Science

Combined Science & Separate Science

(Biology, Chemistry & Physics)

Science Department Staff

Curriculum Leader: Mr W Hardcastle

Science Teachers
Miss J Atherton, Mr C Callaghan, Mrs A Christodoulidou,
Mr M Cunningham & Mrs S Tzabach

Science TechnicianMrs J Thermadom Varghese

Curriculum Maps

Intent

“The Lord has done this and it is marvellous in our eyes" - (Psalm 118:23)

"For you created my inmost being; you knitted me together in my mother's womb" - (Psalm 139:12-14)

In Science we aim to inspire pupils to think and learn independently and to nurture their God given talents. We aim to create a lifelong love of Science and provide an inclusive and ambitious curriculum with pathways for all. Science changes lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils need to understand their role in this. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts and skills, pupils will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them. Through investigations, they will understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. We want pupils to understand that setbacks are part of the mastery process, both in science and in life, and pupils will be challenged to re-evaluate their misconceptions. The core curriculums of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, allow for a variety of learning and show the vast beauty and awe and wonder that science brings.

Catholic Social Teaching with Science

In Science, we feel that by our pupils developing their understanding of the world around them, it will help them to see their role in the world and promote the common good.

Dignity of the human person

Solidarity

Care for God’s creation

Option for the poor and vulnerable

Family and community

Dignity of work and education

Pupil Affirmation

"We are able to expand our knowledge, develop teamwork and cooperation and learn about the Universe."

"Our teachers are always there to help us and encourage us to try new things."

Learning Outside of the Classroom

Our weekly Science Club engages our youngest learners and helps them to develop their love of science with topics outside of the curriculum.

Our older learners are given the opportunity to develop the skills through the CANSAT competition, which allows them to explore the world of coding, space exploration and sustainability.

Our pupils are also given the opportunity to visit an important scientific location through the CERN trip, looking at new and exciting developments in the World of Science.

Inclusivity

In Science, we believe that all our learners should be able to access our diverse and challenging curriculum. We support our disadvantaged pupils and those with additional learning needs, so that they are able to make sustained progress throughout their time in the school. The whole department actively engage in the STM Way of teaching and learning, which promotes both equality and equity in our delivery of lessons and additional learning opportunities.

Reading

We encourage out pupils to read and digest information that is presented to them through text. We feel this is a vital skill for a generation that is exposed to misleading headlines and materials for unverified sources, which could promote misconceptions or bias.

We look at the anatomy of terminology to help our learners break down the elements of words. This helps them to understand their meaning and make links between different concepts.

Rewards

In Science we uphold the schools values of rewards, through the use of positive points on Bromcom.

We also feel that we can rewards specific skills with our raffle tickets for “Dedicated Scientists” for commitment, “Science Genius” for good recall and application in lessons or “Enthusiastic Scientist” for those who demonstrate their passion for learning. These tickets go into a termly prize draw to celebrate their success.

Our staff also nominate their weekly Science Star, who has demonstrated the values of a scientist