Science
At Millfield, we believe science should be dynamic, engaging and challenging for all students. By building on knowledge and understanding from KS2 and making connections between different areas of science, our curriculum aims to show how our everyday life is always linked to science. We use scientific ideas and models to explain scientific phenomena and events, think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, and consider the reasons for different thoughts and opinions. We will carry out investigations of different types, making use of reference sources and evaluating work.
Students in year 7 will continue the journey of discovery started in KS2, deepen their knowledge of scientific ideas, and learn how scientists work and understand the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas. Students will explore a range of different topics, developing their skills and knowledge in all areas of biology, chemistry, and physics.
“Science literacy is the artery through which the solutions of tomorrow’s problems flow.’’
In Key Stage 3, students study a wide variety of different topics, introducing them to a range of different concepts in science. Alongside this, we develop our students’ key scientific skills, allowing them to clearly and effectively communicate results of investigations, as well as explaining their significance. Students will become scientists and will begin to understand the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.
Students begin their KS4 studies in Year 10. Students choosing triple science study biology, chemistry, and physics over the two years; they will then leave with three separate GCSEs. All other students study combined science over the two years and leave with two GCSEs. The examination board the students will be entered for is Edexcel. Over the two years of studying for their GCSE, they will consolidate and further develop their scientific skills and knowledge and become more confident in ‘thinking, reading, writing and speaking like a scientist.’
Students in all years are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities organised by the Science department. These opportunities challenge students and allow them to explore different avenues into science. From STEM club, where the students are involved in problem solving activities and have the opportunity to compete in STEM competitions taking place in the local area; environment club / eco-warriors which is aimed at students who are interested in making our environment a better place, delivering eco-initiatives at school and developing the environmental garden, and Minecraft club, where students are able to use their creative side to go on adventures and create their own scientific worlds.