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St Augustine's Catholic College

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 social contexts. Our mission focuses on creating knowledgeable, scientifically literate students who are confident, resilient, 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. 

Dr Kathryn Buchard, Head of Science

Key Stage 3 Years 7-8

 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 explores the big of science ideas and fully covers the ambitions of the National Curriculum. 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 at the start of Year 9. This ensures that students are given the optimal opportunity to fully appreciate the increased content and complexity of the science GCSE curriculum.

All students study GCSE science. There are currently two routes through the science GCSE. Students choose which route they will follow after completing the introductory GCSE units in 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.

 A Levels

We offer four A Level courses taught by specialist teachers: AQA A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science. 

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). Environmental Science students gain hands-on experience through laboratory activities and residential fieldwork. 

A Level Biology

A Level Chemistry

A Level Environmental Science

A Level Physics