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Science

Miss F. Crossland – Subject Lead Science

Compelling Learning in Science

At Falinge Park High School we want to provide an enjoyable, absorbing and compelling learning experience so students can appreciate the awe and wonder of Science and how Science underpins everything around us. Throughout our programme of study, we will provide our students with the opportunity to acquire and develop the key knowledge for each concept and develop their working scientifically skills which will thread throughout our 5 year curriculum.

These skills will allow students to apply their knowledge of science when using equipment to plan and conduct investigations, use models to explain concepts confidently, think critically about evidence and draw rational conclusions based on evidence and observations. We want to develop students’ curiosity about natural phenomena and link the knowledge they learn in Science to ask questions and be informed about the advancements Science has made to the wider world. 

We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and provide students with the tools to develop the agency they need to become confident, resilient, and reflective learners. We want to inspire students to achieve up to and beyond their potential, so they have the opportunities to gain qualifications in Science for their own ambitions of future study or careers and enthuse the next generation of scientists.

 

The curriculum of science aims to ensure that all students:

  • Are provided with a balanced and broad curriculum in line with the National curriculum
  • Develop an interest and curiosity of their world and relate to real life applications and relevance.
  • Understand how working scientifically equips them with significant transferable skills relevant to a wide range of careers, both in and out of science.  
  • Develop the ability to use scientific inquiry methods including questioning, communicating, justifying, and evaluating scientific arguments and claims.
  • Develop investigative skills and be able to implement practical science methodology.
  • Consider the moral, ethical, and social implications of science.
  • Develop a solid understanding and ability to use and apply scientific knowledge, integrating maths and literacy skills throughout.

Key Concepts

We base our Science Curriculum on 10 big concepts that will spiral throughout the curriculum. 

Our science curriculum encourages the development of knowledge and understanding in science through opportunities for working scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do – we have categorised these skills into 4 strands. 

Physics

  1. Forces
  2. Electromagnets
  3. Energy
  4. Waves

Chemistry

  1. Matter
  2. Reactions
  3. Earth

Biology

  1. Organisms
  2. Ecosystems
  3. Genes

Working Scientifically

1. Development of scientific thinking
2. Experimental skills and strategies
3. Analysis and evaluation
4. Scientific vocabulary, quantities, units, symbols and nomenclature

Curriculum

Big picture KS3 Scheme of Learning Science

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Big aims Year 7

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Big aims Year 8

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Big aims Year 9

The KS4 curriculum is studied over 2 years. We start teaching the Combined Science: Trilogy to pupils from the summer term in year 9. All students who have not chosen Triple Science as an option will study combined science.

The content taught follows the AQA exam board specification and pupils will take 6 exams at the end of year 11.

The course focuses on scientific explanations and models, and gives students an insight into how scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit. Students study a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics with practicals, including many required practicals, covered throughout the course.

Pupils who choose Triple Science as an option subject will study a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics in great depth with practicals, including many required practicals, covered throughout the course. The content follows the AQA exam board specification; students will receive a separate grade for each of the separate sciences.

All exams are taken in Year 11 and will be awarded from the new grading system of 9 -1.

Route 1:   AQA Combined Science Trilogy (8464)

Pupils will be awarded two GCSEs after completing six exams.

Further information can be found at:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Route 2 (Option Subject): AQA Separate Science Biology (8461), Chemistry (8462) and Physics (8643)

Pupils will take six exams and be awarded three individual GCSEs.

Further information can be found at:

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

 

Cultural Experiences

Falinge Park High School has become the first school in the country to be awarded the Excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) accolade in June 2016 by the Museum of Science & Industry. This award is for several enrichment projects which brought together Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in order to inspire students to look more closely at career prospects in these industries. We aim to create a Compelling Learning Experience at Falinge and STEM embraces this.
Alongside our curriculum, our enrichment opportunities develop students as inquisitive thinkers, researchers, team players and leaders, challenging their natural curiosity of the world around them.
Activities may vary to reflect advancements in Science and technology reported in the media. However, opportunities that students have taken part in include:

  • Meet the scientist. Different scientists working across a range of scientific industries are invited in to talk about their route into their particular field.
  • Visits/Road shows by the STEM Ambassadors – MOSI
  • Science Stars trip to Manchester University, gives year 9 students a taste of university life, taking part in hands on science such as having the opportunity to carry out ‘blood’ tests to diagnose diabetes, search for alien life, build a model brain and find out more about the organisms that live in our gut. They also attend a lecture. This year’s lecture was on sports physiology, learning how athletes can use science to help them win Olympic gold medals.
  • The Tim Peake Rocket Science challenge, part of a national space biology experiment to grow rocket plants from seeds that have been into space
  • Professional Laboratory experience at the University of Manchester.
    Women of Wonder event – highlighted and celebrated women who are making a difference in the fields of science and engineering at The University of Manchester.
  • STEM club – We provide pupils with a range of fun activities and competitions for all year groups which allow them to develop practical skills, to explore scientific ideas and to enjoy Science. The activities completed in STEM club would not normally be done in lessons and sometimes uses specialist equipment not found at home. For example we have made hexx bugs, magnetic slime, non-Newtonian fluid, candy chromatography and much much more! The club has been running successfully every week for three years.
  • Young Scientist – students are identified in year 7 and given the opportunity to develop their Scientific enquiry skills, as well as confidence and communication. They undertake a number of practicals which relate to the real world and finish off the programme by presenting their newly acquired skills to family, friends and staff members during a small presentation evening.
  • Bronze Crest Award – students are given the opportunity to explore real-world science, technology, engineering and maths projects such as fun at the fair, space exploration and fraud detection. students are encouraged to take ownership of their projects; which they choose in an area they find relevant and enjoyable. This allows students to build essential skills and demonstrate personal achievement, as well as gaining an award that is recognised by UCAS and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
  • Wind Turbine Project that involves research, design and construction of a fully functioning wind turbine to produce electricity.
  • Royal Society of Chemistry’s Global Experiment to find out the best conditions for growing crystals.
    Revision clubs are offered after school and are designed to support students in developing their knowledge and understanding as well as preparing them for their examinations.
KS3 Curriculum Map

Y10 Curriculum Map

Y11 Curriculum Map

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