The Science Curriculum covers a range of scientific topics and skills across different year groups. This curriculum can be linked to the five fundamental British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Here's how some of the curriculum content aligns with these values:
- Democracy:
- Collaborative Investigations (e.g., Investigating Conductive and Non-Conductive Materials, Planning and Conducting Investigations): Encouraging students to work together on scientific investigations fosters democratic principles such as collaboration, listening to others, and making collective decisions.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Activities that involve discussing and evaluating scientific findings promote democratic participation and the sharing of diverse opinions.
- Rule of Law:
- Safety in Science (e.g., Electrical Safety, Safety in Experiments): Emphasizing the importance of safety rules and guidelines in scientific experiments helps students understand the significance of laws and regulations in ensuring safety and order.
- Environmental Responsibility (e.g., Taking Care of the Earth, Air Pollution, Climate Change): Studying environmental issues and the impact of human activities on the planet highlights the role of laws and regulations in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment.
- Individual Liberty:
- Exploration and Discovery (e.g., Astronomy, The Human Body, Plants): Providing opportunities for students to explore different scientific concepts and phenomena supports the value of individual liberty, allowing them to develop a sense of curiosity and personal interest in science.
- Independent Projects (e.g., Research and Scientific Drawing, Planning an Investigation): Encouraging students to take ownership of their scientific projects promotes individual freedom and self-expression.
- Mutual Respect:
- Diverse Scientific Contributions (e.g., The Work of David Attenborough and Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, Alfred Wallace): Studying the contributions of various scientists from different backgrounds promotes mutual respect and appreciation for the diverse contributions to the field of science.
- Understanding Sensory Impairment (e.g., Understanding Sensory Impairment): Learning about sensory impairments and how they affect individuals fosters respect and empathy for people with different abilities.
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
- Global Scientific Context (e.g., Ecology, Global Environmental Issues): Exposure to global scientific issues and the diverse ways different cultures approach these problems encourages students to appreciate and tolerate diverse perspectives and practices.
- Historical and Cultural Context (e.g., The History of Astronomy, The Great Scientists): Learning about the historical and cultural context of scientific discoveries promotes understanding and tolerance of various beliefs and traditions.