SCIENCE

Teaching Staff

Mr Fernandez - Head of Curriculum Area
Mr Potter - Deputy Science Lead
Mrs Harding - Assistant Science Lead
Mr Bonnaud
Mrs Constant
Mr Lee
Ms McKinnon
Mrs Poole
Mr Spooner
Miss Edwards
Mr Goodwins

Aims

KS3

Students are encouraged to use their curiosity to explain how things work and to develop problem solving skills throughout the topics. Practical work is integral in supporting and developing both student knowledge and key skills. Allowing students to experience principles and phenomena directly embeds fundamental scientific concepts and processes.

We provide extra-curricular opportunities on a weekly basis and encourage cross curricula skills such as: reading for purpose, comprehension and maths skills. The skills required for scientific investigation are embedded into the lessons and link to the GCSE specification, allowing our students to feel prepared when they transition from KS3 to KS4. This includes introducing some of the GCSE Required Practicals and developing many of the skills needed to complete them.

Other key skills required for GCSE such as: A01 (acquiring knowledge), A02 (applying knowledge) and A03 (analysing information) are embedded into the KS3 curriculum. Staff have a confident understanding of these assessment objectives which allows them to support students as they develop these skills. We also work closely with the maths department to ensure consistency in teaching key maths skills. All of the work that we do with students ties in with the national curriculum and is based on the 5yr science framework developed by AQA. We also link our work to the 'Principles and big ideas in science' developed by the Association for Science Education. This means that core scientific knowledge is developed and revisited constantly throughout each stage of students’ scientific development.

KS4

After building a solid foundation to students’ science education in KS3, they continue their hands-on approach to science studies at KS4. Students have a range of tools available to support them in both extra-curricular and home learning which includes revision tools and student-centred revision sessions.

Students are provided with opportunities to experience all the Required Practicals in the classroom and develop their understanding of the Scientific Method. We continue to collaborate with the maths department to guide students as the develop their mathematical and analytical skills. Opportunities to develop A01 (acquiring knowledge), A02 (applying knowledge), A03 (analysing information) are embedded into the curriculum and skills days. Assessment is a regular component of the science curriculum and we provide detailed and constructive feedback allowing students to identify their next steps and develop as learners.

In year 11, students complete all parts of the combined science course for the Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs. Students that show a high level of proficiency in science will also complete the content required to sit the Separate Science qualification. All the work that we do with students ties in with the national curriculum and is based on the 5yr science framework developed by AQA. We also link all our work to the 'Principles and big ideas in Science' developed by the Association for Science Education.

Qualifications

GCSE Combined Science (AQA Trilogy)
GCSE Separate Science (AQA): GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics - designed for students who show the ability to study sciences at A Level and University.

Please see below for Curriculum Overview Maps for a breakdown of what is taught in each year group and by term: