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Science

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.


Science is the study of the world around us - by learning science, you learn HOW to study and learn.

You learn all about the world that we live in - how things work, what living things there are, how things happen. It helps you to understand your own body and your health, how living things are all connected and why it is important that we preserve our planet. It helps us understand invisible things like energy and force and the distant Universe, as well as how molecules and atoms react together, and how there are patterns and structures in the world around us.

Most importantly, the study of science is fun and also challenging. We don't know the answers to all sorts of mysteries, but trying to find out those answers is great fun! We aim to help all children fulfil their potential, regardless of race or gender. We encourage pupils to participate positively in mixed groups, working in pairs or small groups, as well as fostering their ability to work confidently and independently. It is our aim to provide a safe and yet challenging learning environment, where pupils feel comfortable to take risks with their learning, to make mistakes and to learn from them.


Key Stage 3

During Years 7, 8 and the first term of 9, pupils follow challenging schemes of work, covering the main topics such as: Organisms, Forces, Matter, Ecosystems, Electricity, Genes, Earth, Energy, Waves and Space. Assessments take place each term using a variety of activities, including written and practical.

In the second half of Year 9 pupils study a 'Foundation to GCSE' course, which follows the national curriculum while also providing pupils with an opportunity to explore some topics in further depth. The course incorporates introductory GCSE work with the key skills needed for GCSE study. Typical topics include cells and microscopy, matter and separating techniques, and energy resources and density. Pupils gain confidence in those key topics, by using skills such as hypothesising, analysis and evaluation, and also through investigational and independent work.


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

We organise fun learning activities, which take place outside of lessons so that even more pupils will be inspired to achieve their very best in all the sciences.

  • Science Café - We are extremely fortunate to have a small number of Chromebooks in the Science Department in room 8. This acts as our own lunchtime Science Cafe! The room is open all days for study, catch-up, revision, advice and intervention.
  • KS3 Science Club - Pupils in years 7 and 8 can attend our weekly science club run by Mr Smith in Rm 9 at lunch time every Wednesday.
  • Y10 Gifted and Talented STEM Club - 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 also get the opportunity to listen to external speakers.  


Trips

Each year, year 10 pupils have the opportunity to listen to world famous scientists and leading-edge researchers at Science Live!

Every other year, we run a STEM trip to the Eurospace Center in Belgium. This is an extremely popular trip where year 8 and 9 pupils have the opportunity to simulate 5 days in the life of an astronaut. During this time the pupils will visit a castle in Bouillon and take away memories they will never forget.

Our sixth formers attend various master classes at local Universities to enhance their studies - recent examples are the Institute of Materials Open Day at Manchester University, a Chemistry master class at Lancaster University, a residential field trip to Chester for our Biology students and a Particle Physics Masterclass at Manchester University.

Every year at Easter, we run a trip to CERN in Geneva for Lower Sixth students.

Residential courses are always popular for our pupils, and small groups of pupils have attended residential Easter and Summer schools over recent years, including to Lancaster University. The focus is aspirational, using visits and lectures to expand career ideas as well as using local universities and employers to inspire further study.



Science Ambassadors

Each school year we will select 'Ambassadors' by application to Mrs Dowd. They attend lunchtime or after-school clubs to help younger students, help out with Science events and activities or within the Department itself, preparing displays or articles for the Science section of the school newsletter.


Staff

We are a dedicated team of full-time science teachers, working with dedicated support staff, to deliver the very best in Teaching so that every pupil enjoys Science and experiences the highest quality learning. We are housed in 9 laboratories as well as two small but well-organised Preparation Rooms.

  • Mrs Rebecca Dowd - Head of Science (11-18)
  • Miss Beth Ince - Assistant Head of Science (11-16)


  • Mr Simon Bailey - Head of Chemistry A-level


  • Mrs Amy Smith - Head of Biology A-level


  • Dr Tom Maryon - Head of Physics A-level


  • Mr Rob Costigan - also School Counsellor
  • 

Miss Stacey Heward - also Assistant Head of Year 8


  • Mrs Wendy Litherland - also Associate Assistant Headteacher
  • Mrs Linda McCool - also Assistant Head of Year 9
  • Mr Scott Hancock
 - also Assistant Head of Year 10
  • Mrs Carole Flanagan
  • 

Mr Martin Redfearn


  • Mr Jordan Smith

Lab Technicians

  • Mrs Helen Bonner - Senior Science Technician
  • Miss Lindsey Barrett - Science Technician (Full-time)
  • Dr Mayuri Patel - Science Technician (Part-time)