Science

The Science department leads on teaching Science and Engineering.  STEM subjects are becoming increasingly important to students' career options and we offer a curriculum that provides opportunities like no other to engage, enthral and excite pupils. 

At Swindon Academy, we follow the United Learning Key Stage 3 Curriculum that covers key areas of biology, chemistry and physics.  We balance opportunities for genuine enquiry and scientific exploration with a rigorous focus on ensuring our students start GCSE Science prepared for success. 

Our curriculum is designed with high expectations running throughout. Challenging content that stretches students beyond what they think is possible of themselves, alongside constant and explicit referral to critical literacy and numeracy skills underpinning science.  Furthermore, our teachers work hard to ensure that strengths are built on and areas for development are rapidly identified. This shows that we focus our efforts on ensuring students “master” key ideas, skills and knowledge before they move on to more challenging concepts.

Engineering

In September 2016, Swindon Academy launched its Next Generation Tech Award at Level 2, and BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma for sixth form students at Level 3, which is the equivalent of one and a half A Levels. Engineering is a unique course tailored not only to the needs of the students, but to the needs of local businesses, as well as universities. It is an opportunity for students to not only gain a qualification in engineering, but to gain the skills and knowledge required to become an engineer. 

The aim of our engineering course is to develop young talent into engineers who have something to offer, rather than just students with qualifications. This will be achieved by working with local engineering companies, a mentoring programme with engineers from universities, guest speakers, educational visits, work placements, internship programmes, group and individual projects and extra curricula activities including the British Schools Karting Championships and The Greenpower Championship.

Extra-Curricular Provision

There are a number of extra-curricular activities that students can join at Swindon Academy.  

• Science Clubs run in different terms throughout the school year, including: Forensic Club in which students have to use their scientific knowledge and analytical skills to solve puzzles and Astronomy Club where students learn more about space.
• Year 7 are involved with the online 'I'm a Scientist ... Get Me Out of Here' competition, where professional scientists compete by answering pupils' questions about science (and beyond).
• Annual Year 7 visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
• Annual Year 8 visit to the Science Museum or Natural History Museum in London.
• Year 9 visit the Big Bang Fair at The NEC in Birmingham.
• Year 9 Grammar Stream students attend extended practical visits at Marlborough College.
• Year 10 Grammar Stream students visit Hinkley Point nuclear power station. 
• Throughout the year, the Explorer Dome team visit and put on scientific shows for Years 7-10.
• Several STEM activities run throughout the year and students from across all years are selected to attend these activities.

Post 16 Extra-Curricular Activities:

• Students are invited to attend seminars at Marlborough College, which involve talks by eminent scientists in fields related to the KS5 content studied.
• Year 12 chemists take part in the University of Cambridge Competition for Lower Sixth (C3L6), as well as the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad.  We are also arranging visits to a BP site, and a ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’ activity day.
• Year 12 biologists take part in an ecology filled course at Marlborough College, as well as accompanying the Year 7 trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
• Year 13 A-Level RSC Chemistry Olympiad, which is an international competition that really challenges A-Level students on topical chemistry subjects.  

If you would like to find out more about the Science curriculum, please contact the Curriculum Leader, Dr Rowe, via email at louise.rowe@swindon-academy.org or if you would like to find out more about the Engineering curriculum, please contact Mr Lewis at joe.lewis@swindon-academy.org