“I am determined that I would examine and study all things that are done in this world”  Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

Vision  

God is everywhere and in everything, so all things are worthy of our interest and study. Science supplies the means and the skills to investigate the world around us. The Science department at Mount Carmel aims to inspire pupils by exposing them to the awe and wonder of the natural world, whilst developing a sense of responsibility for the stewardship and preservation of our planet.  We strive to help pupils become resilient learners who have a sense of curiosity armed with knowledge, by exposing them to new experiences and cultural capital.

In science, we provide an ambitious, coherently planned and sequenced program of study that develops investigative skills and a deep body of knowledge, for all pupils.  The discovery of scientific principles through practical investigation is a key part of our science curriculum. We provide opportunities for all pupils of all abilities to expand their ideas about how the world works, to test these ideas and to analyse and interpret results. Pupils are encouraged to be creative which helps them to devise the best way to investigate problems, how to manage the risk in an experiment and how to use results to form new ideas.

We believe that the thinking and investigative skills that students develop as they study science are essential for success in our modern society.  As well as preparing students for formal examinations, we aim to equip them with the problem-solving attributes that employers prize so highly.
 

Intent KS3    

KS3 curriculum

Our KS3 curriculum is based on the Activate schemes of learning which have been adapted to ensure that they fully cover the current National Curriculum for Science. Planning is based upon a spiral curriculum approach which aims to increase and build on the skills and content demand, topic by topic and year by year preparing pupils appropriately for the demands of a challenging KS4.

Topics taught:

  • Biology – Structure and functions of living organisms, Material cycles and energy, Interactions and interdependencies and Genetics and evolution.
  • Chemistry – The particle model, Separating mixtures, The Periodic Table, Chemical reactions and the Earth and atmosphere.
  • Physics – Energy, Motion and forces, Waves, Electricity and magnetism, Matter and Space physics.

These topics are underpinned by ‘Working Scientifically’ concepts including developing scientific attitudes, experimental and investigative skills and how to measure, analyse and evaluate data.

How will the subject be assessed?

At KS3, continual formative assessment takes place in lessons using, for instance, whiteboards, various questioning techniques, LBQ (learning by questions) and written work. Homework is also used formatively via a range of methods, some creative, some using ICT and some written. Summative assessment takes the form of end of topic tests and practical investigations, which are then used formatively, to dispel misconceptions and enhance knowledge and understanding.  A formal examination is sat at the end of each year.

All assessment at KS3 is used to inform future planning.
 

Intent KS4    

KS4 curriculum:

At KS4 all pupils follow AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy or choose to study AQA Triple Science.  Our bespoke curriculum plans for progression to ensure that all skills and subject knowledge from KS3 are built upon so that pupils are prepared appropriately, covering all the subject content in a logical sequence fulfilling the assessment objectives: 
•    AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
•    AO2 - Apply knowledge and understanding 
•    AO3- Analyse information and ideas

Topics taught for AQA Combined Science Trilogy:

  • Biology - Cells and organisation, Disease and bioenergetics, Biological responses, Genetics and evolution and Ecology.
  • Chemistry – Atoms, bonding and moles, Chemical reactions and energy changes, Rates, equilibrium and organic chemistry and Analysis and Earth’s resources.
  • Physics – Energy and energy resources, Particles at work, Forces in action and Waves and electromagnetism.

Additional topics taught for AQA Triple Science include:

  • Biology- Homeostasis in action, The brain and eye, Plant diseases, hormones and responses, DNA structure and protein synthesis, The history of genetics, Issues surrounding sustainability.
  • Chemistry- Transition elements, Nanoparticles, Titrations, Chemical cells, batteries and fuel cells, Organic reactions, Polymers, more detailed chemical analysis, Using Earth’s resources.
  • Physics- Infrared radiation, Electrical charges and fields, Nuclear fusion, fission and medicinal uses, Moments, Conservation of momentum, impact forces and safety, Ultrasound, sound and seismic waves, Light, lenses and colour, Generator effect, Space science.

Practical work is a vital and compulsory part of GCSE Science. There are several Required Practicals for all three science disciplines, through which pupils will learn to apply their scientific knowledge and understanding whilst developing their investigative and practical skills.

How will the subject be assessed?

At KS4, informal, formative assessment takes place in lessons using, for example, class discussions, mini-whiteboard activities, LBQ (learning by questions), a range of questioning techniques and GCSE question packs.  Homework is also used formatively to consolidate learning. Summative assessment takes the form of end of topic tests which are then used formatively to consolidate and extend knowledge and understanding and to identify pupils who require additional study support. Pupils sit three internal assessments in formal conditions (PPEs) and these are used for future planning and to inform additional learning support strategies.

Formal assessment at the end of the course is through the AQA examination board. In total pupils sit six examinations, at either foundation or higher according to their ability. For Combined Science Trilogy pupils and obtain a double grade which ranges from 9-9 to 1-1. For Triple Science pupils obtain three separate grades which range from 9-1.
 

Enrichment, cultural capital and extra- curricular activities    

At Mount Carmel the science department offers the following enrichment and extra-curricular activities:

  • WOW lessons and WOW weeks (Years 7, 8 and 9).
  • Science Club (Year7)
  • Biology club (all years)
  • Biology challenge (all years)
  • Blackpool Zoo visit in conjunction with the English department (Year 7)
  • Museum of Science and Industry visit in conjunction with the Maths department (Year 9)
  • Activities for National Science Week (Years 7, 8 and 9)
  • Science Live! (Year 10) to inspire future scientists and help pupils prepare for GCSE exams.
  • Big Bang Fair (Year 9) to inspire future scientists.
  • Additional learning support (Year 11)
  • Cake club ALS group (Year 11)

Impact

Next steps (College, University, career)    

What can the subject prepare me for?

Our well-constructed curriculum enables pupils of all abilities and with all backgrounds, to develop a deep body of knowledge and acquire the skills and attributes that are in great demand by employers.  Science grades of 6 or above allows students to study science at A level and further study at university. Any pupil who is considering a career in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Scientific research, Industrial, Pharmaceutical or Academic professions will need good grades for GCSE Science. Vocational college courses are increasingly, favouring pupils with science GCSE’s in their achievements. Our ambitious curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of education.

Subject results are available upon request.

Additional resources   

All pupils have accounts on Seneca and LBQ. Both are used to support pupils to enhance their knowledge and understanding. Pupils also use the free Cognitoedu.org platform for revision.

https://www.senecalearning.com/

Learning by Questions: supporting teachers & pupils in class

Cognito - Learn GCSE Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry - Completely Free cognitoedu.org

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv 

https://science-practical-simulator.web.app/

Primrose Kitten videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKYQ-K23Mr4&t=617s

https://youtu.be/Uqti-xPnT-8

https://youtu.be/MpQ-3YAwNhI

https://youtu.be/_HJu8WTtZJU

https://youtu.be/xtw-Z0nllA4

https://youtu.be/X1aMXCr75Kw

Free science lessons videos (on YouTube)