Science
Subject Overview
Science touches all our lives, whether we are looking into the furthest reaches of space or at the tiny microbes that damage our health. A study of Science involves addressing huge moral issues, such as climate change, energy production, food and overpopulation, health and how we could use our dwindling resources better. At Ormskirk the intention is that all students will have a good understanding of Science which will enable them to make sense of and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Science Curriculum
Due to the hierarchical nature of scientific knowledge the Science Curriculum is sequenced across 5 years and this is key to our students acquiring, retaining and linking knowledge over time.
Key Stage 3
How is the course structured?
In Year 7 and Year 8 our students are taught in mixed attainment groups. The Schemes of Learning have been developed by the Science department, incorporating topics and materials inline with the KS3 National Curriculum as well as what we consider to be prerequisite knowledge and skills required to progress. In Year 9 our students progress to study Science in the separate disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are taught by specialist teachers.
Key Stage 4
GCSE: Science (Combined or Separate). Exam Board: AQA Trilogy and AQA Separate Science
How is the course structured?
Our students continue to study science within the discrete disciplines delivered by specialist teachers. This allows us the flexibility to personalise the learning of individual students in order that they make the best academic progress and achieve the best possible outcomes. At the end of Year 10, students will take internal exams for the units they have studied. Attainment in these exams, along with ongoing assessment through the academic year, will dictate which of the following courses they will take:
GCSEs in Separate Sciences
The students that have adapted well to GCSE science and attained highly in Year 10 will go on to study the extra material required for the award of three separate Science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
GCSEs in Combined Science
Our Year 11 curriculum continually evolves and develops responding to the needs of our students. Students will develop and expand their knowledge of key scientific concepts. In order that they are fully prepared for their six external exams at the end of Year 11. This route results in the award of a single qualification in Combined Science which is worth two GCSEs.
What can I do with a Science GCSE?
Successful completion of the Science GCSE courses will enable students to pursue a wide range of further study or employment. If a student achieves grades 9-5, they may choose the traditional A levels in Science or Science related post-16 courses. Alternatively students may progress to employment and training in the scientific, technical, medical or engineering industries.
Science Subject Staff
| Dr Billington | Director of Science Faculty |
| Mrs Hunter | Head of Biology (Joint) |
| Ms Potter | Head of Biology (Joint) |
| Mrs Roberts | Lead Teacher of Science |
| Mrs Brown | Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Science |
| Mrs Brown | Teacher of Science |
| Mr Denning | Teacher of Science / Able & Ambitious Co-ordinator |
| Mr Hayes-Sinclair | Teacher of Science (Chemistry) |
| Mr Holland | Teacher of Science (Biology) |
| Mrs Molyneux | Teacher of Science (Chemistry) |
| Mr Morris | Teacher of Science |
| Mr Whittle | Teacher of Science |