Science Science Department Intent At Lathom our aims in the Science department are to ensure that at both key stages all students: develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physicsdevelop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them answer scientific questions about the world around themare equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future The Science Curriculum Curricula at both key stages will, in terms of subject content, comprise of equal proportions of Biology, Chemistry and PhysicsThroughout all three disciplines, students will be taught how to work scientifically and develop these skills as they move up through the school. They will develop experimental skills through investigation, measurement techniques and learning how to analyse results and evaluate methods usedBoth the subject content and scientific enquiry outlined above will be developed at KS3 so that students can enter KS4 with levels of proficiency required to enable them to reach their targets and beyondIn all aspects of teaching across both key stages, learning will be embedded consistently by all teachers using the following pedagogy:Provide clear learning objectives and success criteriaUse activities appropriate for the teaching groupProvide clear instruction for studentsBuild in opportunities for students to respondProvide meaningful feedbackPeriodically check if students have progressed by using appropriate assessment strategies Key Stage 3 Students in years 7, 8 & 9 receive eight 60 minute lessons a fortnight with homework each week, as is the policy at Lathom. Students are taught in set groups. Progress is tracked and monitored in accordance with agreed procedure. Students complete a baseline assessment on entry in Year 7 and will complete three National Curriculum assessments a year. Key Stage 4 All students study GCSE Science; the Science department follows the AQA syllabus. Students will study GCSE Combined Science in years 10 and 11. Running alongside this; Triple Science (GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics) is offered as an option and is studied by approximately 25% of the cohort; these students will complete the remaining units for the Separate Science qualifications. Enrichment Opportunities Big Bang Fair TripChester Zoo TripScience Summer SchoolSTEM clubRobotics ClubPsychology ClubScience Society How to Support your Child’s Learning Support your child with homework. Ask them questions about what they are learning about in Science and how it applies to the real world around them. Watch documentaries with them and talk about how the world is changing and the impact that humans are having on the world. Where to go Museum of Science & Industry ManchesterNatural History MuseumEurekaKnowsley Safari ParkChester zooBlackpool zooJodrell Bank Discovery CentreThe Sealife CentreBlue planet Aquarium What to watch Gadget Show on Discovery Science – The Gadget Show previews and reviews all the latest and future technology to give you an insight into tomorrow’s gadgets todayBrain Games on National Geographic – Brain Games is an American popular science television series that explores cognitive science by focusing on illusions, psychological experiments, and counterintuitive thinkingNat Geo Extreme Wild on National Geographic – From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, Nat Geo Wild will use spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world Modern Marvels on History – Modern Marvels is an American worldwide television series that formerly aired on the History Channel. The programme focuses on how technologies affect and are used in modern societyPrehistoric on Animal Planet – Prehistoric Park is a six-part docu-fiction television mini-series that premiered on ITV on 22 July 2006 and on Animal Planet on 29 October 2006 What to read Horrible SciencesCatalyst MagazineBad Science SeriesKS3 CGP Revision GuidesBBC Operation Ouch500 Things You Should Know about ScienceRichard Hammond Blast LabFocus Magazine Online www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/catalystwww.sciencemag.orgwww.discovermagazine.comwww.popsci.comwww.bbcbitesize.co.ukwww.newscientist.comwww.sciencefocus.comwww.senecalearning.com Future Careers Applied Science Aeronautical EngineerBiomedical EngineerCivil EngineerChemical EngineerEducational TechnologistElectrical EngineerEngineering TechnicianEngineering TechnologistPetrochemical Engineer Life Science BiologistBiomedical ScientistBotanistHerpetologistMedical Laboratory ScientistMicrobiologistNeuroscientistClinical Pharmaceutical ScientistZoologist General Science Forensic ScientistGovernment ScientistHealthcare ScienceInventorPsychologistResearch FellowSchool Science TechnicianScientist Natural Science ArchaeologistAstronautAstronomerBiochemistChemistEcologistGeographerNaturalistOceanographerPalaeontologistPathologist Curriculum Overview – KS3 and KS4 Science
