The structure of the Framework

The renewed Framework has a two-dimensional structure: objectives are arranged vertically by year group from Year 7 to Year 11, and horizontally in five strands of progression across the secondary age range.

Vertically (by year) the objectives:

• show entitlement in the new programmes of study by describing the range of learning in science
• set minimum expectations for learning for the majority of pupils in that year.

Horizontally, the strands:

• show progression in key processes and range and content across the secondary age range
• are intended to be used in planning in an interrelated way, so that pupils make better progress by understanding the connections within science.

It is helpful to think of the strands as five different pathways along which the learner has to progress but it is important to remember that, in practice, learning and teaching in science always join these pathways together as one journey.

For some strands, extension objectives are also included where appropriate, to indicate the degree of additional learning for those pupils working at exceptional performance levels. These provide further challenge and allow depth to support transition to post-16 education.