Science

Intent

"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated." Rosalind Franklin.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein

We recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. As a core subject, we give the teaching and learning of science the prominence it requires.

Our scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and conceptual understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry, including a passion for reading and mathematical fluency. We seek to develop the natural curiosity of the student, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence.

At each Key Stage our curriculum is designed to be both ambitious in its coverage and to allow all our pupils to access and progress in their learning.

At KS3 we believe that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that knowledge can be taught through this. It is essential that across all three disciplines, a foundation of knowledge and skills is continually built upon, as students move through and between the key stages.

The focus at KS4 and KS5 resolves around the creativity and inventiveness in setting up hypotheses and designing methods by which they can be tested objectively. This requires students reporting, evaluating and appraising experimental situations and other information in a systematic manner.

Our varied approach to learning prepares pupils fully for post-16 endeavours in the scientific field, allowing access to careers in science, engineering and design and technology.

Throughout the scientific courses followed at our school, moral and social implications of science are always kept at the forefront of discussions. This encourages students to appreciate the fact that so much of Science and Christian ethics are so often inextricably linked.

Loreto College St Albans

Science

Intent

Science Curriculum Maps