The Science Department at St Joseph’s Catholic College consists of 9 full time highly qualified science teachers and 2 technicians working together to fulfil the following vision;
“To enthuse, motivate and inspire all pupils studying science. We aspire to provide a stimulating science education whereby all students achieve or exceed their target grades.”
We believe that science is a subject that under pins all learning. Science gives us an understanding of how the world around us works and allows us to make decisions about issues that affect both our lives, and the lives of future generations. It is our wish that we provide a scientific grounding for our students in the hope of creating ‘tomorrow’s scientists’.
Science links directly to what students see around them, helps to answer many of the questions students have about things they observe happening and stimulates their imagination and curiosity.
Learning science can help students to understand the impact they have on the environment around them and how they themselves can change the world for the better.
The Curriculum
KS3: Years 7 and 8
Our KS3 science curriculum aims to inspire learners at all levels, building on their current knowledge and understanding of science whilst displaying how science is relevant to them. We also focus on developing pupil’s practical skills by including a variety of fun and exciting practical activities during which they can interpret and evaluate their findings and allows them to develop their ‘how science works’ skills. They are also encouraged to question and discuss scientific issues which are relevant to their own lives and to our society.
This year has also seen the introduction of ‘homework projects’, where pupils are given a period of time to create a project based on a key idea in science. This allows them to practice many of the essential independent study skills required for science later on in school.
KS4: Years 9-11
There are several courses on offer to students in Key stage 4, meaning that there is a course suited for all learners.
Triple Science follows the more traditional route of separate Biology, Physics and Chemistry lessons, resulting in a separate GCSE for each. This route is designed for students with a real interest in science, and aims to prepare the students for A Level sciences. Triple Science is an exam based subject, with coursework ‘ISAs’ contributing to the final grades.
Double award is a less intensive, but no less valuable science course, resulting in 2 GCSEs. The pupils must study all three science disciplines, and again this is an exam based subject supplemented with an ISA unit.
BTEC science is a course where pupils produce a portfolio of work over the 2 years of years 10 and 11. This course looks at a variety of areas and issues in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but also looks closely at science in the work place, and the applications of science. BTEC science is a course suited to students who may have difficulty in exams, and those who wish to follow more vocational courses in the future.
Other activities: In addition to the curriculum we provide, the science department offer a whole host of extra-curricular activities to broaden scientific minds.
Science club is always a popular after school activity and the appointment of pupil Science Ambassadors to assist the department allows for the pupils to have a much more hands on role in the science that they are learning. There are also many trips and activities that aim to develop a love of science in students, which may inspire the scientists of the future.
The science department also offers extensive support to our students, with exam boosters, ‘drop in’ hours and catch up sessions a common sight at both lunch times and after school. We also work closely with parents to raise achievement, with evenings such as the ‘How to help my daughter Achieve and A/A*’ proving successful.
