Science is important because it allows us to understand how the world around us works, and how we can make it a better place to meet the needs of society. It is the marrying of multiple disciplines into a simple investigative method. Science has allowed us to feed growing populations, power whole continents and save lives. By using it, we can make informed decisions about the future of our planet and how best to manage our limited resources for the benefit of everyone.

Programme of study

The Science programme of study is based on the UK National Curriculum. Students are helped to develop the ‘big ideas’ of science to enable them to understand the science in the world around them and to make informed decisions about the applications of science.

Student’s learning is arranged around 14 Big Ideas: Matter, Electromagnets, Forces, Energy, Earth, Solar System, Organisms, Ecosystems, Genes, Evolution, Natural world, Theories and Models, Products and Applications. Each Big Idea is taught in smaller parts so that concepts can build upon one another as they progress through Key Stage 3. Students learn to understand that the three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are linked and equally important.

In the Lab

In science students work both as part of a team and independently, to complete many practical and written tasks.  Students are guided to be able to voice their own opinions and observations, as well as listen (and refer to) to the opinions and observations of others.  Students develop their ability to apply scientific method to their work so that they can predict, test, record, conclude and evaluate their scientific investigations.