Science
"Science is not a boy's game, it's not a girl's game. It's everyone's game. It's about where we are and where we're going."
Nichelle Nichols, former NASA Ambassador
The Science department aims to deliver a curriculum that is informative, engaging and inquisitive. We aim to build the foundations to the everyday questions related to the material world. We deliver lessons to answer the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions students often have. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world's future. We aim to develop scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding, scientific processes, mathematical skills and connections between other subject areas. Students should be able to conduct practicals to test predictions, theories and phenomena with increasing complexity from EYFS to KS5.
We also aim to give students an insight into the learning of how to be objective and how to reason and solve problems. Regular retrieval practice allows students to experience a spiral curriculum which is built on from Reception through to Sixth Form which remedies misconceptions and prepares students for their future learning or employment.
EYFS / KS1 / KS2
The Science curriculum taught in EYFS, KS1 and 2 allows the children to have the technical vocabulary, conceptual understanding and skills to ask and answer scientific questions. This is taught discreetly through focus on key vocabulary and skills. We believe all children, irrespective of background, should have the opportunity to fulfil their true potential in Science, and to have the knowledge to transition smoothly to the next stage of their learning. Our aim is for all children to see themselves as scientists and to make the links between their learning and future careers.
KS3
The Science curriculum at KS3 forms the foundations to GCSE. Students are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics concepts which are built upon throughout the 5 years at Secondary school. The KS3 curriculum gives students an insight into the importance of Science in the real world where they can adequately explain processes. Students are taught a range of topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which is broad and balanced covering the National Curriculum. We have adapted our curriculum, where possible, to make it relevant and reflective of the Dunraven Community.
At the end of KS3 we expect all students to be able to use basic scientific equipment effectively, to be able to make experimental observations, analyse and evaluate their work, work independently and as a team and to be able to relate some scientific concepts to the real world.
Enrichment: Students are given opportunities to join STEM Club and enter competitions throughout the year and as part of Science week.
KS4
The Science curriculum at KS4 is taught as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The curriculum enables students to develop new skills through a variety of teaching styles to develop subject knowledge. The regular use of modelling and practicals supports students' understanding of working scientifically. KS4 Science gives students a solid platform to understand real life Science and an opportunity to further deepen knowledge at KS5.
At the end of KS4 we expect all students to be able to use some complex Scientific equipment effectively, to be able to make experimental observations, analyse and evaluate their work, work independently and as a team, to be able to relate some scientific concepts to the real world and begin to answer some of the global issues related to Science.
Enrichment: Students are given opportunities to join STEM Club and enter competitions throughout the year and as part of Science week.
KS5
Biology, Chemistry and Physics at KS5 build upon the KS4 curriculum. Students are taught theoretical concepts through working scientifically and modelling. Regular assessment allows students to address misconceptions and allows for timely intervention.
At the end of KS5 Science we expect all students to have an in-depth knowledge and to be able to apply their knowledge to different situations. We also expect them to be able to conduct practicals, make observations, analyse and evaluate results independently. Some students will be able to devise their own practicals to answer scientific questions. All students will be able to use statistical tests / mathematical skills competently.
Enrichment: There is a range of enrichment opportunities for students to embark upon to make them more independent learners in readiness for higher education. This includes accessing scientific journals, online lectures, face to face lectures and analysing scientific literature.
