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Science Department Staff

For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Mrs J McCutcheon the Curriculum Leader.

• Mrs Jen McCutcheon (JAM) – Curriculum Leader of Science
• Mrs Debbie Holden (DLH) – Lead teacher of Physics
• Mrs Rachel Wilson (RLW) – Lead teacher of Chemistry
• Mr Nick Dunn (NJD) – Teacher of Physics & Biology
• Mrs Abigail Ellis (AB) – Science Technician (Maternity leave)
• Mrs Jane Hayes (JQH) – Science Technician (Maternity cover)
• Miss Olivia Kendall (OMK) – Teacher of Biology & Chemistry
• Mrs Katharine Pye (KPY) – Science Teaching Assistant
• Mr Jack Turner (JT) – Teacher of Chemistry & Biology
• Mrs Sarah Walsh (SW) – Senior Science Technician
• Miss Carolyne Warburton (CJW) – Teacher of Chemistry and PSHE Coordinator

Science Department Intent

The intent of our Science Curriculum is to develop scientifically literate citizens who are equipped with scientific skills required to understand the uses and applications of Science. Students are encouraged to see how Biology, Chemistry and Physics interconnect with each other and the outside world. We want to develop their understanding and appreciation of the natural, material and physical world around them and to encourage awe and wonder.

We want students to realise how Scientific innovation and advances changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity.

At Balshaw’s Church of England High School we wish to inspire students to become future scientists and for others to see the applications of Science within our everyday lives.

‘Science is exploration. The fundamental nature of exploration is that we don’t know what’s there. We can guess and hope and aim to find out certain things, but we have to expect surprises.’   Charles H. Townes

‘The whole of Science, and one is tempted to think the whole of the life of any living man, is trying to come to terms with the relationship between yourself and the natural world. Why are you here, and how do you fit in, and what’s it all about?’  David Attenborough

Lessons

Year 7 have 5 hours over two weeks

Year 8 have 5 hours over two weeks

Year 9 have 6 hours over two weeks

Year 10 Combined have 10 hours over two weeks

Year 10 Triple have 15 hours over two weeks

Year 11 Combined have 11 hours over two weeks

Year 11 Triple have 11 hours over two weeks

Accommodation

Our Science Curriculum area is one of the largest in school with 7 well equipped laboratories and two preparation areas situated on two levels of the school building.

Organisation

We operate a three year KS3 programme of study, incorporating fully the National Curriculum.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will usually have one Science teacher who delivers all three Sciences using subject topics (see curriculum map/journey for more information). There are 7 mixed ability groups in Year 7 and 8 and 7 ability groups in Year 9. All three year groups are in two bands for organisational purposes with the X band having three teaching groups and the Y band having four.

At KS4 we follow the AQA specification and offer Combined Science and Triple (Separate) Science. We are fortunate to have subject specialists in all three Sciences. We have 7 teaching groups arranged in Higher and Foundation tiers. One group study Triple Science as an option subject and the other 6 groups follow the Combined Science pathway.

 

 

 

Science Department Curriculum Mapping - KS3

Science Department Curriculum Mapping - KS4

Science Department - Intent, Implementation and Impact

Science Department Assessment

Clubs

As a department we run many successful clubs.

We offer a wealth of enrichment opportunities which in previous years have included overseas trips to Iceland and Geneva as well as Science Club trips to London and the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham for Year 9. Year 7 and 8 Science Clubs have the opportunity to travel to London to visit the Natural History and Science museums. Year 10 can choose to attend Science Live events in Manchester.  

Members of the department are involved in the American Ski Trip, Staff Choir, Lego – Future Engineers, Salter’s Chemistry Festival, Ogden Trust Physics Olympics.  

 

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