Name of Head of Department

Mr C Moore, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE

Statement of Intent

The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.

Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equip them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.

High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.

Physics is the study of the universe and all things in it, from the unimaginably small to the unfathomably large, to further our knowledge and understanding and develop the ability to solve complex problems using logic and reasoning. We aim to inspire students with the wonder of Physics through the teaching of five key areas: Waves, Energy, Electricity, Matter and Force, all of which are revisited throughout the lower, middle and upper years.

Practical Science

We have designed our practical science curriculum with eight fundamental principles on mind:

• to develop scientific enquiry;
• to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts;
• to develop practical competencies;
• to prepare students to answer examination questions related to practical work with confidence;
• to develop teamwork and collaborative skills;
• to excite, inspire and develop student curiosity and ideas, so that they will rationalise and question further the world in which they live;
• to prepare students for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world;
• to raise awareness of STEM careers, provide visible role models and engage with external agencies where possible to create/be involved in STEM enrichment activities, e.g. links with Plymouth University etc.

Extra-curricular activities

The Physics department runs a number of activities throughout the school year, including an inter-school STEM day called the Faraday Challenge, as well as organising and running the annual GCSE Science Live trip in February. Sixth-form physics classes work with the Royal Institution to run and host primary school masterclasses during the summer term, which are regularly oversubscribed. We have previously worked with other local schools to run collaborative events for students to participate in including: Astronomy and Light, the Physics of Fire, Medical Mavericks and GCSE Physics Escape rooms.