Why Study Science?
Boosts curiosity and a passion to learn
By presenting students with opportunities to explore the natural world and understand its complexities through inquiry and experimentation, learning in Science boosts students’ curiosity about the world. Science encourages students to expand their minds, ask questions, seek answers, and make connections between theories and real-world phenomena. By engaging in hands-on activities and scientific investigations, students experience the thrill of discovery, the satisfaction of understanding how things work, and finding a natural curiosity.
Uplifts multiple skills at once and allows room for innovation
Science education brings together various skills and disciplines. To understand how things work, students utilise mathematics for analysis, technical skills for observation, and writing skills for documenting findings in reports. This interdisciplinary approach highlights how Science demands a combination of abilities to explore and explain our world comprehensively. Proficiency in these areas not only enhances scientific understanding but also cultivates a well-rounded individual capable of generating new ideas and solving problems.
Improves critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Science encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret results. It teaches students to think logically about unfamiliar topics, so they can learn how to solve theoretical and practical problems. Critical thinking skills come to the forefront when students get the opportunity to evaluate evidence and draw conclusions based on data. These abilities help students to tackle challenges with confidence and competence.
Gives career opportunities and a good understanding of the world
Those who participate in Science education tend to have many opportunities within their reach. There are various industries that require the skills and knowledge learned through Science such as healthcare, business, or engineering. These are all promising paths for future careers. An understanding of Science helps students to see where they stand in the world, where they can go, and how they can live their life. This gives them a deeper appreciation for the complexity of our world.
Strengthens the future of society
Science is foundational to countless aspects of society. It plays a vital role in diverse fields such as technology, agriculture, infrastructure, hospitality, and medicine. Educating the next generation through Science is crucial as it equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and innovate in the future. This preparation is especially critical in the digital age, where scientific literacy is essential for understanding and navigating rapid technological advancements and global challenges.
The purpose of studying Science at The Canterbury Academy is…
- Science Encourages Creativity
Experimenting requires trial and error. Students learn that if something doesn’t work the first time, try it again. Giving them room to try new ideas fosters creativity and resourcefulness. Science is a study that starts with a question. Answers are not given right away; instead, students search them out. - Science Develops Analytical Thinking Skills
To analyze something means to look closer or examine. Science does that by having students make observations. They can later predict an outcome or form a conclusion based on what they see. Students can learn problem-solving and other skills through the Scientific Method. - Science Improves Communication Skills
Writing: Students learn to write procedures, record results and findings in a clear and well-developed way. Reading: Following instructions is important when doing a dissection or chemistry experiment. Students will have to learn to read each detail of a procedure or lab manual. Verbal Skills: Science is also an opportunity to work with others. Students will learn to communicate ideas in a respectful way, and set a common goal. - Science Develops a Love of Learning
When you discover something on your own, that thing has power. It resonates inside you, nurturing possibilities and opening doors. By seeking answers scientists learn to pursue knowledge. Becoming a self-taught or independent learner is a lifelong process. Once you have caught the love of learning it never goes away. - Science Broadens Our Perspective
Science changes how you see other subjects, including art and music. Someone may examine works of art with more interest after studying how our eyes see color. Students may notice the variety of tones in orchestra instruments after studying sound waves. An understanding of science can also add interest to everyday activities like taking a walk or shoveling snow. Science explains the world around us.
Recommended Reading
General Science
- “The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science”: A great reference tool with detailed illustrations and explanations of key science terms and concepts.
- “New Scientist”: A magazine that explores a wide range of scientific topics, making it ideal for broadening knowledge.
- “What is Chemistry?” by Peter Atkins: An accessible introduction to chemistry for young readers.
- “The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained”: Explores major scientific theories and ideas across different fields
- “A Short History of Nearly Everything Bill Bryson”.
Biology
- “Horrible Science – Blood, Bones and Body Bits”: A fun and engaging way to learn about the human body.
- “The Human Body Book” by Steve Parker: Provides a comprehensive look at the human body with detailed illustrations.
- “Life on Earth” by David Attenborough: A classic exploration of the natural world, with an accompanying illustrated book.
- “The Invention of Nature” by Andrea Wulf: Explores the life and ideas of Alexander von Humboldt, a pioneering naturalist and geographer.
Chemistry
- “Horrible Science – Chemical Chaos”: A humorous look at the world of chemistry with plenty of interesting facts.
- “The Disappearing Spoon” by Sam Kean: A captivating narrative about the discovery of elements and the periodic table.
- “The Manga Guide to Chemistry”: A unique way to learn chemistry concepts through a story-driven manga format.
Physics
- “Horrible Science – Fatal Forces and the Fight for Flight”: Explores the forces of nature in an engaging way.
- “Horrible Science – Shocking Electricity”: A fun introduction to the world of electricity and its effects.
- “All About Physics” by Richard Hammond: An exciting look at how physics affects everything around us.
See our learning journey
Science Roadmap
Our curriculum is designed to constantly be building on prior learning with interleaving (revisiting topics within new content) as a key element.
Students learn Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. In Years 7, 8 and 9 (KS3) students are learning foundational concepts, knowledge and skills that build year on year. In the early years there is a focus on developing a love of Science and an inquisitive nature. In Years 10 and 11 (KS4) students extend this learning as they prepare for their GCSEs.
To enhance the revisiting of topics each lesson begins with a starter activity consisting of questions from a topic covered last lesson, last week, two or three weeks ago and last term or last year.
Each topic studied is broken down into small, manageable steps to help our students understand concepts better. Each small step is to be mastered before moving onto the next, so students can fully grasp that topic and have the prerequisite skills for the next stage of learning.
Students are assessed termly throughout their Science learning journey. These assessments follow the structure of our curriculum and ensure the interleaving of topics throughout.
Meet the Science Department
| Dr J Hitchcock | Teacher of Science, Director of Teaching and Learning – Science |
| Mr J Brooke | Teacher of Science – Senior Vice Principal |
| Mr M Sampson | Teacher of Science – Vice Principal |
| Mr J Bonney | Teacher of Science – Assistant Vice Principal |
| Mr M Reeve | Teacher of Science – Assistant Vice Principal |
| Mrs L Posnett | Head of Key Stage 3 Science |
| Mr P Ayling | Head of Key Stage 4 Science |
| Mr S Moore | Head of Key Stage 5 Science |
| Ms C Gaffon | Teacher of Science |
| Ms L Jaggard | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs M Sutherland | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs C Halls | Teacher of Science – Head of Year 8 |
| Ms N Sturt | Teacher of Science |
| Mrs L Delgardo | Teacher of Science |
| Mr A Punyer | Science Technician |
| Ms L Crane | Science Technician |
Courses offered at KS4 and KS5
Key Stage 4
- Entry Level Certificate in Science – AQA ELC
GCSE
- GCSE Combined Science – AQA Trilogy
- GCSE Biology
- GCSE Chemistry
- GCSE Physics
Key Stage 5
A Level
- Biology – AQA
- Chemistry – OCR
- Physics – AQA
- Environmental Science – AQA
BTEC Level 3
- Engineering