Earl Mortimer College and Sixth Form Centre

What do we want our students to learn in Science?

An EMC Science Graduate will have the broad knowledge, deep understanding and scientific skills to appreciate the significant achievements of science in illustrating the stirring complexity and diversity of natural phenomena. The EMC Science faculty will lead students on a journey of discovery through the awe and wonder of the natural sciences whilst engaging students to the relevance of the study science in their everyday lives. All Students will build the discipline and mindset to become lifelong learners equipped with the skills to enquiry, think critically and evaluate scientific problems within an ever changing, modern world. An EMC Science graduate will be inspired and challenged through rich and meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom and be inspired into high quality scientific careers in the local, national and global economy.

An EMC Science Graduate will: 

1. Engage in broad, deep and knowledge rich curriculum

2. Mindset & challenge: Have high expectations for their discipline, achievement and aspirations

3. Develop their Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development

Curriculum Values

A carefully planned and structured curriculum is the foundation upon which excellent learning and development is built. The Science curriculum is designed and implemented in such a way that it builds upon prior knowledge and prepares pupils for the next stage in their education. The curriculum has builds engagement through success by embedded key learning strategies including regular retrieval, interleaving topics and spaced practice. Each topic has been created with core curriculum lessons which are taught to all classes. In addition each scheme of work has a level of flexibility described as teacher discretionary time. This time is available for the teacher to utilise to inspire, consolidate or challenge their classes. Examples include, Catch up time / School Events, extended recall, extended practical (Full write up), careers Investigation, SLOP (Shed loads of practice), improve cultural capital, documentaries, project / homework model review or Trips.

High Expectations

Earl Mortimer Science Faculty is inclusive and ambitious for all. We have high expectations and aspirations of all pupils through providing opportunities for pupils to learn about the brilliant complexity and diversity of natural phenomena. Our behaviour policy ensures that pupils learn that actions have consequences and they can accept and appreciate differences between people. Whilst students gain knowledge through KS3 and KS4, we also want them to develop the mindset to become lifelong learners with a who are enquiring, critical evaluators and who have high expectations and aspirations.

A Positive Learning Environment 

We are committed to promoting an outstanding learning environment which is

• Polite
• Prepared
• Productive

Achievement 

We ensure all students develop the academic knowledge and understanding to appreciate the achievements of science in showing the brilliant complexity and diversity of natural phenomena. Students are set an aspirational target that they are expected to strive towards whilst we also celebrate other achievements including progress, effort, creativity. 

Aspirations  

We are committed to developing high aspirations through cultivating a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world. We believe this focus we not only promote academic aspirations but will drive greater curiosity to the relevance of science in their everyday lives. EMC science faculty aim to cultivate high aspirations through integrating the benchmarks four, five and seven as outlined in the Gastby Good Career Guidance report to help cultivate high aspirations: 

4) Linking curriculum learning to careers: All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths.