Our curriculum seeks to inspire students to see their place in the world and where they belong in a global community. We aim to ensure students see value in science as a human endeavour that enhances understanding, drives innovation, and empowers them to make informed, responsible decisions for the benefit of themselves, their communities, and the wider world.
The science curriculum aims to develop learners who are ready to engage with the intellectual challenges of scientific study, respectful of the natural world and the evidence that underpins scientific understanding, and are safe in their conduct, both within the laboratory and as responsible users of scientific knowledge.
We aim to develop respectful empathetic learners with the core aim of developing communities where everyone and thing in it feels they belong and are supported to be the best they can be.
Our intent is to provide a broad, balanced, and coherent curriculum that equips all students with a deep understanding of the key principles of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Through a carefully sequenced programme of study, students acquire the disciplinary knowledge and working scientific skills necessary to explain phenomena, evaluate evidence, and apply learning to unfamiliar contexts. All students have the opportunity to study separate science at GCSE to further explore their passion for science.
Students will study the three disciplines, biology, chemistry and physics and the ‘Big Ideas’ that underpin each of these disciplines.
In Biology students will learn that all living things are made of cells, that organisms require energy and materials for survival, that genetic information is passed from one generation to the next and that diversity of organisms is the result of evolution by natural selection.
In Chemistry students will learn that all matter is made of particles, that substances can change state and react to form new substances in numerous ways.
In Physics students will learn that energy is conserved, that forces can change motion or shape of objects and that the Earth is a small part of a vast solar system and universe.
Students will learn about key scientific discoveries made by scientists from a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, gaining insight into how these contributions have shaped modern scientific understanding of the world.
As a department we strive to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and independence so that students are ready to progress to further education and employment in a scientifically literate society. We promote respect for evidence, differing perspectives, and the impact of science on ethical, environmental, and social issues. Practical and investigative work is integral to our curriculum, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that all students understand and apply the principles of working safely and responsibly.
