Science

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Welcome to the Science Department, all of our Science staff strive to follow and implement our Departmental vision at all times.

Departmental Vision

To provide the highest standard of Science education and make a difference by focussing on achievement, allowing pupils to work safely and have access to innovative, adventurous, stimulating and engaging Science lessons and so create a place where young people make exciting and excellent progress, can have their dreams fulfilled and be encouraged to exceed their expectations.

 ‘Dream… Believe… Act!’

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills in Science

Independent enquirers

Through the study of science pupils identify questions to answer and problems to solve. They make predictions based on their current knowledge and understanding. They plan and carry out practical and investigative activities, to obtain, record and analyse data from primary and secondary sources, and evaluate scientific evidence and working methods. Pupils then make informed and reasoned decisions based on the available scientific evidence. The programme of study specifies that pupils should also be given the opportunity to pursue an independent enquiry into an aspect of science of personal interest.

Creative thinkers

Creativity is an important part of the scientific process. Scientific ideas are developed by approaches that use a combination of experimentation, evidence and creativity. This encourages pupils to think creatively by generating and exploring ideas and making their own connections. Pupils try different ways of tackling a problem and work with others to find imaginative solutions. Pupils also explore how the creative application of scientific ideas can bring about technological developments, and appreciate the importance of creativity and innovation in enterprise.

Team workers

Scientific investigation is predominantly undertaken by groups of scientists with different specialisms working in collaboration. Pupils studying science carry out group practical and investigative activities. They learn to work confidently with others, decide on appropriate distribution of tasks and take responsibility for their own contribution. Pupils listen to and take account of different views and, through peer review, provide constructive support and feedback. They form trusting relationships, resolving issues to reach agreed outcomes. The communication of science to various audiences may also necessitate a collaborative approach.

Self-managers

Work in science gives pupils the chance to organise themselves and show personal responsibility, initiative, creativity and enterprise with a commitment to learning and self-improvement. They are encouraged to actively embrace change, respond positively to new priorities, cope with challenges and look for new opportunities to apply and use their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Effective participators

The ability to communicate scientific information and contribute to presentations and discussions about scientific issues requires pupils to actively engage with issues that affect them and those around them. Pupils learn to think practically and with logic, using rational arguments to influence and persuade, and reach workable solutions. This then encourages them to play a full part in the life of their school and wider community by taking responsible action to bring improvements to others as well as to themselves.

Reflective learners

The study of science provides opportunities for pupils to become reflective learners by developing their evaluation skills. Pupils can use these skills to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of themselves and others, setting realistic goals with criteria for success. They monitor their own performance and progress, inviting feedback from others and making changes to further their learning. Peer review is a fundamental aspect of science.

Introducing the Science Team

Team Member

Responsibility

Room

Alison Thompson

Director of Standards - Science

(Head of Science)

C21

Lindsay Duley

Assistant Director of Standards - Science

C34

Sean Gallagher

Assistant Head Teacher & Teacher of Science

 

Vacancy

Lead Teacher

C22

Jim Hatch

Senior Technician

 

Kenneth Ashton

Teacher of Science

C32

Catherine Lowe

Teacher of Science

C33

Pauline Trotman

Administrative Assistant

 

Linda Rothwell

Senior Key Stage 4 Learning Coordinator & Teacher of Science

C31

Margaret Slammin

Science Technician i/c Rural & Agricultural Sciences

 

Allan Slater

Deputy Principal, Director of Learning for Science & Teacher of Science

 

Ron Winstanley

Science Technician