Lostock High School

Science Department

	C Hughes	Head of Science
	Miss G Hull	Second in Science
	Miss E Barlow	Teacher of Science
	Miss E Jacks	Teacher of Science
	Mrs S Khan	Teacher of Science
	Mrs A Zaidi	Head of EAL and teacher of science
	Mr A Lunt	Science Technician

Introduction

When studying science, our intent is to enthuse and engage our students by building on key concepts and exploring big ideas in science. We want our students to think big, participate, share their thoughts and question the world around them. By planning, carrying out and analysing their findings from scientific investigations, our students are encouraged to learn through making mistakes, becoming more effective problem-solvers in the long-term. Students can reach their full potential both in the classroom and outside, by accessing our demanding curriculum and multiple enrichment opportunities. Through an understanding of nature, the Universe and developments in future technologies (based on the most current and exciting research), studying science forms a basis for becoming a well-rounded and knowledgeable citizen.

Key Stage Three

In Key Stage 3, students have two ninety-minute lessons and one forty-five minute lesson per week which are structured to allow for threshold concepts to be taught early on, allowing for greater study of contextual knowledge, providing deeper meaning and giving a greater sense of depth to our subject. This allows students to investigate science around them in the natural world, asking questions before developing their own hypotheses. As students approach the mid-point of their studies in year 9, transitional units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics allow for an introduction to some GCSE Key Concepts, to stretch and challenge all students in preparation for their Key Stage 4 studies.

The science curriculum has been planned so that it more than matches the broad and balanced nature of the National Curriculum, although it is tailored to have distinctive character in line with our school ethos, aims and values.

Key Stage Four

At Key Stage 4, students follow the Edexcel specification. Most students complete the GCSE Combined Science course, whilst a small group of students complete the GCSE Separate Science course. Some of our students also have the opportunity, throughout Key Stage 4, to work towards their Entry Level in Science in Year 10, and also Further Science in Year 11. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to achieve a qualification in science and reach their full potential.

Students rotate their studies across the three disciplines in science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each rotation allows for our curriculum to spiral in a way that students revisit knowledge and build upon their skills as we introduce new key concepts and ideas. At the end of Year 11, students then complete six papers, assessing their knowledge on the three disciplines (two papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.) As a more demanding course, with additional content, the Separate science exams are longer to account for a greater depth of study.