Science

Welcome to the Science Curriculum Area

Personnel

Mr J Welsh - Director of Learning (Assistant Headteacher)

j.welsh@ratton.e-sussex.sch.uk

Miss K. Wells - Curriculum Manager KS3 & KS4

k.wells@ratton.e-sussex.sch.uk

Mr J Ferguson- Assistant Curriculum Manager

Mr T. Dunn - Advanced Skill Teacher

Mrs T Driver - Science Teacher

Mr R. Westwood - Science Teacher

Mr K. Reed - Science Teacher

Mr A Dearie - Science Teacher

Miss L Hide - Science Teacher

Mr C Beard - Science Technician

Mrs Z Holden Science Technician

Mr. E. Webb - Science Technician

Aims of the Science Department

The following aims are intended for all students:

1. To recognise Science as an interactive, relevant subject where knowledge gained will ensure they have an awareness and a deep understanding of real life issues.

2. To have all students achieve results they can be proud of.

3. To encourage initiative, imagination and flexibility of mind when problem solving whether working independently or in a group.

KEY STAGE 3

KS3 science builds on the ideas begun at KS2 by developing and extending ideas about how science work through the contexts of chemistry, biology and physics. Students are encouraged to learn by discovery. This includes using practical tasks, ICT and books. We have nine laboratories equipped with full facilities where pupils can plan, carry out and evaluate their investigations and a dedicated ICT suite.
Pupils are assigned a personal target based on previous achievement and their progress is tracked each term using written tasks and APP assessment by their teacher.

KEY STAGE 4

In KS4 we follow the OCR 21st Century Science suite of qualifications for GCSE. Pupils are required to take Core Science, which explores many real life scientific issues such as global warming, genetic engineering and dangers of radiation, just to name a few.
Some pupils may opt for Additional Science, which is an extra GCSE which explores Science in greater depth. This GCSE is designed for those pupils with a deeper interest and/or those who intend studying Science in further education, A level for example.
We also offer the Separate Sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to those students who achieve a Level 6 or above in KS3 Science. This is an option for the students who are deeply interested and have the capacity to develop their science knowledge across the spectrum. It deals with life issues and problem solving, to the deeper scientific research. It has the intention of equipping students with the skills required to achieve excellent grades at college.

Teachers use a variety of texts at KS4 depending on topics and ability of the class. Revision guides are offered to all students at the beginning of Year 10.

In years 10 and 11 pupils are set according to options chosen, then their SATS and assessment data and the BAND the pupils are in.

Expectations for lessons

We expect all pupils to:
• have a full set of equipment
• observe health and safety procedures at all times
• comply with all laboratory rules
• arrive fully prepared
• show respect all members of staff, themselves, other pupils and their environment

Pupils can expect us to:
• teach, guide and help them to reach at least their target minimum level/grade
• treat all fairly and with respect

Equipment

All pupils should be fully equipped for their Science lesson to enable them to access the curriculum.

Basic Science Equipment includes (items in bold are essential):
Pen (Blue or Black)
Pencil
Ruler Scientific Calculator
Rubber Colour pencils
School Planner Pencil Sharpener