Science
CURRICULUM INTENT
- To maintain and stimulate student curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science
- To enable students to be familiar with a body of scientific knowledge, principles and vocabulary
- To enable students to see science in the context of a wider body of knowledge and skills
- To enable students to understand and use scientific method, with safety being a major consideration
- To enable students to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as politeness, perseverance, initiative and independence
- To enable students to be able to work independently and as part of a team
- To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all students (irrespective of their gender, race, ethnic origin, academic ability) to have equal access to science and to experience success and enjoyment in the subject
- To develop an awareness of the implications of science, (past, present and future) for the individual, the community and the environment
- To allow students to develop informed opinions and be able to support them by reasonable arguments
- To enable students to progress to their next stage of learning post-16
KEY STAGE 3
Our curriculum has been designed around 10 main themes. These are: Energy, Forces, Electricity and Magnetism, Earth and Space, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. These 10 themes form a clear line of progression as they run through both KS3 and KS4. Students are taught in mixed ability groups in Key stage 3. The course has been recently adapted by the science team and covers all three science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry & Physics). It is taught in short modules or units, covering the common misconceptions behind scientific ideas that pupils have and the body of knowledge they need for understanding. Many of the topics also have a high practical element to improve their working scientifically skills. Throughout the course students will be assessed in a variety of ways including; regular homework, in class assessments, recall tests and exams twice yearly.
All pupils are given access to a digital textbook to support their learning and are also able to complete homework and independent activities online using Frog.
KEY STAGE 4
Pupils study AQA Combined Science GCSE (worth 2 GCSEs) or opt to take Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics — 3 GCSEs). Pupils choose which of these to take part way through year 9. The 10 themes described above continue through the GCSE topics.
Over the last few years, students have opted in increasing numbers to take Triple Science and it is envisaged that this trend will continue. Many of our students opt to take science further at College and beyond.
These are challenging GCSEs which will incorporate both practical skills and a greater depth of subject knowledge. There is an increased emphasis on applying knowledge, higher mathematical skills and detailed understanding of practical work.
We are very proud of the fact that students at Holmfirth achieve extremely high standards and believe a lot of it is due to our structured approach and emphasis on independent learning. We provide access to many revision resources including online textbooks and encourage all students to have their own revision guide.. We also believe good home-school communications are a major key to success, and as such we regularly write home to all parents throughout the course to inform them of their child’s progress.
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
CURRICULUM LEADER
Mrs E Martin
SECOND IN DEPARTMENT
Mrs A Bower
WHAT CAREER?
HEALTH
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENT
COMPUTING
TECHNOLOGICAL INDUSTRIES
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMIA
MEDIA