Science

Curriculum rationale

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Albert Einstein

Science curriculum intent summarised: "Opening doors for our student's futures - through equipping students with the Science skills and Science capital to make independent informed decisions."

In Science we inspire students to develop a foundation of knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics, understanding how science impacts on every aspect of their lives, through building skills of scientific enquiry, practical investigation and presentation.  We empower students to be able to work independently and collaboratively, to be curious about research findings and to learn to distinguish between evidenced information and mis/disinformation. 

As science educators, we have a duty and drive to inspire the next generation of scientists to enjoy this challenging and diverse subject beyond just the practical aspects, and beyond year 11. We think this is crucial, because science helps us understand the world including where we have come from, how we fit into it, and how to make it a better place. We achieve this through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. 

We spark curiosity in our students, so that they wonder and question in order to develop the skills to evaluate and analyse information and data.  Students are exposed to practical work where possible to support the learning of content, but also to become good practical scientists- an important part of our subject.   

We impart our knowledge to students in an engaging and relevant way, using concrete examples of challenging scientific concepts so students understand the fundamentals of the science that effects their day to day life. We develop enquiring minds through the acquisition and application of knowledge, enabling students to make predictions and informed decisions. 

We expose students to current and up to date science, using news and journal articles in order to build awe and curiosity. Science in the news can help to make the subject more relevant to students, and open up some great discussions about what is happening now and the potential impact on our futures. 

We teach through a curriculum that builds upon and revisits core concepts in Key Stage 3, into Key Stage 4, and in preparation for A Levels and beyond. We focus on understanding threshold concepts to ensure deep understanding, target common misconceptions and build powerful, well informed knowledge. Students follow units specifically in biology, chemistry and physics. 

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Science - Journey on a Page

Staff Profiles

• Mr Ben Gribble, BSc (Hons), PGCE - Head of Faculty

I graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Biochemistry. I trained to be a teacher through the SCITT pathway gaining QTS and a PGCE. I have held Science leadership positions across various schools and I also have experience as a GCSE Science examiner. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and enriching student opportunities within STEM.

• Ms Madeleine Selman, BSc (Hons), PGCE - Second in Science

I graduated from the University of Sussex in Ecology and Conservation in 2009, after which I spent some years working in the charity sector in London and in conservation working with Turtles in Costa Rica. I undertook Teach First training to become a Science Teacher in London where I worked for 5 years before moving to Bristol. I have a particular passion for Ecology and Climate Science, but in recent years have developed a love of Physics and have recently qualified as a DfE-registered physics specialist.

• Ms Katrina Boyall, BA (Hons), PGCE

I graduated from the university of Southampton and completed my PGCE at the University of Exeter. I am passionate about the changing world and ensuring that we protect our planet. I have worked in several schools as a leader with a particular focus on improving outcomes for all students.

• Ms Fiona Fields, BSc (Hons), MA, PGCE - Assistant Headteacher

I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Physiology. I went on to complete my PGCE and MA in Education at UWE. I have a particular interest in human physiology and biochemistry. I am a science GCSE examiner. I achieved my National Professional Leadership Qualification for Middle Leaders in 2019 and I am a member of the Chartered College of Teaching.

• Mr Mat Grafton, BSc (Hons), MSc, FCCT, CTeach - Assistant Headteacher
  

I graduated from the University of Cardiff with an Applied Biology degree which covered a wide range of subjects including microbiology and freshwater ecology. I then attended the University of Reading to study a Masters in Ecotoxicology, which is the study of the effect of pollution on the natural environment. This remains an interest to this day and is currently very topical. I am a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and had the great experience of becoming one of the first Chartered Teachers in the country.

• Mr Angus Harrison, BSc (Hons), MA, PGCE - Senior Deputy Headteacher

I studied Physics at Nottingham University and completed my PGCE through TeachFirst and Canterbury Christ Church University. I have a Masters in Educational Leadership from the Institute of Education, UCL. I am passionate about all areas of Science, and am an accredited STEM Professional Development Leader & Specialist Leader of Education in Science.

• Mr James Harvey, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE

I graduated from Bangor University with a BSc in Marine Biology and also an MSc in Marine Biology. I carried out my PGCE at Bristol University in 2023. My favorite topic in science is ecology, particularly anything related to the marine environment.

• Mr Ceri Pickett, MSci

I graduated from the University of Bristol with a masters degree in Physics with a specific focus on semiconductors and smart materials. I then proceeded to work as a learning support assistant for 3 years at Orchard where I developed a passion for working and supporting those with SEND. I am currently working towards my postgraduate teaching apprenticeship (PGTA). One of my favourite aspects of my job is supporting extracurricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh.

• Mr Owen Preissler, BSc (Hons), PGCE

I graduated from University of Birmingham with a Biological Sciences degree specialising in microbiology and infectious diseases. I then went on to completed a PGCE in Oxford where I worked for two years before moving to Bristol.

• Mr Liam Scott, MPhys, PGCE

I graduated from the University of Manchester with a Master’s degree in Physics. I have a special interest in biophysics and medical physics, completing my dissertation on research at the Christie Cancer Research Hospital.

• Ms Parul Saxena, BPharm, MBA, PGCE

I hold a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and an MBA, both with first division. My career began in the pharmaceutical industry as a Quality Assurance professional before transitioning into academia as a Pharmacy Lecturer in India. Passionate about science education, I later earned QTS and a PGCE in Chemistry with Merit from Sheffield Hallam University. I am dedicated to inspiring curiosity in science, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. 

• Ms Jacqueline Jarrett, Dip COT - Senior Science Technician

I hold A-Levels in Physics and Biology. I have worked as a foster carer for 19 years and also hold a diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work. I specialise in working with children who have experienced trauma and ACEs. I have a level 2, City and Guilds in bicycle mechanics and empower people through cycling.

• Ms Rosie Newman Hopkins, BSc (Hons), MSc - Science Technician

I graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Biology, where I studied a wide range of subjects, my favourites being ecology and evolution. I then did my master's at the University of Bristol in Molecular Neuroscience where I developed my interests in hormones and how they affect behaviour. I have been working as a technician ever since, within both teaching and research, expanding my knowledge into a broader range of subjects in science.