History
Mr Tattersall
Head of Science
The department is led by Mr Tattersall, who is supported by an Assistant Director of Science, A lead practitioner, a lead to KS5 and 7 other very qualified members of staff. Together the science department are a passionate team of scientists with a drive to develop and produce inquisitive learners who will be the scientists of the future.
Within the department we have 8 full laboratories that pupils will learn in and use the facilities regularly to develop their practical skills. The science team strive to teach rigorous lessons of appropriate challenge whilst still being engaging and thought provoking.
Science Curriculum:
What can a student expect from the Faculty?
· Practical science activities to develop your scientific skills
· A challenging and engaging curriculum
· Develop your problem-solving abilities
· The chance to progress into a career in science
· An understanding of the role of science in the modern world
· Extra and co-curricular activities
Extra-Curricular Clubs
· Astronomy Club
· Science Club
· Science Leaders
. Pet Car Club
. In School Visits - Dino Dome and Birds of Prey
· Trips and visits - Jodrell Bank, GCSE Science Live and many more
KS3 Curriculum Overview
At KS3 pupils are taught Chemistry, Physics and Biology in line with the KS3 National Curriculum and the scheme of work has been designed to allow a smooth transition from KS3 to KS4. Pupils will have the opportunity to carry out numerous Scientific investigations and develop their working scientifically skills. Pupils are assessed at timely intervals throughout the year to monitor progress and to ensure that all pupils are provided with the necessary support, and challenge.
The aim of the KS3 science curriculum is to give the students a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and understanding in order to prepare them for their KS4 courses, but more importantly, to ignite a passion and spark a curiosity in the subject. To this end science lessons encourage the students to ask questions, to take risks in their learning and, of course, to carry out practical work.
KS4 Curriculum Overview
At KS4 pupils follow the AQA trilogy or AQA separate sciences based on their option choices. Pupils continue to develop their understanding of all three disciplines of science as well as strengthening their understanding of scientific investigations.
The aim of the KS4 science curriculum is to further embed pupils love for science and ensure that they are passionate, confident, and resilient scientists. Pupils will also develop their practical skills whilst also developing their literacy and numeracy proficiency.
Key Stage 4 - Curriculum Overview
At Key Stage 4 all students study the subject as part of a core curriculum delivered 1 hour a week during form time. This has been developed in line with the Blackburn and Darwen agreed syllabus all students follow an accredited GCSE short course, which makes up the themes of the lessons. The lessons are built in a way to engage students’ and open a debate about vital topics to their lives, from family roles to abortion.
Students can also select GCSE religious studies as one of their options. This involves looking at a study of both Christianity and Islam by looking at their central beliefs and practices before applying this knowledge to ethical issues. These ethical issues require students to share their own perspectives alongside religious perspectives to get to the best course of action for themselves and our world. It is a fascinating subject that challenges the students views about relationships, life and death, good and evil, along with a final topic about human rights.
KS5 Curriculum Overview
At KS5, pupils follow the AQA GCE Science curriculum, with the option to specialise in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. The KS5 curriculum builds on the foundation laid at KS4, continuing to develop students' understanding of scientific principles and enhancing their investigative skills.
The aim of the KS5 science curriculum is to deepen pupils' passion for science, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and practical applications. Pupils will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, becoming confident and resilient scientists prepared for further education and scientific careers. The curriculum also emphasizes the development of practical skills, scientific literacy, and numeracy proficiency.
What we teach and when we teach it