Science
At St. Augustine's Catholic College, our Science Department strives to inspire curiosity and a lifelong interest in science for our students. Our curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of scientific knowledge and skills, with clear connections to other subjects, career pathways, and catholic social teachings. Our mission focuses on creating knowledgeable, scientifically literate students who are resilient, as well as critical and independent thinkers.
Assessments are designed to cover all aspects of the curriculum and incorporate retrieval practice. Regular feedback and self-reflection opportunities help students improve their learning.
The Science curriculum at St. Augustine's provides an academically rigorous experience, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry. Our lessons promote the college's SPIRIT values, with a focus on resilience, teamwork, and a can-do attitude. Ultimately, our Science education aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character to excel in their academic and personal lives.
Ms Elizabeth Edwards, Head of Science
Key Stage 3 Years 7-9
Our curriculum is based on the Oxford Smart Curriculum, which includes six curriculum pillars aiming to provide coherence, high expectations, engaged learning, learner identity, responsive teaching, and awe and wonder.
The KS3 curriculum is organised by units that explore the big ideas of science and fully covers the ambitions of the National Curriculum sequenced so students start learning concrete observable science, moving to more abstract and complex topics at the end of the key stage. Each big idea has a clear and coherent progression, underpinned by curriculum narratives. Skills, including working scientifically, apparatus and techniques, numeracy and literacy are integrated throughout the curriculum and are built upon when moving through the key stage.
GCSE Years 9-11
Key Stage 4 follows the AQA Science course, using the Best Evidence Science Teaching model to ensure well-sequenced learning progression.
At St Augustine’s we begin Key Stage 4 in January of Year 9. This ensures that students have time to complete their KS3 learning and master the skills needed to learn and understand the GCSE content. By starting earlier than year 10 students are given longer to fully comprehend the increased content and complexity of the science GCSE curriculum.
All students study GCSE science. There are two routes through the science GCSE. Students choose which route they will follow after completing the introductory GCSE units in January of Year 9.
Route 1 – AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy. 2 GCSEs awarded
Route 2 – Triple Science: AQA GCSE Biology, AQA GCSE Chemistry, AQA GCSE Physics. 3 GCSEs awarded. -This option is open to all students, regardless of prior attainment.
A Levels
We offer three A Level courses taught by specialist teachers: AQA A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Our curriculum emphasises practical skills, with A Level student’s achieving a practical endorsement in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics by demonstrating competency in Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).
Close
Social Media