Science

Introduction

The Science Department consists of 9 full-time and 5 part-time Science teachers, supported by a very professional team of 4 science technicians. We are a real team, all working for the progress and success of all pupils, regardless of ability. All staff teach all areas in KS3 and KS4, and then specialise in KS5 into the three main curriculum areas. There are many opportunities for staff to develop their careers with the aid and support of their colleagues, and many of our team have gone on to become heads of science or science coordinators themselves.

Curriculum Intent

Our Science curriculum covers a broad range knowledge and methodology within Biology, Chemistry and Physics that allows students to understand the principles and rationale in Science and make links between the disciplines. This knowledge then enables them to make predictions, draw conclusions and understand how the world around them works. This further enables them to question the uses and implications of Science and make informed contributions to the society they live in a time where Science and Technology is increasingly significant. Working Scientifically underpins how Science is taught and inspires a curiosity and enjoyment of the subject. Opportunities are planned in for students to plan and implement investigations, analyse and present data and make conclusions. Communicating these skills is consistent between each discipline of Science. At Secondary level, many of these concepts and skills, or can seem very abstract to many students and we have built in to our schemes examples of how these link to the other sciences, situations they are familiar with and to other curriculum areas (Design Technology, Food & Nutrition, Geography, PE, Maths included) to enable students to see the relevance and importance of these concepts. Misconceptions and prior knowledge are addressed in each topic as is the vast vocabulary within the Scientific disciplines. Our schemes of learning are reviewed regularly to ensure they remaining challenging and enable our students to reach their full potential. The complex language of Science is considered in every topic and any previous misconceptions students may have is addressed throughout. Teaching of the schemes is personalised by each teacher for students in their class.

Science

Facilities

We have ten large fully-equipped labs, two of which have banks of PCs. We also have two smaller, fully equipped, areas for practical science, used for smaller sixth form groups and individual project work.

Enrichment

We offer CREST awards at both Bronze and Silver level. We have run trips for GCSE groups to Universities and other trips to include the Big Bang Fair at Plumpton. We have students take part in competitions such as the Faraday Challenge and Top of the Bench. Our sixth form Chemists also take part Olympiad. We run an annual trip to CERN in Switzerland for our Year 13 Physics students. A level Biology students also complete field work as part of their course.

Revision

All information and resources needed for revision are available on the subject pages of Firefly: Click Here: http://heathfieldcc.fireflycloud.net/browse-resources/subjects