ABSTRACT
In this chapter we discuss planning the school programme for science. The responsibility for planning at this level lies with the head teacher and senior management team – those with responsibility for subject areas or for year or stage programmes. The science subject leader or coordinator has a key role in developing an approach to implementing the science curriculum in a way consistent with the philosophy of the school. So we begin with a discussion of the role of the subject leader in terms of contributing to the strategic direction of the school, and in particular the school science policy. We then consider the aspect of the role concerned with the oversight of the effective use of people and resources to ensure high-quality science learning in the school. Two other key responsibilities – as the support for learning and teaching, and leadership and management of staff – are considered in Chapter 25. The second main part of this chapter considers some of the key topics that need to be addressed in planning at the school level and implemented in its programme.
