Curriculum Leader: Mr S Collins
Chemistry:
Dr R Carvell – Curriculum Leader of Chemistry,
Mr S Gregson,
Mr M Barton.
Biology:
Ms D Fletcher,
Mr H Butt,
Mrs S Kushwaha,
Miss C Pye.
Physics:
Mr S Collins – Curriculum Leader of Physics,
Miss A McKenzie,
Ms A Sefton.
Our Science Curriculum at St Francis Xavier’s Academy is designed around the context of our students – 51% of the public feel that they are not informed about Science, (Public Attitudes to Science survey, 2019) and this is reproduced in outcomes for our pupils – Year 11 students in Merseyside perform significantly lower in Science qualifications compared to the national average.
We must close this gap in Science learning for the new Xaverians. Our Science Curriculum is designed to do exactly that – produce the new Xaverian Scientists.
Our Xaverians will learn to love Science through the carefully designed sequence, ensuring that they can both obtain andformulate answers to questions about the world around them.
A Xaverian Scientist will:
- become a well-rounded individual that can debate and engage with current contextual issues in the news or public forums.
- be able to analyse and critique scientific evidence in front of them to make informed decisions about their lives
- express their scientific viewpoints and theories coherently and consistently.
- feel like they are informed about Science and continue to feel informed into their adult lives.
Catholic Social Teaching infuses every aspect of life, and science follows suit. Therefore, the science curriculum offers abundant opportunities to promote and delve into Catholic Social Teaching. While exploring the environment, we emphasise our collective responsibility as stewards of creation. Topics on evolution and adaptation showcase the marvels of God’s creation. The sanctity of human life and dignity is addressed in discussions on human reproduction, health, disease, and medical advancements. Solidarity and the concept of a unified human family are explored in discussions on climate change, fossil fuels, genetic modification in agriculture, and energy consumption. Students are urged to contemplate the impact of their consumer choices on the broader world. Through these discussions, students come to understand that while science may not have all the answers to the world’s problems, decisions should be guided by Catholic Social Teaching. We encourage them to recognise the constructive role of science in upholding human dignity in our global society. Our aim is to instil in them an awareness of the responsibilities that scientists bear in making the world more just and equitable, while emphasising the need to respect and care for God’s creation.
The impact of our curriculum is that we help our students become the next generation of science-based practitioners, as well as ensuring that those who do not wish to continue with their scientific studies have enough knowledge to make informed decisions in society.
- Ensuring homework is complete on Educake
- Talking about scientific advancements in the news
- Asking your child about what they have learnt in Science
- Revision guides and workbooks
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Natural History Museum
- Eureka
- Knowsley Safari Park
- Chester Zoo
- Blackpool Zoo
- Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
- The Sealife Centre
- Blue Planet Aquarium
- Gadget Show on Discovery Science
- Brain Games on National Geographic
- Nat Geo Extreme Wild on National Geographic
- Modern Marvels on History
- Prehistoric on Animal Planet
- Ancient Aliens on History
- Superhumans on History
- Megascience on Discovery Science
- Science of stupid on National Geographic
- Magic of science on Discovery Science
- Horrible Sciences
- Catalyst Magazine
- Bad Science Series
- KS3 CGP Revision Guides
- BBC Operation Ouch
- 500 Things You Should Know about Science
- Richard Hammond Blast Lab
- Focus Magazine
