Ofsted 'deep dives': science

Last reviewed on 9 March 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 39112

Find out how Ofsted inspectors do a science 'deep dive' and see what they might ask by downloading our list of questions based on previous inspections.

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Contents

  1. How deep dives work
  2. Impact of coronavirus 
  3. Questions Ofsted might ask during science deep dives
  4. Differences between primary and secondary science deep dives
  5. Doing your own deep dive

Ofsted inspectors use subject 'deep dives' to inspect your curriculum. Inspectors will make a judgement on its intent, implementation and impact of your curriculum.

See paragraph 199 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

The transition arrangements Ofsted has set out for schools to develop their curriculum plans in line with the 'quality of education' judgement applies to science teaching. The transitional period will be up for review in September 2022. To learn more about it, check out this article from The Key.

See paragraph 230 of the School Inspection Handbook for more details.

How deep dives work

Who's involved?

Your senior leadership team, curriculum leads, subject leads, teachers and pupils.

Conversations with teachers (download the questions in the section below) Looking at curriculum documentation Lesson observations (4 to 6 per selected 'deep dive' subject) Work scrutinies: Reviewing at least 6 workbooks or pieces of work per lesson observed Scrutinising work in

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