Science

Faculty

Staff Responsibilities Contact
Dr C Blacketer Teacher of Science
Miss R.Cuttle Head of Science rebecca.cuttle@burnholme.co.uk
Mr S.Breare Head of Year 11/Teacher of Science simon.breare@burnholme.co.uk
Mr S.Gumn Head Teacher simon.gumn@burnholme.co.uk
Mr T.Cawood Science Laboratory Technician terry.cawood@burnholme.co.uk
Mrs J.Barker Learning/Behaviour Support julie.barker@burnholme.co.uk
Mrs Y.Duffy Assistant Head Teacher/Teacher of Science yvonne.duffy@burnholme.co.uk
Mrs Z.McLaughlin 2nd i/c of Science zoey.mclaughlin@burnholme.co.uk

About Science

The aim of the Science department at BCC is to support each of our pupils in achieving their full potential in this subject. We aim to deliver a Science curriculum that is exciting and relevant to all, whereby all of our pupils leave us with a level of scientific literacy that will enable them to make informed decisions when faced with the many choices that will challenge them in their everyday lives.

We want our pupils to see that science can be fun, that science has a massive effect on how we live our lives each day and by giving our pupils regular opportunities to experience science and meet the people behind it in a range of different working environments, both in and out of school. 

We teach a broad and balanced curriculum covering biology, chemistry and physics topics.  At KS3 pupils study: cells, forces, particles, energy, interdependence, life processes and geology.  At key stage 4 pupils study topics including: genes, air quality, radiation and life, and sustainability.  

Last year’s results were very pleasing.  60% of pupils achieved A*-C in GCSE Science, rising to 86% if you include those pupils who took OCR Nationals.

There are many opportunities for pupils with an interest in and/or talent for science.  In 2010/11, these included: the year 8 'Physics olympics' (we came 8th out of 32 schools); several trips such as science trails and the Christmas lectures; the STEM ambassadors project working with soldiers from Ripon Barracks in designing a renewable energy supply to meet the needs of a forward operating
base in Afghanistan in teams (these teams were all deemed good enough to
present their research at the 'Big Bang' fair at York Minster);  a themed play and lab activities on the theme of ‘potions’ which was written and acted by pupils, with accompanying flashes and bangs and then shown to primary pupils;  and there is also a very popular weekly science club. 

The science department has close links with NYBEP, SLC, STEM centre, and the University of York - which is useful for sharing resources, and organising work-related learning opportunities. We have for example benefited by having a researcher in residence, working with a researcher from York culminating in a visit to the Universities biology labs to participate in forensic science activities, and we were awarded a £1000 Special merit’ prize from Rolls Royce during summer term 2011


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