The aims of the science Framework are:
- to provide guidance on planning and teaching to ensure effective progression that will help schools to raise standards and close attainment gaps
- to incorporate existing guidance on day-to-day and periodic assessment, and give a sharper focus to effective tracking of pupil progress
- to increase the emphasis on the key concepts, key processes and curriculum opportunities in the new programme of study for Key Stage 3 and the 2004 programme of study for Key Stage 4
- to build on what pupils have learned in Key Stage 2
- to support planning, using a flexible electronic format
- to build on existing National Strategies resources and further develop guidance, especially on the new areas of the curriculum.
The renewed science Framework, Framework guidance and Subject guidance and support:
- bring together in one place guidance about excellent teaching and learning, much of which will be familiar to teachers from previous National Strategies publications
- support teaching How science works, including the key concepts, key processes and curriculum opportunities in the context of the range and content areas of the curriculum
- identify lines of progression in yearly learning objectives for Years 7 to 11 that build on science at Key Stage 2 and develop pupils' understanding of the key scientific ideas throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, so as to prepare pupils to progress to post-16 sciences
- provide advice to teachers and support staff on:
- using the yearly learning objectives to plan and teach appropriately challenging and engaging lessons for pupils
- target setting and tracking pupils' progress using Assessment for learning strategies so as to provide challenging lessons aimed at the needs of the pupils
- how to provide a personalised curriculum using appropriate, inclusive, quality first teaching and intervention to enable all pupils to achieve their potential
- enable headteachers and curriculum managers to set high and consistent expectations for pupils' achievement and understand the contribution science can make to the whole curriculum.
