Purpose and Provision
Download a copy of the Science Departments Purpose and Provision document here.
Curriculum Map
Download a copy of the Science Departments Curriculum Map document here.
Our science curriculum is designed to provide an engaging and practical learning experience for all our pupils. Our aim is to expand pupils' knowledge whilst fostering their curiosity, interest and enjoyment of the subject.
Science instils a sense of intrigue in pupils enabling them to question why things are the way that they are and develop a thirst for scientific knowledge.
Ultimately, we want for our pupils to leave St Christopher’s with a real appreciation for how science has shaped not only themselves but the world around them. We want pupils to flourish and prosper in all that they do.
Key Stage 3
In KS3, all pupils follow a curriculum studying biology, chemistry and physics taught in separate disciplines. Our curriculum is purpose built and is designed to enable pupils to build upon their KS2 knowledge and to allow for progression onto GCSE. We aim to develop a deeper understanding of the world and the impact they can have on it in the future.
In Year 9 pupils study a 'Foundation to GCSE' course, which follows the national curriculum whilst also providing our pupils with the opportunity to explore some topics in further depth. The program of study is designed to ensure pupils move seamlessly onto their GCSE studies.
Key Stage 4
We are delighted to be able to offer a range of paths for GCSE study. Pupils are recommended to follow the Triple Science route if they are intending to pursue Science A-levels. Pupils can currently choose to study either three or two GCSEs from the AQA options of GCSE Triple Science or GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy.
Downloads
Below you can download a list of books that will help with your studies:
Enrichment and Extra-curricular
We are keen to promote enjoyment in our subject and offer a variety of opportunities and experiences to our pupils.
- Science Café - We have a small number of Chromebooks in the Science Department in room 8. This acts as our own lunchtime Science Cafe! With two science teachers available every lunch time, the room is open all days for study, catch-up, revision, advice and intervention.
- KS3 Science Spectaculars - Pupils in years 7 and 8 can attend our termly themed science spectacular events, whereby they are immersed into lots of themed experiments.
- Year 10 Spring into A-level - Pupils are invited to this exciting initiative where they get to explore science content beyond the curriculum. They are introduced to working in our sixth form labs and get the opportunity to listen to external speakers.
- Biology and Chemistry Olympiads
Trips and Residentials
Some examples of the trips we have provided in the past include:
- Science Live!
- STEM trips to the Eurospace Centre in Belgium
- Masterclasses at local universities
- CERN trip in Geneva
- Residential trip to Chester Zoo
Science Ambassadors
Each school year we will select 'Ambassadors' by application to Mrs Dowd. They attend lunchtime or after-school clubs to help younger pupils, help with science events and activities within the Department itself and assist in developing science in the news articles for our KS3 pupils.
Staff
We are a dedicated team of science teachers, working with dedicated support staff, to deliver the very best in teaching so that every pupil enjoys science and can access the highest quality teaching and learning. We are housed in 9 laboratories across the main school and sixth form as well as two small but well-organised Preparation Rooms.
- Mrs Rebecca Dowd - Head of Science (11-18)
- Mrs Amy Smith - Assistant Head of Science and Head of A-level Biology
- Mr Simon Bailey - Head of A-level Chemistry
- Mr Martin Redfearn - Head of A-level Physics
- Mr Rob Costigan - also School Counsellor
- Miss Stacey Heward - also Assistant Head of Year 9
- Mrs Linda McCool - also Head of Year 8
- Mr Scott Hancock
- also Assistant Head of Year 11
- Mrs Carole Flanagan
- Mr Jordan Smith
- Mr Jack Nicholson
- Miss Habibah Mahfooz
- Mr James Patterson
- Mr Jack Ramshaw - also teacher of PE
Lab Technicians and Support
- Mrs Helen Bonner - Senior Science Technician
- Miss Lindsey Barrett - Science Technician (Full-time)
- Dr Mayuri Patel - Science Technician (Part-time)
- Mrs Kath Kenyon