Science
Director of Learning: Mr D Tarmey
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Curriculum Ambition
At Poynton High School we believe that Science has something to offer for each student. All students study Science until at least the end of Year 11 and many go on to study Science degrees at university and to embark on Science-related careers as engineers, doctors etc. Our Science curriculum is designed to prepare our learners to understand and appreciate the world around them. It is our aim to ensure our young people can navigate a changing world with the knowledge, skills and curiosity that prepares them for lifelong learning and future employment. Through high quality teaching and learning our intent is that the Science curriculum will allow students to:
- Develop a love of science and of learning.
- Access a broad and ambitious curriculum covering a wide variety of scientific principles and concepts.
- Regularly revisit and build upon their prior learning.
- Develop a deep level of knowledge and understanding which enables them to understand and question the universe in which they live.
- Appreciate the importance of Science in everyday life and confidently apply their knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Develop their understanding of scientific methodology; allowing them to plan and carry out robust scientific investigations accurately and competently.
- Evaluate the risks associated with the pursuit of knowledge and be able to safely work to investigate.
- Accurately read, interpret, and analyse a variety of different data sources and formulate valid conclusions.
- Gain an appreciation for Science-based careers and appreciate the importance of studying Science into further education.
- Consider the wider ethical implications of some of the scientific concepts studied and promote a sense of moral and social responsibility to allow students to make their own judgements, whilst being respectful of the opinions of others.
- Understand the links between Science and other subjects, such as Geography, Maths and Product Design.
The Science Team delivers the three sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a dedicated team of teachers with experts in all three fields. Lessons develop key life skills in science, practical skills, a comprehensive understanding of the subject and prepare students to achieve their full potential in qualifications and as scientists in the future!
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
At Key Stage 3, the school follows the National Curriculum. Students build upon the work that they have done at primary school and we are currently working to develop stronger links with feeder primaries to ensure an even more effective transition. Students follow a general Science course in Years 7 and 8. In Year 9, the sciences are taught as Biology, Chemistry and Physics by subject specialists in those subjects. This enables students to benefit from the deep subject knowledge of staff. Key Stage 3 learning also focuses upon ‘Working Scientifically’ where students are encouraged to plan, analyse and evaluate with a scientific approach. In this Key Stage it is essential that students develop the skills as well as knowledge of a scientist.
The outline of the KS3 Curriculum in Science is below:
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Year |
Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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7 |
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8 |
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9 |
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KS4 Science
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4, students develop further their 'How science works' skills. The courses followed at Key Stage 4 are:
- GCSE in Combined Science which is studied as 2 GCSEs in Year 10 and Year 11. 9 hours of Science are taught in Year 10 and Year 11 with examinations at the end of Year 11
- Separate Science GCSEs studied across the Key Stage with examinations at the end of Year 11 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 14 hours of Science are taught in Years 10 and 11.
All the Science GCSEs are AQA and this consistency enables shared approaches to be developed across the team.
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
There are four popular A levels offered in Science:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
All the A levels are from the AQA board.