The application of science is found everywhere from the design of the latest sporting footwear to the discovery of the latest sub atomic particle.

At Marden High School we endeavour to inspire and motivate students to find science fascinating for its own sake as well as for its application.

During any one year students at Marden High School will have had the opportunity to ask big questions, research independently, hear inspiring talks and visit places such as Newcastle University Science labs or the Dove Marine laboratory. They will have taken part in superlearning days as well as STEM days and had the chance to meet working scientists.

The structure of the teaching of science is based around three phases:

• Years 7 and 8 are for building on the primary science foundations. The key topics are Forces, Energy, Materials and Living processes.
• In year 9 we are looking to embed key fundamental concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Years 10 and 11 are for the coverage of  formal GCSE and BTEC science qualifications and embedding scientific method through investigations and research.

At key stage 3 the focus is on learning through the scientific skills of communicating in science, understanding and explaining in science, applying science, presenting data and scientific enquiry.

At key stage 4 the focus becomes more on subject content as well as application of science in context. There are a number of pathways for students at key stage 4 and these pathways have established links with further and higher education.

As a department we have strong links with the delivery of key stage 5 science at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College.

In lessons students will be expected to take part in discussions, express their ideas about a topic and support others in developing knowledge and understanding. The range of activities that students will participate in during lessons is extensive; at Marden High School we are committed to making the most of every opportunity to reinforce learning using practical tasks, modelling of concepts, application of science in context, developing practical skills. We also make use of new technology including flipcams, webcams, netbooks etc. alongside data-logging equipment and web microscopes.

Students are actively encouraged to develop their own knowledge and understanding by being independent in learning. There are extensive online resources available to the students through the BBC Bitesize website as well as SAMlearning revision for all year groups. They will be set particular tasks throughout the year to complete and we find that students make the most of these opportunities to research such topics as space, motion, scientific discoveries.