Science
Our intent in Science is to ensure that all students study a broad and balanced Science curriculum that covers all the main aspects of the living and material world. We ensure that the national curriculum is taught in such a way that lessons are engaging and relevant. But we also teach and discuss areas outside of this that we feel are important to the constantly evolving priorities of our students. E.g. climate change and single-use plastics. This enables our students to develop a global awareness in an ever-changing world.
Practical work is at the heart of Science teaching at FCC, and we take every opportunity to carry out relevant practical work in Science.
Science is taught as a spiral curriculum so that students repeatedly meet similar concepts where they can gain more familiarity with these key ideas, with growing depth each time.
Key Stage 3
We teach Key Stage 3 in topics so that they experience the gamut of Chemistry, Physics and Biology in a wide variety of settings. We cover the key concepts to allow them to access GCSE and A-levels. Skills are taught across all areas that prepare the students for further study at GCSE. These may be practical skills or encouraging the correct use of scientific language. We teach students how to carry out safe and informative practical work so that they can gain the necessary skills to succeed at GCSE and A level.
Key Stage 4
We follow the AQA Combined and Single Science specifications. Students will either gain a double award combined Science GCSE (equivalent of two GCSEs) or three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Again, practical work is a high priority and students use the knowledge and skill from these lessons to clarify and move their learning forward. Students benefit from three (combined Science) or four (single Science) lessons per subject per fortnight taught by a specialist teacher in that area.
There is also the opportunity for students to study a GCSE in Astronomy as an extracurricular subject for those that have a keen interest in this area of the Sciences.
Key Stage 5
We offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A level. Again, the development of practical skills and how these can be used to enhance learning is our fundamental approach. Students benefit from a wide variety of teaching approaches that promote independent learning and encourage thinking in preparation for further scientific study at university. These include activities such as presentations, debates and discussions of current scientific areas of interest in the news.
Overall, across the possible seven years of Science education, the Science department at FCC endeavour to help students:
- Develop practical skills by working scientifically
- Articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely
- Remedy common misconceptions
- Understand the nature, processes and methods of Science
- Understand the uses and implications of science today and its potential impact on future developments
- Accurately read and interpret technical and scientific terminology
- Identify connections between subject areas and become aware of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding, e.g. particles, energy and cells
- Challenge current understanding by taking into account new evidence and ideas
- Use problem-solving skills and numeracy within scientific concepts.