The intent of the Hassenbrook Science Dept is to develop students understanding of science through the aspects of Learn, Value and Respect.
LEARN. Students acquire knowledge and develop an interest in the science they study to enable them to appreciate learning as an important lifelong skill.
VALUE. Learners will value the role of science in society and their lives. They will learn that any contribution, regardless of ability is possible and it has the potential to have wide impact in the future.
RESPECT. Learners will build respectful relationships of trust, kindness, safety, and support with each other to promote the love of science.
Developing our ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test our ideas, solve problems, and apply what we learn. Provide a powerful platform for building confidence, developing communication skills, and making sense of the world around us—a world that is increasingly shaped by science and technology.
Students will see themselves as scientists and engineers instead of passively observing other people doing the work of science.
Learners will be passionate about how science contributes to ensuring a longer and healthier life, monitors our health, provides medicine to cure our diseases, alleviates aches and pains, helps us to provide water for our basic needs – including our food, provides energy and makes life more fun, including sports, music, entertainment and the latest communication technology. Learners will no longer think or comment ‘Why are we learning this’.
Literacy Focus – DISCIPLINARY LANGUAGE
What do we mean by ‘disciplinary language’?
The term ‘disciplinary language’ refers to the way in which we read, write and talk in a subject. This covers vocabulary specific to a subject, as every subject has its own language.
Within the subject of science, we need to teach students the skills of writing, talking and reading like a scientist. (‘Teachers should develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject’ – National curriculum 2014).
Giving students the opportunities to develop these skills in science lessons, through all the Key Stages, will:
• support their understanding of science
• help them develop their scientific literacy
• help them to think like scientists
• encourage them to question and explore the wonders of science.
In assessments, students will need to bring these skills together in order to understand what the question is asking them to do and then to write a precise, logical and well-structured answer
Diversity in Science
Scientists often speak of three levels of diversity: species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity. In fact, these levels cannot be separated. Each is important, interacting with and influencing others. Changes at one level can cause changes at other levels.
This can be learned in units:
Ecology
Genetics and inheritance
History of the Periodic Table
Evolution of the atom.
Diversity is also covered when we learn about the various scientists, their work and backgrounds. When looking at diversity we also learn about various scientists, their work and backgrounds. For example, the ground-breaking female scientist Rosalind Franklin and her discovery of the structure of DNA.
KS3 (Yr 7&8)
The intention of a schedule is to ensure the foundations of science knowledge and understanding is secured before moving onto the more challenging units of learning. If KS3 is not secured, then KS4 will be about catch up. The intention is to avoid this situation.
Term
Year 7
Year 8
AUTUMN 1
Introduction to Science - Health and Safety - Basic practical skills - measuring techniques and writing up investigations - Candle investigation - Setting up microscope slides
Mr J Gilbertson - Lead Practitioner/Teacher of Science
Mr R. Latchford - Assistant Vice Principal
Mrs C. Boosey - Teacher of Science/Head of Yr 9
Mrs L. Merrigan - Lead Practitioner/Head of Year 8
Mrs. L. Taylor - Teacher of Science/Head of Yr 7
Mr R Battye
Mr D. Shirley - Science Technician
Mrs B. Stickland - Science Technician
Co-Curricular Activities
Science runs ‘Gardening Club’ once a week. This club is run by Mr Bailey. Students learn to grow plants, vegetables and recycle materials. It develops their awareness of the environment, making it a better place to live.