Name of Head of Department

Dr E Mattock, MChem, PhD, MA, PGCE

Statement of Intent

The science curriculum at DHSG is designed to support our learners in their development to become scientifically literate citizens of the 21st century. We aim to engage their curiosity; to help them learn how to ask the right questions about the world around them and the society we live in. We will support them in developing the skills and knowledge required to investigate their questions and then to interpret and critically evaluated the answers they find. We achieve this through the study of the three traditional scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which are underpinned by practical principles and investigation and will include learning about how scientists work.

We ensure that students have a firm scientific knowledge and skill base to progress with confidence through the Key Stages and finally progress into the wider world with the scientific tools required to pursue their individually chosen further study and future career pathways. We will teach our students how to use mathematics in science and not assume the transference of maths skills whilst ensuring our curriculum is assessable to all.

Chemistry is the branch of science where learners explore and gain understanding:

• of the composition, behaviour, and properties of matter;
• of the origins and development of the Earth and its atmosphere;
• of the role of chemists in and the use and development of existing materials, and design of new materials and their impacts on society, the economy, and the environment.

This is achieved at each Key Stage:

• Lower years: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Chemistry);
• Middle Years: AQA GSCE Chemistry or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Chemistry);
• Upper Years: OCR Chemistry A.

Extra-curricular activities

Enrichment opportunities include the Chemistry Olympiad in year 13, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in Year 12 and the Paignton Zoo trip in Year 8.