Science

Intent

“Science education is one of the keys to social mobility. Science qualifications open the doors to many rewarding and interesting careers, and scientific literacy is critically important to being an informed citizen. Science is the most powerful method humans have for understanding the world, and science teachers in secondary schools lay the foundations of that understanding. When asked why they chose to continue their study of science, most pupils mention an inspiring teacher”. Sir John Holman

At St Anthony’s we believe that all students, no matter what their background or ability, have the right to an outstanding science education that will allow them to understand the world around them and enable them to have a voice in the ethical and moral debates that scientific discoveries make. We believe that an outstanding science education unlocks the door to a vast range of science and STEM careers that are not only personally and financially rewarding but also beneficial to the whole of society. We strive to ensure that all students have the awareness and opportunities to pursue such careers.

“If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off… no matter what they say.” Barbara McClintock, cytogeneticist and winner of the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.

“I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy.” Marie Curie, physicist, chemist, and winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics and the 1911 Nobel Prize in Physics

At St Anthony’s we are acutely aware of the gender gap that exists in science and STEM education and careers. Research shows that girls and women are systematically tracked away from science throughout their education, limiting their access to well-paid and rewarding STEM careers, gender-gap-in-science.org. We are therefore determined to equip our students with the awareness, ambition, and resilience to succeed in science and ensures that their aspirations are not limited by their gender.

“Science education should enhance learners’ curiosity, wonder and questioning, building on their natural inclination to seek meaning and understanding of the world around. Scientific inquiry should be introduced and encountered by school pupils as an activity that can be carried out by everyone including themselves”. Wynne Harlen

In Science at St Anthony’s we stive to:

Develop and embed knowledge that can empower pupils to choose among the most competitive and selective vocations.
Developing investigation skills so pupils can confidently demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of designing, carrying out and evaluating scientific investigations.
Support the fundamental skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening and numeracy throughout the science curriculum.
Highlight the importance of science in the wider world and provide opportunities to explore science outside of the classroom.
Promote and awareness of STEM careers and celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, both past and present.
Ensure that classrooms are inclusive and that all students are supported to achieve their full potential.
Through the use of scaffolding within lessons and by striving to remove barriers to learning we ensure that all learners, including the most disadvantaged pupils and pupils with addition learning needs, are provided with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they require for future learning and employment

Implementation

Y7-11 Biology Curriculum Map

Y7 -11 Chemistry Curriculum Map

Y7-11 Physics Curriculum Map

KS3 Science

Y7 Science Progression Model

Y8 Science Progression Model

Y9 Biology Progression Model

Y9 Chemistry Progression Model

Y9 Physics Progression Model

KS4 Science

Biology