Disciplinary Literacy

• Reading like a scientist – Staff to model reading scientific text: By demonstrating how to critically analyse and interpret complex scientific texts, staff help students develop the skills needed to navigate subject-specific language and concepts.
• Exposure to a variety of text types including methods and write-ups of experiments, graphs, tables, journals, etc.: Introducing students to diverse scientific formats broadens their understanding of how information is communicated in science and enhances their ability to interpret and produce such texts.
• Using a variety of sources in writing and discussions: Encouraging the use of multiple resources cultivates research skills, improves critical thinking, and ensures students can evaluate and synthesise information from different perspectives.
• Data interpretation: Teaching students to analyse and draw conclusions from data develops their ability to engage with quantitative information and apply it to scientific arguments or explanations.
• Using scaffolds to support pupils to talk and write like a scientist: Providing structured support provides students with the language and frameworks needed to articulate scientific ideas clearly and accurately in both oral and written forms.

Targeted Vocabulary Instruction

• Pre-teaching key vocabulary using the "what I will be learning about/what I should already know" and Feedback and Control section: Introducing key terms before lessons provides students with a basic understanding, allowing them to engage more effectively with new concepts and language.
• Etymology of key words embedded in PPT and some books (e.g., "photosynthesis" - photo = light, synthesis = putting together): Breaking down the origins of words enhances understanding and retention, while improving connections between scientific terminology and everyday language.
• Glossary of key words – Key words for each lesson introduced: Providing a glossary ensures students have a reference to reinforce learning and supports the development of subject-specific vocabulary.
• Key words highlighted in text: Emphasising key terms in reading materials draws attention to essential vocabulary, making it easier for students to identify and understand core concepts.
• Dual coding – Including diagrams labelled: Combining text with labelled visuals helps students process information more effectively, supporting comprehension and reinforcing connections between language and scientific ideas.

Reading Comprehension

• Reading like a scientist – Staff to model reading scientific text: By modelling how to analyse and interpret scientific texts, staff guide students in developing strategies to comprehend complex, subject-specific language and structures.
• Chunked text including diagrams to break down information into manageable chunks: Breaking up text with visual aids like diagrams makes complex information more accessible, helping students process and retain key ideas step by step.
• Scaffolded support into comprehension of graphs, charts, tables, etc.: Providing structured guidance on interpreting visual data enables students to extract meaning and draw conclusions, reinforcing critical thinking and literacy skills in science.
• Comprehension check points – Insert questions throughout reading: Embedding questions within the text encourages active engagement, checks understanding, and helps students reflect on and internalise what they’ve read.

Academic Talk

• Talk tasks – Discussion slides on PPT: Structured discussion prompts encourage students to verbalise their ideas, practice scientific language, and build confidence in articulating complex concepts.
• Group work in practical lessons: Collaborative activities foster peer-to-peer learning, allowing students to refine their understanding and use of scientific vocabulary through shared dialogue and problem-solving.
• Say it again better: Encouraging students to rephrase or refine their responses promotes deeper thinking, improves clarity, and helps them develop precision in using scientific terminology.

Scaffolded Writing Activities

• I do, we do, you do activities embedded in booklets and PPTs: This gradual release model builds confidence and competence in writing by modelling scientific language, guiding students through practice.
• Model answers: Providing exemplar answers gives students a clear standard to work towards, helping them understand structure, language, and content expectations for scientific writing.
• Use of Claude to provide visual prompts and sentence starters: Visual aids and structured sentence beginnings support students in formulating coherent ideas and developing scientific writing fluency.
• Writing frames and scaffold reduction through use of assessment portfolios: Writing frames offer initial support in structuring responses, with the gradual removal of scaffolds enabling students to develop independence and mastery over time.
• Writing like a scientist prompts on PPT slides: Focused prompts guide students in adopting the precise language, tone, and structure characteristic of scientific communication.