Science

We are housed in five laboratories, all equipped with Promethean or Smart Board technology. We have recently invested in a range of data logging equipment and learning-related software and have purchased new text books for all students at each key stage.

Science Aims

In the Science faculty we are committed to providing engaging, challenging and inspiring lessons through a range of experiences.  Scientific enquiry is a major feature of the curriculum, whilst ICT Citizenship and Work Related Learning are incorporated providing students with opportunities to develop their personal and social skills.  Science gives students the understanding that they need to make decisions on controversial issues and helps to prepare them for their roles as responsible citizens in the future. Planning scientific investigations and analysing results enables students to understand fair testing and to be methodical and logical in their reasoning. It also develops their communication and numeracy skills.

The style of teaching in the department is organised so that students start with firm understanding and familiarity with basic terms and concepts and build upon this to improve their level of understanding.  They are encouraged to recognise any difficulties of understanding as they arise and to ask for help in overcoming them.  Opportunities are provided for regular practice and review of basic scientific knowledge.

We aim to prepare our students for their next steps after secondary school by facilitating learning that is flexible to their needs and that provides them with qualifications and skills to further their progress. 

Key Stage 3

As a result of recent changes in the KS3 National Curriculum, the Science department has conducted a review of its programme of study and made changes.  In September 2008 the new Year 7 programme of study will be rolled out (followed by Year 8 and Year 9 in 2009 and 2010).

The new scheme is underpinned by a series of new text and software published by Collins, and considerable investment has been made to update data-logging equipment and other key resources.

Year 7 Teaching Scheme

Term 1: Chemistry

• Introduction to Laboratory skills
• Particles
• Elements/Mixtures/Compounds

Term 2: Physics

• Energy& Electricity
• Forces
• Astronomy

Term 3: Biology

• Cells and Reproduction
• Classification
• Environment

Year 8 Teaching Scheme  

• Food & Digestion
• Respiration
• Microbes & Ecology

Chemistry: 

• Chemical Reactions
• Elements/Mixtures/Compounds
• Rocks & Weathering

Physics: 

• Light & Sound
• Heat
• Forces

Year 9 Teaching Scheme

Biology:

• Fit & Healthy
• Plants & Photosynthesis
• Inheritance

Chemistry: 

• Metal & Compounds
• Environmental Chemistry
• Using Chemistry

Physics: 

The department, within all teaching schemes, aims to:

• Support effective learning and help students progress through levels of attainment
• Encourage students to take a real interest in science and to enjoy their lessons
• Raise the profile of ‘How Science Works'
• Focus on progression to higher levels

The lessons will be objective led and there will be opportunities for:

Peer and self assessment

Advancing questioning skills

Collecting primary evidence

Understanding secondary evidence

Using evidence to construct explanations