Science

Vision Statement:

The Science Department wants  to foster a passion for scientific exploration and critical thinking. Through engaging teaching methods, we aim to empower students to become active contributors to not only their Science lessons but to the wider school. By providing an understanding of scientific principles and practices, we strive to develop their problem-solving skills and nurture an appreciation for the natural world. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of curious minds, equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle real-world challenges and lead advancements in science and technology. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery and excellence.

We believe and support our school’s vision to provide students with the best learning experience consistent with the school’s values of ‘to care, to learn, to achieve.’ In order to achieve this, we ensure that students are challenged and supported in every lesson.

Aims:

1. Cultivate Curiosity: Nurturing a culture of curiosity, we aim to encourage students to question, investigate, and explore the world around them. By fostering an inquisitive mindset, we in-still a lifelong passion for learning and a desire to engage in scientific inquiry.
2. Develop Critical Thinkers: Our primary aim is to equip students with the essential skills of critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Through hands-on experiments, data analysis, and problem-solving activities, we empower them to analyse information critically and make informed decisions based on evidence.
3. Promote Collaboration: Working scientifically involves teamwork and effective communication. We strive to develop students' collaborative skills, enabling them to engage in cooperative investigations and share their findings with peers. By emphasising teamwork, we prepare students to be valuable contributors to scientific research and collaborative projects in the future.

How can parents help?

In order to support students in their learning there are a number of revision resources that parents can encourage students to use, a few are listed below:

• BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h
• Continuity Oak https://continuityoak.org.uk/lessons
• Physics and maths tutor https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/
• Educake
• CGP Revision guides (purchasable on parent pay or from the CGP website)

Potential activities that can be carried out or discussion points, for outside the classroom:

• Observe frogspawn and tadpoles in local ponds.
• Discuss electricity and where it comes from perhaps
• Create indicator at home and test pH of everyday substances such as fruit juices.
• Encourage looking after a seed and taking care of the plant until it grows to be a tree. Flowers or fruitful trees can be planted if the place is available.
• Visit museums to engage and create curiosity about space.
• Visit the local play-ground and try to sport how many things use forces.

Department Members:

Ms King – Head of Science

Dr Brushwood – Deputy Headteacher

Mrs Williamson – SENCO Lead

Mr Fynn – Lead Practitioner

Mr Filo

Mrs Hamdi

Mrs Mehdi - Technician

Mrs Bint - Technician