Meet our Science Lead

Samuel Preece, Science Lead

Diversity and Inclusion

Across Years 7 to 10, the Science curriculum integrates core scientific concepts with practical investigations, while actively fostering diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. Through carefully designed lessons, pupils develop experimental proficiency, critical thinking, and confidence in collaborative learning environments.

In Year 7, students explore Magnetism and Chemical Reactions, consolidating foundational knowledge and laboratory skills. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, respectful collaboration, and understanding how diverse scientists have contributed to discoveries. Pupils engage in practical activities that encourage shared problem-solving and appreciation for different perspectives, helping all learners feel included and valued.

Year 8 focuses on Light and Reactions of Metals, building on previous skills while promoting inclusion through group-based experiments and discussions. Students develop understanding of complex concepts such as reflection, refraction, and chemical reactions, while exploring how science connects to their communities. Classroom culture emphasizes curiosity without fear, mutual respect, and valuing diverse ideas, ensuring that all pupils can participate confidently.

In Year 9, pupils study Variation and Electromagnetism, linking biological and physical sciences with real-world applications. Lessons encourage students to consider diversity in nature, adaptations, and scientific discovery, alongside practical investigations that promote shared learning and inclusion. Activities are designed to foster collaboration, respect, and confidence in applying scientific reasoning.

Year 10 develops knowledge in Reactivity and Health and Disease, combining chemistry and biology with practical, team-oriented tasks. Pupils explore lifestyle, health, and disease prevention, alongside chemical principles, in an environment that celebrates diverse contributions to STEM. Inclusive teaching practices ensure that every pupil can engage fully, share their ideas, and feel a sense of belonging within the scientific community.

Throughout all year groups, the Science curriculum emphasises that inclusion is central to both learning and discovery. By engaging in collaborative experiments, respectful discussion, and critical reflection, pupils not only build scientific knowledge but also develop empathy, respect for diversity, and confidence to participate meaningfully in STEM and society.

Identity and Belonging

From Years 7 to 11, the Science curriculum integrates core scientific concepts with opportunities for students to explore their sense of self, personal growth, and belonging within the scientific context. Lessons are designed to build knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking while fostering confidence, curiosity, and engagement with the world around them.

In Year 7, pupils focus on Matter as Particles and Cells, beginning with laboratory safety and hazard awareness. They investigate solids, liquids, and gases, changes of state, diffusion, and Brownian motion, alongside observing animal and plant cells using microscopes. These practical experiences encourage self-confidence, exploration, and active participation, laying the foundation for students to see themselves as capable and involved members of the scientific community.

Year 8 covers The Periodic Table, Charge and Electric Current, and Transport Systems. Pupils explore atomic structure, properties of metals and non-metals, electricity, and circulation in both plants and animals. Through hands-on experiments and investigations, students develop independence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how scientific systems connect to everyday life, helping them situate themselves within broader scientific and societal contexts.

In Year 9, the curriculum focuses on Respiration and Heating and Cooling. Students compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, investigate microorganisms, and explore energy transfer, conduction, insulation, and thermal changes. Practical work encourages collaboration, experimentation, and self-reflection, supporting pupils’ confidence in making observations and drawing conclusions while reinforcing a sense of belonging within a collaborative learning environment.

Year 10 explores Electricity and Separating Mixtures, combining theoretical study with practical investigations such as resistors in series and parallel, I–V characteristics, and various separation techniques including filtration, crystallisation, and chromatography. Pupils develop resilience, analytical thinking, and independence, reflecting on how their learning contributes to personal growth and identity as emerging scientists.

In Year 11, students study Homeostasis and Control and Rates of Reaction, investigating coordinated responses, reflex actions, blood glucose regulation, and chemical reaction rates. Experiments and data analysis encourage critical thinking, self-assessment, and confidence in practical and theoretical skills. By engaging with complex systems and scientific inquiry, students are supported in understanding their role within the learning community and beyond, fostering a strong sense of belonging and personal agency in science.

Throughout all year groups, the curriculum emphasises active participation, reflection, and collaboration. Students develop both scientific knowledge and practical expertise while being encouraged to see themselves as capable contributors, building resilience, confidence, and a sense of identity within the scientific community.

Rights and Responsibilities

From Years 7 to 11, the Science curriculum integrates core scientific concepts with a consistent focus on students’ understanding of rights and responsibilities in laboratory, societal, and environmental contexts. Lessons are designed to develop practical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving while embedding ethical and safe practices, encouraging students to become responsible, reflective learners.

In Year 7, students explore Forces and Separation. They investigate balanced and unbalanced forces, friction, weight, and resistance, alongside separation techniques such as filtration, crystallisation, and chromatography. Practical work emphasises health and safety, hazard awareness, and ethical engagement in experiments, encouraging pupils to consider their responsibilities for themselves and others in scientific settings.

Year 8 focuses on Energy and Power and Energetics, including energy stores, appliance efficiency, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and catalysts. Students develop practical skills while reflecting on personal and societal responsibilities related to energy use, safety, and ethical decision-making. Risk assessment and careful laboratory practice are central to fostering accountability.

In Year 9, the curriculum covers Earth and the Atmosphere and Engineering, including climate change, recycling, Hooke’s law, and mechanical systems. Pupils apply practical and investigative skills while considering the ethical and environmental implications of human activity, reinforcing both scientific and societal responsibility.

Year 10 studies Digestion and Enzymes and Energy, with emphasis on laboratory investigations, data analysis, and safe handling of equipment. Students reflect on the broader consequences of energy use and food choices, strengthening understanding of responsible practice in science and everyday life.

In Year 11, students engage with Resistive Forces, Organic Chemistry, and Electromagnetism. They refine investigative techniques, risk assessment, and hazard awareness while exploring magnetic fields, hydrocarbons, and forces. The curriculum emphasises safe, ethical, and responsible experimentation, ensuring students leave with transferable skills for further study and everyday decision-making.

Across all year groups, the Science curriculum threads rights and responsibilities into every practical and theoretical activity. Students learn to manage risks, conduct experiments ethically, respect the safety of themselves and others, and reflect critically on their impact in both laboratory and societal contexts, promoting independent, accountable, and conscientious learners.