Science

At Mary Astell Academy, the core purpose for science is to deliver an engaging and challenging curriculum so that pupils develop a scientific perspective of the world around them and can make informed decisions. With this knowledge, we aim to prepare our pupils effectively for the future to make them confident, responsible members of the school and wider community and to set them on the path to success for their Key Stage 4 exams. Through studying environmental issues such as climate change and linking topics to sustainable development they will also develop their understanding of what it means to be a ‘global citizen’.​

The focus of the Key Stage 3 science curriculum is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. However, due to the varied range of learners and the changing cohort, all staff have developed adaptable techniques to adjust their lessons to ensure progression of each individual pupil in science. As well as developing our pupils’ knowledge and understanding of scientific theory, our curriculum has an integrated ‘working scientifically’ component with a clear focus on scientific literacy and communication that seeks to develop pupils’ confidence in articulating their scientific ideas.

Moving into Key Stage 4, the science courses available are regularly reviewed; this is to ensure we offer appropriate accreditation pathways to all pupils.  Where appropriate we offer: GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. In addition we also offer Entry Level Certification (Entry Level Science/Entry Level Further Science).

With all the taught topics, the science department seeks to build on the learning that has taken place in previous years.  Wherever this has taken place, the intent is the same; to enrich and deepen the pupils’ understanding of scientific concepts including materials, matter, energy, forces, body systems and environmental interactions.

Scientific literacy covers a variety of skills, including taking and making notes, summarising information, presenting ideas, numeracy, data analysis, graph drawing, the use of formulae and understanding the application of maths to the real world – all of which have strong links into the English and mathematics curriculums and fosters extensive cross-curricular links to additional subjects. Science also seeks to build on the ‘spoken language’ component of the national curriculum, encouraging pupils to expand their vocabulary with new technical scientific words.

The knowledge that is taught has a broad range across the three sciences, but of equal importance are the skills needed to apply understanding to new situations which demonstrates pupils acting as successful scientists. By developing both the knowledge and the skills needed to progress and succeed, Mary Astell seeks to prepare its pupils for future education and employment in an ever changing world.

Science News