Why do we learn Science?
Science is all around us. Science explains how things work from why an apple falls to the ground to the latest mobile phone. As the world becomes increasingly more technological, an understanding of science helps students make sense of the world around them and their place in society. Science offers a huge range of career and job opportunities, some of which haven't been invented yet. From the traditional of medicine and phramacy to cutting technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Green technology, it is fantastic time to be a scientist!
Head of Department
Our Approach
Through our approach, all students develop the depth of knowledge and skills to be successful scientists so that they make a positive contribution to society. To achieve this, we focus on the four key elements of great science education:
1) An accurate factual and conceptual understanding.
2) Meaningful development of maths, practical and enquiry skills.
3) Development of scientific language, literacy, and communication.
4) The application of learning to new scenarios and to solve problems. Science is more than just disciplinary knowledge, it aims to develop our vitues skills such as discipline, commitment and gratitude, as well as work related skills such as teamwork, analytial and evaluating skills.
Phase/Key Stage introduction(s)
In Key Stage 3, during Year 7 we aim to encourage students to explore who they are as a living organism and how they will grow during their time at Ark Boulton, physically and emotionally. In Year 8 Science they learn about the elements that exist on our planet and the value different communities place on them as commodities through bit coin to gold coin. In Year 9 students go on to learn about the awe and wonder of energy transfer, from the smallest objects to our nearest star, the Sun, and how different communities around the world are harnessing this energy to protect our planet.
In Key Stage 4, we aim to continue to equip our students with the character, skills, and knowledge they need to be successful at university and in a career of their choice. We achieve this through our day-to-day interactions between staff and students through implementing our virtues mission. In the West Midlands we are in the centre of the nation’s biggest growth sector of engineering providing countless opportunities for further education and employment within the scientific field. We are surrounded by top universities such as The University of Birmingham, Aston and Warwick providing some of the best courses and opportunities our nation has to offer for our young people.
Year 7
Autumn |
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Cells Particles Forces Reproduction |
Spring |
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Atoms, elements and compounds Space Interdependence |
Summer |
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Mixtures Energy transfers Electric circuits |
Year 8
Autumn |
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Tissues and organs Acids and alkalis Movement and pressure Respiration and photosynthesis |
Spring |
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Changing substances Magnetism Life diversity Earth systems |
Summer |
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Electric circuits - resistance Nutrition Light |
Year 9
Autumn |
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Growth and differentiation The Periodic Table Acceleration Human interaction |
Spring |
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Introduction to quantitative chemistry Heating Genetics |
Summer |
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Using resources Sound and waves Home electricity |
Year 10
Autumn |
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The digestive system Structure and bonding Motion Circulation and respiration |
Spring |
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Extraction of metals Energy conservation Plant and material cycling Quantitative chemistry |
Summer |
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Electric circuits and energy Health and disease Energy changes Radioactivity Ecology |
Year 11
Autumn |
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Feedback and control Quantitative chemistry EM radiation Controlling reproduction Controlling reactions Force fields |
Spring |
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Controlling nature Our atmosphere |
Summer |
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