Science
鈥淪cience is more than a body of knowledge; it鈥檚 a way of thinking, a way of sceptically interrogating the universe.鈥澨� Carl Sagan
鈥淭he important thing is to never stop questioning.鈥� Albert Einstein
Purpose
In Science at 麻豆视频, our students develop their understanding of the richness and complexity of the natural world, finishing our courses with an understanding of how little we know and how much there is to be discovered.听听
We want our students to develop enquiring minds – to question how and why things happen in the world around us, and to develop and joy and passion in learning which will continue with them throughout their life. We will allow our students to obtain knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific context.听
Students will learn how to think analytically, critically, and creatively to solve problems, evaluate arguments and to apply their knowledge to contexts in the wider world.听
Curriculum features
KS3 (Key Stage 3)听
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum following the KS3 national curriculum and provides a solid foundation for our pupils to access Science at KS4 (Key Stage 4).听听
Pupils are introduced to key ideas and concepts such as cells, organs and organ systems and ecology (in Biology), atomic structure and how this affects reactivity (in Chemistry) and waves, energy, electricity, and space (in Physics). Our curriculum spirals so that concepts learned in year 7 are re-visited and built upon in year 8.听
Pupils also develop their scientific skills of investigation, such as working safely using laboratory equipment, identifying variables in experimental methods, collecting data effectively and analysing data to draw conclusions.听
Pupils are assessed throughout the year both in lesson and in the form of end of topic tests and synoptically at the end of each year.听
KS4 (Key Stage 4)听
Pupils follow either the curriculum for AQA GCSE Combined Science or AQA GCSE Single Sciences. Our GCSE courses build upon the knowledge and skills gained at KS3.听听
In Biology we cover cell structure, organisation, and function of organ systems, how the immune system works, bioenergetics, homeostasis, how characteristics are inherited and ecology.听
In Chemistry we cover atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, chemical analysis, and factors that affect rate of reaction.听听
In Physics we cover energy, electricity, forces, waves, and magnetism.听听
Throughout KS4, our students are challenged to apply their knowledge to real life situations and events.听听
Pupils are assessed throughout the year both in the lesson and in the form of听
- End of topic tests听
- Synoptic tests at the end of each term.听
In all year groups we use rigorous formative assessments and diagnostic methods in the classroom to allow us to identify gaps in students鈥� knowledge, enabling us to adapt teaching to the needs of the students. This is achieved through: spaced recall, retrieval practice, improvement tasks after assessments and targeted intervention.听
Enrichment
Science has cross-curricular links to most subjects: mathematical problem solving; links to Geography through ecology topic; descriptive language to help with the analysis and explanation of graphs; design of practical investigations; use of ICT equipment to collect, record and analyse data.听听
Due to the cross-curricular nature of science, it feeds into many career pathways and opportunities. From medicine, physiotherapy, midwifery, to astrophysics, animal conservation, engineering, sports science, zookeeping or even a crime scene investigator.听
We aim to provide several occasions for enrichment, including visits to:听
- The Zoo听
- Stardome听
- Big Bang Science Fair听听
- Operating Theatre Live听
- Science week with Medical Mavericks听
- Running weekly Medicine society club- where live dissections can take place and students are introduced to different career paths in the medical field.听
- Stem Club听
- Meducator workshops听
