress further at A Level. Career aspirations of students include Engineering, Biochemistry and Medicine.
GCSE Biology is a three-year journey culminating in each student working towards a separate GCSE in Biology. Themes covered in Biology include:
- Cells and Organisation
- Disease and Bioenergetics
- Biological Responses
- Genetics and Reproduction
- Ecology
Students take part in regular practical activities, and educational visits are organised to support in class learning. Biology teachers work with teachers to support PSHE learning, and other Science teachers where there are cross-curricula links.
GCSE Chemistry is a three-year journey culminating in each student working towards a separate GCSE in Chemistry. Themes covered in Chemistry include:
- Atoms, Bonding and Moles
- Chemical Reactions and Energy Changes
- Rates, Equilibrium, and Organic Chemistry
- Analysis and the Earth’s Resources
Students have plenty of opportunities to take part in practical activities, and are ably supported by a dedicated Chemistry Teacher and Science Technician who between them have experience in working industry.
GCSE Physics is a three-year journey culminating in each student working towards a separate GCSE in Physics. Themes covered in Physics include:
- Energy and Energy Resources
- Particles at Work
- Forces in Action
- Waves, Electromagnetism and Space
Students take part in practical activities to support their learning. The Science and Mathematics Department work closely to ensure that our One Curriculum supports each student with the teaching of the mathematical requirements for GCSE Physics. Ensuring the timing of mathematical concepts is at an appropriate time, and with familiar scaffolding. GCSE Physics examinations contain 30% mathematics content.
