The Science Department is staffed by dedicated and highly skilled subject specialists. We believe that all students are capable of succeeding in science and our mission is to ensure that – by combining practical activities with expertly delivered theoretical lessons – students develop a passion for science and continue their enjoyment throughout their school career.
Key Stage 3
students in Year 7, 8 and 9 take part in a spiral curriculum where we build increasingly sophisticated knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics. Revisiting key ideas and skills throughout the three years enables the students to see more links in our subject and remember more from year to year. We encourage problem solving and question asking as these are skills important to all scientists and want to develop an interest and spark in our subject.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11, those students studying the separate sciences – biology, chemistry and physics – are taught by highly experienced staff whose unrivalled subject knowledge and ability to extend student thinking skills. A second combined science course for Year 10 and 11 students relates the syllabus content to modern scientific method and developments. Practical skills are enhanced and techniques of data analysis are embedded for use in science and across other subjects.
Key Stage 5
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught by highly experienced staff with unrivalled subject knowledge, coupled with the ability to extend student thinking skills to the standard needed for success at Level 3. Our students are well prepared for the demands of higher education and many enter universities to study a wide range of courses, both science based and over a wider context.
Staff
- Mrs S Priestley (Director of Science)
- Mr A Ford (Head of Chemistry)
- Mrs B Grace (Head of Physics)
- Mr C Bambury (Head of Biology)
- Mrs C Harnett
- Mr S Bradley
- Mr R Bradshaw
- Mr R Daley
- Mrs C Dawson
- Miss E Matthews
- Mrs J Milan
- Mrs A Richardson
- Mr P Watson
- Mr J Littleton
- Ms R Thompson
Intent & implementation
Science will examine the origins of life, matter and the world we inhabit from the microscopic to the massive. Our students are to be taught the building blocks of scientific development and will explore how our lives are transformed on seemingly a daily basis. They will develop practical abilities and transferable skills via hands on investigations in biology, chemistry and physics. All our students can be assured of challenge, excitement and the pleasure derived from finding out how, when, where, but most importantly, WHY!
Science in Year 7 & 8 will introduce the key scientific ideas that have shaped our world and will feature a course with practical investigations at its heart. Carrying on from and expanding the groundwork done throughout KS2, we will deliver high-quality lessons that enable students to achieve a complete understanding of many complex concepts.
Biology, chemistry and physics will receive equal weighting to ensure the widest coverage of science available; students will develop the skills and understanding necessary to understand complex ecosystems, chemical engineering developments and efficient energy production as well as the climate change situation.
What we offer is ideal preparation for post KS3 science study, heavily reliant upon our students embedding the scientific ideas and principles that govern all our lives.
Curriculum Maps
To find out what we are learning about and why, please see the appropriate curriculum map:
KS3Science - Biology Y10Science - Physics Year 10Science - Chemistry Year 10Separate Science - Chemistry Year 11Separate Science - Physics Year 11Trilogy Science - Biology Year 11Separate Science - Biology Year 11Trilogy Science - Chemistry Year 11Trilogy Science - Physics Year 11Chemistry Year 12Biology Year 12Chemistry Year 13Physics Year 13Physics Year 12Level 3 BTEC Y12 Unit 1Level 3 BTEC Y12 Unit 8Level 3 BTEC Y13 Unit 2Level 3 BTEC Y13 Unit 3
Developing Cultural Capital
At UCC our curriculum is designed to help students come up with questions and solve problems in a practical setting. This allows them to be more confident in questioning the world around them and going on to make the right choices. Cultural capital is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens and we are fortunate that our curriculum allows us to support students in their understanding of many topics which affect them personally or society as a whole. We build in contextual ideas into our lessons to ensure that students see the importance of the subject and the relevance of having a good scientific understanding in appreciating the world around them.
Extracurricular opportunities
We run a Science Club every Tuesday in W72, 12.45 – 1.25pm – all welcome!
Careers Education
Science is the key to unlocking a variety of rich and varied career pathways. We build in contextual ideas into our lessons and links to careers where relevant to ensure that students see the importance of the subject and how science impacts all our lives and how it is used in many settings and careers
