Curriculum Intent

The department is proud to provide a high-quality Science education that lays 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 prosperity, and all pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how Science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Our Curriculum is ambitious because:

• We will  provide all students  with a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific knowledge and skills to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science today and for the future.
• Our expert staff share their passion and experience of Science to broaden the experience of our learners.
• Opportunities are provided to develop the Catholic values and virtues that underpin the school’s ethos.
• We provide a learning environment that encourages students to develop their observational, experimental, problem solving, critical thinking and evaluation skills so that they become confident at analysing and interpreting information and data.
• Numerous and varied opportunities are provided to participate in visits, competitions and clubs, often leading to the successful completion of CREST awards.
• Students experience ‘STEM days’ that extend students’ knowledge and experience of Science and provide valuable insights into potential careers.
• The departments strong links with feeder schools provides a good understanding of students’ experience prior to Year 7.
• Our high-quality, well equipped laboratories are used to provide extensive practical experience.
• Assessments are skillfully created and analysed to provide rich information on the specific strengths and weaknesses of learners – the curriculum is routinely adjusted in light of this analysis to maximise progress
• Key skills, such as literacy, numeracy and the recall of fundamental knowledge are effectively targeted and tracked.
• Insights from Cognitive Science and Educational research (such as the use of retrieval practice) are woven into our teaching and learning strategies.

Updated August  24