The Science Faculty consists of 7 fully qualified in science teaching staff and 3 technicians who support the delivery of high quality teaching and learning. The Department is led by Mr Maher jmaher@lawnmanor.org Pupils benefit from a fully equipped set of laboratories and a practical and hand-on approach to learning. In addition, there is a dedicated ICT suite within the science building and extensive school grounds for studying the environment.
Pupils follow a modular approach to Science where all three sciences are fully covered. Year 7 and 8 are taught in ILEARN classes with one of those being the Gifted and Talented Group. Regular formal and informal assessment helps teachers and pupils know what is needed for continual improvement. The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to:
- research, experiment, discuss and develop arguments
- develop practical skills by completing regular investigative skills projects
- use real-life examples as a basis for finding out about science
- study science in local, national and global contexts, and appreciate the connections between these
- recognise the importance of sustainability in scientific and technological developments
- explore contemporary and historical scientific developments and how they have been communicated
- prepare to specialise in a range of science subjects at key stage 4
- consider how knowledge and understanding of science informs personal and collective decisions including those on dietary choices and substance abuse
- make links between science and other subjects and areas of the curriculum
In addition the Science faculty places extra emphasis on the development of basic skills in both literacy and numeracy and all lessons have a specific focus on one of these.
Cells and Movement
Nutrition and Digestion
Interdependence
Elements
Acids
States
Forces
Space
Topic order may differ for different teaching groups but there are three major common exam assessments regulary spaced throughout the year.
Healthy living
Inheritance
Respiration and Photosynthesis
Chemical reactions
Earth and Atmosphere
Energy
Waves
Electromagnetism
Topic order may differ for different teaching groups but there are two major common exam assessments near the middle and end of the academic year
Pupils are carefully guided into the most appropriate core Science option for them and this will usually involve discussion with individual pupils. All pupils complete at least Combined GCSE Science and approximately half of pupils choose to study the separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Our exam board is AQA. Attainment in all Science subjects has been consistently high over a number of years. Our aim is that all pupils will have opportunities to:
- develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
- acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
- acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning.
Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic chemistry
Chemical analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources
Energy
Electricity
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Forces
Waves
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Space physics
Combined science
Includes a combination of almost all of these modules, although in less detail.
These modules are taught over years 9-11. The faculty places a strong emphasis on revisiting work very regularly to help students maximise the grades they obtain in their GCSE exams and also continue with the strong focus on the development of investigative, literacy and numeracy skills
Enrichment activities
These include
- Trips to New College and area Universities to experience Science
- Extensive primary school links with regular science clubs in these
- House competitions within the faculty
- Lesson 6 to support the learning of students
- Holiday interventions for identified students.
- An astronomy club
