Science
Subject Overview
Science provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future. Our students are encouraged to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena, explain why things occur, predict how things will behave and analyse why things have happened. The science department promotes scientific literacy, team working skills and encourages healthy lifestyles amongst all our students.
Science Subject Staff
| Mr Kelly | Head of Science |
| Mrs Whiteside | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs Hancox | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs Ferguson | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs Day | Teacher of Science / Assistant Headteacher |
| Mr Barnes | Science Technician |
Science Curriculum
Due to the hierarchical nature of scientific knowledge the Science Curriculum is sequenced across 5 years and this is key to our students acquiring, retaining and linking knowledge over time.
Key Stage 3 Science
At key stage 3 students study a balanced science curriculum incorporating Biology, Chemistry and Physics. With theory-based lessons matched against experiments and real-life scenarios, our students develop scientific thinking and inquiring minds that allow them to become confident scientists. Our KS3 curriculum gives students a good base of scientific knowledge before moving on to the GCSE course. Regular assessments allow us to monitor students’ progress throughout the course.
How Is The Course Structured?
In Year 7 and Year 8 our students are taught in mixed attainment groups. The Schemes of Learning have been developed by the Science department, incorporating topics and materials in line with the KS3 National Curriculum as well as what we consider to be prerequisite knowledge and skills required to progress. In Year 9 our students progress to study Science in the separate disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are taught by specialist teachers.
Key Stage 4 Science
At key stage 4 we follow the AQA Combined Science and Separate Science Specifications. These qualifications encourage students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, Science and to recognise the importance of Science in their own lives. Whilst building on the prior learning of our KS3 curriculum students are encouraged to answer questions from a variety of contexts, look for patterns, make predictions and become competent in the safe use of scientific equipment. Students will need to retain and recall information throughout their course until they sit their exam at the end of Year 11. Regular assessments allow us to monitor students’ progress and highlight students who would benefit from extra intervention and support.
How Is The Course Structured?
Our students continue to study science within the discrete disciplines delivered by specialist teachers. This allows us the flexibility to personalise the learning of individual students in order that they make the best academic progress and achieve the best possible outcomes. Students are given the opportunity to choose Combined Science (worth two GCSEs) or Separate Science (worth three GCSEs).
What Can I Do With A Science GCSE?
Successful completion of the Science GCSE courses will enable students to pursue a wide range of further study or employment. If a student achieves grades 9-5, they may choose the traditional A levels in Science or Science related post-16 courses. Alternatively, students may progress to employment and training in the scientific, technical, medical or engineering industries.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
Carl Sagan
