Science
Science - Curriculum Statement of intent
‘Creating the Scientists of tomorrow’
The curriculum for the Science Department at Caterham High School aims to give all learners a strong understanding of the world around them whilst developing and embedding specific Scientific skills and knowledge. This will help them make life choices by thinking scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes in everyday life and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
The Science curriculum aims to be broad and balanced for all pupils:
- Ensure students are able to carry out Scientific investigations safely
- Ensure all students are competent in planning, conducting, observing, recording, concluding and evaluating Scientific investigations
- Ensure students understand the importance of Science in their everyday lives
- Ensure students have the knowledge and understanding, including literacy, numeracy and ‘working scientifically’ skills, to achieve well in their GCSE and A-LEVEL exams
- Students are be challenged and supported in every lesson to ensure they make progress
- Students are being taught by experienced and enthusiastic Science specialists
Through the sequencing of the curriculum we plan for the development of literacy, numeracy and ‘working scientifically’. Essential knowledge and understanding of living organisms, states of matter, the Periodic table, motion, energy and particles that underpins good subject knowledge in Science, ensuring students become accomplished in:
- Scientific practicals
- Cells to whole organisms
- Oxygen from air to muscles
- Reproduction and sexual health
- Ecosystems
Chemistry:
- States and separation
- Periodic table
- Acids and alkalis
- Rocks
- Fuels
Physics:
- Forces and pressure
- Electricity and efficiency
- Waves
- Space
- Energy
Our Science teaching philosophy is that we support students with their own understanding of how Science determines their future and the future of our planet.
We aim to prepare out students for life beyond school through real life experiences of Science experiments, knowledge of careers in science and a fundamental understanding of Science throughout history. All content in lessons is accompanied by a context to allow students to understand the every impact of Science in their lives.
We aim to develop a culture in Science whereby every teacher and student has the opportunity to succeed, strives to improve and surpasses their limits. Not because students are not good enough, but because they can be even better
The ‘Curriculum 21’ development at key stage 3, is focused on the sequencing of lessons and ensuring the most impactful theories of pedagogy are in place for students to recap and review their knowledge, skill and understanding. Through regular recap and review we intend to ensure students embed science knowledge and skills in their long-term memory and are able to apply this subconsciously in their lives every day.
The intended impact of this is that our students know more, understand more and can do more.
At Key Stage 3, students study the following:
At Key Stage 4, you can read about the courses on offer in our Options Booklet
At Key Stage 5, you can read about the courses on offer in our Sixth Form Prospectus
For more detailed information about the Science curriculum, please email the subject leader Mr J Paton at j.paton@ecaterham.net
