Science
Objectives
The Aim of the Science department at Harrow High Academy is to provide a Science Education which will contribute to the overall development of all our pupils.
We want to make Science relevant to the pupils’ every day life, so that we provide the learners with a set of skills that will allow them to debate logically and in an informed manner on scientific topics.
Within the Science department, we want to create links with other departments, primary Schools, the local area, industry and Universities.
We want to make sure that all learners are prepared for external examination by providing a good framework for further studies or career development.
In the Science department we want to provide a balanced curriculum in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and the Earth Sciences.
We aim to give our learners a wide range of skills (communicative, mathematical, scientific, technological, environmental, ethical and inter-personal) that will help them in their future careers and working life.
We also adhere to Health and Safety regulations to ensure the safety of our learners while allowing them to take part in challenging and inspiring practical lessons and allow the students to learn about safe working practices.
Subject Content
The Science department has an exciting and challenging curriculum.
KS3: Years 7 – 9
In Key Stage 3 we offer a rich and varied curriculum designed to engage students and prepare them for GCSEs, A Levels, and University.
Learners study Science four periods a week and follow the National Curriculum for KS3 using Co
llins Schemes of work.
KS4 – Five periods per week
Double award using the AQA Science A Specification
Triple Science following the AQA Science Specification
Vocational subjects: Extended Certificate in Applied Science
KS5 – Six periods per week.
A-level Biology
A-Level Physics
A-Level Chemistry
Assessment
KS3 – learners are assessed using the DCSF APP framework on Science
KS4 – In line with the New GCSE guidelines for the AQA A Science the Assessment takes place during years 10 and 11. They also have written mock exams during year 10 and in Year 11. At the end of the course they take their final examinations.
Extra-curricular Activities
We have a very successful number of extracurricular activities. Last year some of our KS4 learners classified for the National Science Competition representing the Biology category for London and the Home counties. Our KS3 girls won the Junior Prize awarded by the Institute of Physics last June.
CREST Awards: CREST is a project-based awards scheme for the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). It links the personal passions of students to curriculum-based learning. Crest Awards raise learners’ aspirations to pursue STEM careers.
Imperial College: The Science Department maintains strong links with Imperial College and every year we send some of our most talented students for a varied number of master classes, seminars, workshops and residential programs.
Science Club: The Science club runs every Wednesday after School and every year has a different topic. Learners are given the opportunity to study a subject and develop further during the year. For the Academic year 2011-2012 the topic for the Science club is Electronics and Robotics.
Gifted and talented: Our Gifted and talented students are given the opportunity to take part in different competitions that will help them to improve their personal curriculum.
EAL/SEN: We provide support for all our students by having a Specialist TA in the classroom and providing the learners with differentiated materials. We also have an EAL club to help students to raise their attainment.