Science
Department Vision
Science impacts every area of our lives and is vital for the success of future generations. The Science department at Bury Church of England High School looks to ignite and nurture a passion for science to ensure that we are developing students who can go on to achieve success in scientific careers such as medical professionals, astronomers, engineers, research scientists and teachers of the future.
A knowledge rich, well sequenced, curriculum provides the foundations for understanding the application of science knowledge in the world around us. Students will develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts, in each of the pillars of knowledge, allowing them to take part in focused practical work. Students will be also be equipped with real life scientific knowledge that helps them to take part in scientific discussions that may shape the future of the subject.
Our curriculum will ensure that students are confident to evaluate and discuss diverse topics in the world of science, showing respect for the planet and upholding dignity of their self and others.
Curriculum Design
The science curriculum is based on pillars of knowledge that deepen in complexity of declarative and procedural knowledge over time. The three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are sequenced to ensure new knowledge builds on prior knowledge of scientific concepts. The pillars of knowledge underpinning the curriculum are: Biology: Cells & Organisation, Genetics & Variation, Organisms & Environment and Health & Lifestyle. Chemistry: Substances & Properties, Matter & Structure, Chemical Reactions and Earth chemistry. Physics: Energy, Particles, Forces & Motion and Electricity & Magnetism. Threshold concepts act as hinge points in the KS3 curriculum to check understanding of knowledge.
A highlight of the science curriculum is the Year 9 Earth & Space themed topics which are aligned with the text rich STEAM curriculum, where all learning is woven into extracts from 'The Martian' book by Andy Weir. Threshold concepts act as hinge points in the KS3 curriculum to check understanding of knowledge.
Staff/Context
- Mr Cooper - Physics - Head of Department
- Miss K Isherwood - Biology - Second in Department
- Mrs N Bradburn - Biology
- Mr J Mort - Chemistry
- Mr D Coggan - Chemistry
- Miss J Russell - Physics
- Dr S Wrigley - Biology
- Mrs S O'Mahony - Physics
Core knowledge that students should know and remember
Below is a document displaying the knowledge that we believe all KS4 students should embed within their long term memory in order to be successful scientists. This list alongside the ACT revision strategy can be used to focus revision.
Knowledge Organizers
Click here to access Knowledge Organisers and Revision Materials
Further Resources
Click here to access Year 7 resources
Click here to access Year 8 resources
Click here to access Physics resources from Mr Cooper
Click here to access Biology resources from Miss Isherwood
Click here to access Chemistry resources
Click here to access KS4 Core Knowledge Question & Answers
Please note you will need to login to Office 365 using your school email address (yourusername@burychurch.bury.sch.uk) and your normal school password in order to access the resources above.
