Vision Statement
The vision of the Science department is aligned with the whole school vision, which is to aim to be the best Science department in the country.
Science is beautiful and exists all around us every day. At St Oscar Romero Catholic School our vision is to allow every student the opportunity to explore and discover the world around them while deepening and nurturing their curiosity and passion about Science.
Through our well-balanced curriculum, students will be able to make new discoveries and increase their sense of awe and wonder about the world we live in.
The Team
Mr P Clarke – 2nd in Science / Teacher of Science & A Level Physics
Mrs H Shergold – KS3 Leader / Teacher of Science & Applied Science
Mr S Bell – Deputy Headteacher / Teacher of Science
Mrs L Byrne – Teacher of Science & A Level Biology
Mr P Byrne – Headteacher / Teacher of A Level Biology
Mr I Cutler – Head of Year 9 / Teacher of Science & Applied Science
Mrs B Kimber – Science Technician
Mr D Kirby – Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Science
Mr A Lahache – Teacher of Science
Miss B Owen – Teacher of Science
Mr M Reene – Teacher of Science
Mr G Sotiri – Teacher of Science
Mr P Tadros – Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Science & A Level Chemistry
Intent
In this increasingly technological world, a good science education develops a young person’s scientific literacy and empowers young people to establish well-rounded opinions and make informed decisions concerning scientific issues in their future. It encourages a curiosity and wonder for the world around them, giving young people an understanding of the past and the potential of science and technology to come. It allows young people to evolve a range of transferable skills, developing their vocabulary and linguistic styles, expanding their problem-solving skills and innovation, equipping them to become global citizens of the future.
At St Oscar Romero Catholic School, we aim to ignite an enthusiasm for Science in our young people by communicating powerful ideas in a simple way. We use a range of dynamic teaching techniques, including significant hands-on practical experience. We can relate content taught to everyday examples as well as the latest technologies, allowing time for students to explore their interests in the classroom and through our extra-curricular opportunities.
The Science Department at St Oscar Romero Catholic School includes a diverse group of multi-disciplinary teachers with a range of experiences. We are passionate about our subject and aim to develop that passion and curiosity in our students. As a team, we are creative and innovative in our delivery of science education as well as being supportive and approachable in our work with young people.
Our passion lies in inspiring others, sparking an interest in young people for science and broadening their horizons. We encourage young people to question what they experience, encourage analytical thinking and application to the wider world. We have a belief that all, no matter what background or ability, can access science and we endeavour to act as positive role models in a subject we love.
- We aim to develop and support students by ensuring:
- All lessons have stretch and challenge.
- Provide learning opportunities that are relevant, interesting and support creativity and independent thinking.
- Allow students to develop self-regulation and resilience to scientific problems
- Provide a safe and stimulating environment for learning.
- To prepare students for the next stage of their education and beyond
Implementation
Our work begins at Key Stage 3 where we aim to continue to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We also aim to develop students’ understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science and to be able to apply this knowledge to the science of today and the future.
The department builds on the learning students would have experienced at Key Stage 2 in working scientifically with a range of practical scientific methods, processes and skills. We also continue to develop our students’ understanding of the big ideas of science to ensure they are well prepared for Combined or Separate Science at Key Stage 4.
Our curriculum at Key Stage 3 shares the aims of the national curriculum in science to:
- Foster an enthusiasm for Science and Scientific thinking.
- Develop an understanding of key scientific concepts and build from first principles through to more challenging material
- Have opportunities to develop working scientifically skills in a practical setting
- Encourage a safe working practice during practical activities.
- Develop a broad awareness of the role of Science in society.
- Develop Math and ICT skills when handling and analysing data collected from practical activities.
- Develop language skills when interpreting and reporting on data collected from practical activities, linking this to scientific concepts.
For Years 7 and 8 we have a bespoke science curriculum course ensuring we build on prior learning from Key Stage 2 and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful at Key Stage 4. The Key Stage 3 curriculum at St Oscar Romero’s is intended to support every student on their journey through Key Stage 3 into Key Stage 4 as it provides an ideal platform for all GCSE routes such as Combined or Separate science. Built within the curriculum are robust assessment points to ensure progression and a combination of a variety of summative and formative assessments. The Key Stage 3 curriculum will engage and amplify the curiosity in science, whilst gradually building the maths, literacy and working scientific skills vital for success in the new GCSEs and for use in later life.
During KS3 students complete the following topics:At KS3 students have four lessons a week of science delivered by a specialist teacher.
At GCSE, we cover the AQA Trilogy Combined and Separate science awards. Around 20% of our GCSE cohort take the Separate Science award at GCSE. At KS4 students have six lessons of science where two lessons are designated for Biology, two lessons for Chemistry and two for Physics, all of which are taught by highly skilled subject specialists in their respective disciplines.
Impact
As a result of the quality of the curriculum and teaching and learning in Science, we are proud to celebrate that students at Romero’s receive a science education that is truly first class. Our results over time are illustrated in the table below.
Science Trilogy (Double Award)
| % 4 (standard pass) | % 5 (strong pass) | Progress 8 | Attainment 8 | |
| 2018 | 64% | 40% | +0.29 | 4.1 |
| 2019 | 72% | 48% | +0.25 | 4.3 |
| 2020 | 77% | 50% | N/A | 4.5 |
| 2021 | 92% | 82% | N/A | 5.7 |
| 2022 | 93% | 75% | +1.35 | 5.5 |
| 2023 | 83% | 63% | +1.2 | 5.28 |
Separate Sciences (Triple Award)
| % 4 (standard pass) | % 5 (strong pass) | Progress 8 | Attainment 8 | |
| 2018 | Biology = 62%
Chemistry = 86% Physics = 88% |
Biology = 86%
Chemistry = 64% Physics = 69% |
Biology = +0.39
Chemistry = +0.78 Physics = +0.68 |
Biology = 5.3
Chemistry = 5.7 Physics = 5.6 |
| 2019 | Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 96% Physics = 100% |
Biology = +0.42
Chemistry = +0.21 Physics = +0.67 |
Biology = 6.6
Chemistry = 6.2 Physics = 6.7 |
| 2020 | Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = N/A
Chemistry = N/A Physics = N/A |
Biology = 7.0
Chemistry = 6.9 Physics = 7.0 |
| 2021 | Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 96% Physics = 96% |
Biology = N/A
Chemistry = N/A Physics = N/A |
Biology = 7.8
Chemistry = 7.4 Physics = 7.6 |
| 2022 | Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = +1.27
Chemistry +1.19 Physics = +1.10 |
Biology = 7.9
Chemistry = 7.7 Physics = 7.7 |
| 2023 | Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = 100%
Chemistry = 100% Physics = 100% |
Biology = +1.07
Chemistry +1.04 Physics = +1.01 |
Biology = 7.16
Chemistry = 7.13 Physics = 7.1 |
In addition to the outcomes above, we are proud that our students are constantly being prepared for the next stage of their education whether that reflects their journey from KS3 to KS4 or from KS4 to KS5. Students develop excellence in Science during their experience at St Oscar Romero’s, where they develop a depth of knowledge and skills to prepare them for the future and to engender a lifelong sense of excitement, curiosity and conscience about the world around them.
Inspiration
In Science, we aim to offer every student the opportunity to take part in competitions, workshops, trips and science careers workshops throughout their 5 years at St Oscar Romero’s to bring to life their education throughout the subject. Some examples of this are:
- Our annual Science week where all students are involved in trips and visits to areas of scientific interest to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the subject as well as lesson based activities to enrich their learning.
- STEM workshops and presentations lead by guest speakers in leaders in their fields such as astronomy, medicine, midwifery and engineering.
- Primary School workshops which run to a theme each year. Last year was a Harry Potter themed Science day which was attended by over 200 Primary School children and their teachers.
- Visits to GCSE Science Live events each year, targeted at our Year 10 students.
