Science

Our vision:

We believe that Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. The overarching aim for Science at Orsett Heath Academy is to help our learners to acquire deeper scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In order to achieve this, students will develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of scientific enquiries.

Students will use their learning to help to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Through Science education, students will learn to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will be encouraged to understand how Science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

By revisiting the ‘big ideas’ in Science through a spiral curriculum and by exploiting curriculum links with subjects such as Maths, we will equip students with the scientific knowledge and skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

We see our key objectives as:

• Creating learning opportunities that promote a desire in our students to be curious and find out more about the world around them.
• Raising students’ aspirations by linking the multitude of career choices available to them with each topic they study.
• Providing opportunities for our learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures and to apply these in developing their problem-solving skills.
• Giving students the ability to analyse information and ideas, in order for them to make informed judgements.
• Providing students with the practical skills and knowledge to independently investigate scientific phenomena, working through the stages of the scientific method.
• Using external resources including guest speakers, local industry and trips to signpost opportunities for students.

As a department, we believe that Science is important to a student’s programme of study for a number of reasons:

• Human progress throughout history has largely rested on advances in Science. Knowledge of Science not only helps citizens better understand the world in which they live, but can also enable them to contribute positively to the society they live in. Giving students the opportunity to build the courage to form their own opinions about the world and stand up for what they believe is right is something we strive to achieve.
• Studying science can inspire curiosity and foster an attitude of discovery. The 5-year Science journey at OHA illustrates to our students that effort with curiosity and resilience will lead to success.
• Knowledge of science and scientific processes can allow people to make important decisions through their life based on careful analysis and evaluation of data. It can also encourage them to respect their environment and others who inhabit it.
• In many countries around the world STEM (Science, Technology, English & Maths) graduates are in high demand. Rewarding careers often await those with STEM qualifications. Unlocking students’ potential to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives underpins what we are doing.

Learning Journey

Key Stage Three Programme of Study

Key Stage Four Programme of Study

Exam Board – AQA Combined Science

Names and email addresses of key post-holders:

Mr Barrow                        Director of Science – barrowa@oha.swecet.org

Ms Murugan                 Teacher of Science – muruganp@oha.swecet.org

Ms Buckland                   Teacher of Science – bucklands@oha.swecet.org

Ms Scott            Teacher of Science - scottp@oha.swecet.org