Head of Science: Mrs K Tall (ktall@swr.gloucs.sch.uk)

Our intent:

• To maintain and/or stimulate pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science, and to enable pupils to see the implications of science (past and present) for the individual and the community.
• To enable pupils to understand and use the scientific method, with safety being a major consideration.
• To enable all pupils to learn and understand a body of scientific knowledge, principles and vocabulary.
• To promote interest and enthusiasm for science so that pupils will become scientifically literate citizens and will be able to apply scientific skills and/or knowledge in further study or in careers that involve the explicit or implicit use of science, regardless of a student’s background, prior attainment, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Extra-Curricular

The Science department offers the following extra-curricular activities:

• A term of Science Club for each of Years 7 and 8
• Year 9/10/11 extra-curricular dissection opportunities
• Cheltenham Science Festival – Years 7 and 8
• Cheltenham Science Festival – Years 9 and 10
• Rotary Stem Challenge – Years 7, 8, 9 and 10
• Year 10 Biology Field Day
• Outside speakers – person and topic varies
• Bristol Outreach Lectures – Cirencester College or Bristol University
• Year 8 Water Race
• Fairford Air Tattoo trip – year 10

The Big Picture

KS3

Years 7 and 8. During their time at SWR, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the Universe and how it works; and be introduced to ideas intended to stimulate an interest in the world around them. Much of our curriculum embeds practical and inquiry skills and encourages students to analyse information. During years 7 and 8 students follow the Activate scheme and study a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics following the National Curriculum. This is taught in specialised laboratories over 7 hours per fortnight. Example of topics: Cells, Digestion, Photosynthesis, Periodic table, Acids and alkalis, Light, Sound and Space. Students will have opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities to develop their scientific knowledge, problem solving and “working scientifically” skills. Homework is set weekly to deepen students’ understanding of topics studied in class. All students will have a target pathway to guide their progress and regular topic tests will provide feedback to make sure that all students are making progress.