Philosophy and Aims

The Science Department aims to generate an enthusiasm for science, preparing students for an active, responsible role in an increasingly technological age. We work together as a supportive team, sharing good practice to enhance learning and teaching.

“Your science department is clearly very strong, and whose members as a team work hard to ensure that pupils no matter what their starting point, are able to progress. The curriculum is varied, and differentiated, with input from a wide range of committed stakeholders.”
Platinum Science Mark Assessor- December 2017

Our teaching is designed to encourage a sense of wonder, curiosity and open-mindedness, tempered by critical reflection and evaluation. We encourage the development of skills such as perseverance and co-operation, especially in the experimental and investigative areas of the curriculum. We also wish to recognise that modern science has its roots in many different societies and cultures, and that particular scientific developments can also raise ethical and moral issues.

Staff

The team consists of a Head of Science (Mrs Spencer- currently on maternity leave) and Lead Technician (Mrs Spavins) with subject specialists in the all three sciences: Ms McKenna (2^nd in department- Head of Biology and STEM) and Mrs Gilbert (2^nd in department- Head of Chemistry and Physics), Mrs Sacre, Miss Davis, Mr Finnie and Mr Lattimer. We also work closely with the University of Bedfordshire’s PGCE and School Direct teacher training programme and often have trainees working in the department.

“Pupils’ progress is tracked thoroughly and progress from entry to exit is excellent in mathematics and science.” Ofsted Inspector, Dec 2014

The Department adopts a range of teaching strategies designed to foster an enjoyment of Science and to develop appropriate skills. Providing challenge for these high ability students is a priority. Practical work is firmly embedded in our schemes of work and students embrace the range of extracurricular opportunities we offer.

“Pupils’ writing skills are good, and often highly developed. For example, in a Year 5 science lesson on digestion, pupils wrote clearly about how food is digested, using correct terminology, adjectives and complex sentences because the teacher encouraged them to do so.” Ofsted Inspector, November 2012

Assessment for learning is at the heart of outstanding teaching and opportunities for reflection, self and peer assessment and target setting are a key part of learning.

Enrichment

At all levels, science students enjoy a number of opportunities for visits, workshops, trips and other activities to enhance and extend their studies. We celebrate National Science Week by running a series of lunchtime hands-on workshops and have various science clubs throughout the year, including our STEM Ambassadors group and Psychology, Puzzle, Gardening and VEX robotics club.

“The presence of science and STEM [at Goldington] visibly shines, and it is very clear that you meet all the criteria for Platinum Science Mark. I congratulate you on being not only an extremely effective science leader, but on your drive, passion and enthusiasm in collaborating with and delegation to your lovely team. The way that you all pull together to create one of the richest science experiences I have ever seen is commendable, and how ‘Working Scientifically’ is lived into being in your classes highlight pupils acting as scientists.” Platinum Science Mark Assessor- December 2017

Regular extra-curricular and educational visits have taken place including:

Watch-it-made STEM Workshop- Cranfield University

The Science Magic Show- Goldington Academy

Annual Year 7 CSI Experience Day- Goldington Academy

Annual VEX Robotics Scrimmage and Regional Final Competitions- various locations

Salters’ Chemistry Festival- University of Cambridge

Easter Engineering Workshops- ARA, Bedford

L’Oréal Young Scientist Institute- London

Year 8 Think Tank Museum- Birmingham

Year 8 Big Bang Fair- University of Bedford

Year 6 The Science of Rollercoasters- Drayton Manor Theme park

Year 5: National Space Centre – Leicester

Year 8: Aerospace - Stevenage

Year 10: Residential to CERN- Geneva, Switzerland

Year 7/8/9 Annual Family STEM Evening- Goldington Academy

Year 7/8- RAF/BAE Systems Workshop- Goldington Academy

“There is a healthy range of STEM activities planned to promote these areas of the curriculum.”
PLT Review, November 2015

Students in Year 8 are also given the opportunity to select ‘Advanced Science’ as one of their ‘options’ on a Friday. These sessions are focused on developing and enhancing practical science skills and involve a range of hands-on experiments including dissections and completing STEM Crest Awards. Students will also be visited by guest speakers from Lockheed Martin, Airbus and Leonardo’s.

Achevement

Examination analysis, including entry-exit progress data, show an excellent record of achievement in all years.

“In speaking, writing, mathematics and science, pupils often do particularly well and reach high standards.” Ofsted Inspector, November 2012

“Pupils' progress is best in writing and speaking, in mathematics and in science, where some make outstanding progress and reach particularly high standards. By Year 8 many pupils are more than a year ahead of where they would normally expect to be.” Ofsted Inspector, November 2012

High achievement in the subject is regularly praised with phone calls and postcards home, an ‘Excellence in Science’ board, certificates presented in assemblies and ‘Scientist of the Year’ awards being given out at the end of each academic year.

Accommodation and Resources

The department boosts impressive facilities including a newly designed fourth science laboratory and extensive chemical preparatory and storerooms.

CURRICULUM

GCSE Specification

GCSE Biology

GCSE PHYSICS

GCSE CHEMISTRY

Stay Connected

Our Newsletter *

Goldington Academy
Haylands Way,
Bedford, MK41 9BX

Tel: 01234 261516
Fax: 01234 272344
Email:

Accessibility