Physics

Overview of the Science Department

Science at Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy is a large department which has an extremely broad range of experience in numerous Science disciplines. We are working collaboratively to provide the best quality Science education for our young people, to ensure we stay abreast of the latest scientific innovation and teaching practises and develop beginning teachers to tier full potential. We strive to include as much practical work as possible in the education we deliver so that students receive a hands-on approach to learning.

Meet the Science teachers

Name	Role	About them
Mr McCormack	Head of Science	Mr McCormack completed a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science before specialising with a master’s degree in Cancer Biology. He then went on to work in the cancer research industry (focused on cervical cancer) before becoming a teacher. Mr McCormack has taught at Crayford Academy since 2019, becoming Head of Science in 2023. He is passionate about social mobility and increasing the diversity in STEM based subjects. Mr McCormack has multiple affiliations with various organisations, demonstrating his love of learning.
Mr Enoh	Science 2ic KS3	Mr Enoh joined the Academy in 2021. He is passionate about all sciences, with a love for Chemistry. He can teach all sciences and PE making him a well-rounded science teacher.
Ms O'Reilly	Science 2ic KS5	Miss O’Reilly joined the Academy in 2021. She holds a degree in Neuroscience and brings her deep understanding of the brain and nervous system into her classroom. She is dedicated to fostering a love for biology and encouraging students to explore the wonders of the natural world and she runs a KS3 Science club alongside teaching.
Ms Elmi	Lead Practitioner / ITT Coordinator	Ms Elmi began working at Crayford Academy in 2016. She has a Biomedical Science degree. She teaches Psychology as well as Science and is passionate about Microbiology.
Mr Marrill	Assistant Principal / Teacher of Science	Mr Marrill joined Crayford in 2020, bringing with him many years of experience as a Science teacher and senior leader. He has a passion for teaching and a love for developing teams in order to build on current successes, making them a robust and invaluable part of school society. He firmly believes that learning never stops for students and staff alike.
Mrs Kumar	Teacher of Science	Mrs Kumar joined the Academy in 2021, following her Masters degree in Astrophysics. She is passionate for general relativity, black holes and theoretical physics.
Ms Vitalino	Teacher of Science	Ms Vitalino joined the science team in 2020 after completing a Masters degree in Chemistry, specialising in biochemistry and computational chemistry. She has a keen interest in applying technology to modern day science. She loves to help students apply scientific knowledge to everyday life, creating a better understanding of the narrative to our curriculum.
Dr Hye	Teacher of Science	Dr Hye began working at Crayford Academy in 2022. He holds a PhD in neuroscience and Bsc in physiology and pharmacology. Prior to teaching secondary science he was involved in extensive research in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. With over 20 years in the field he has published over 85 scientific articles. Dr Hye has a passion for all things science and enjoys teaching the students about the many wonders of how science fits into our everyday life.
Mr Marchant	Teacher of Science	Mr Marchant has been working at Crayford Academy since 2023 and has recently gained QTS status. Mr Marchant holds a First Class Degree in Biology at the University of Portsmouth and a master's degree in bioinformatics from Queen Mary University of London. Mr Marchant has a passion for science and believes teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators who will shape our future.
Mr Dervish	Teacher of Science	Mr Dervish completed a BSc in Biological Sciences (Medical focus) before going on to work in both veterinary and human immunodiagnostics research and product development. Mr Dervish then completed a PGCE and holds qualified teacher status.
Mr Samuels	Teacher of Science	Mr Samuels is a graduate of Church Teachers College in association with the University of the West Indies. He gained his Bsc and QTS in 2020 . Mr Samuels is driven by a passion to make complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for students. He also serves as an AQA marker, ensuring fair and accurate student assessments, which has deepened his commitment to high standards in science education. Mr Samuels feels that teaching is a calling for him; he is proud of the impact he has made in inspiring students to explore the wonders of science.
Mr Kamga	Teacher of Science	Mr Kamga completed a bachelor’s degree with honours in Computer Science specialising in Data Science. He previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant and an online Tutor while also working on a couple of enterprise projects at Greenwich University. Mr Kamga is passionate about all sciences, and in particularly physics, and maths.
Ms Alfah	Teacher of Science	tba

Curriculum Statement

Key Stage 3

KS3 Physics begins by introducing the new Year 7 students to the secondary science laboratory with a cross curricular focus on lab safety and building basic skills which the students will utilise throughout their time in the Science laboratory. Having completed this introductory course students move on to learning the fundamental foundations of Physics building on concepts such as Seasonal Changes, Light, Forces and Magnets, States of Matter, Sound, Electricity and Earth and Space that were studies at KS1 and 2. A basic grounding in the topics of forces, sound, light and space introduces the students to concepts that they will both utilise throughout their studies and develops awe and wonder as students marvel at the sheer size and complexity of the universe developing their knowledge beyond that of the classroom, their home town, country, planet, solar system and beyond.

Students move on to study more fundamental concepts in year 8 developing literacy, numeracy and practical skills that they acquired in year 7 and continuing to deepen knowledge and understanding in topics such as electricity and magnetism, energy, motion and finally looking at new developments and technology in Physics before beginning their GCSE studies in year 9.

View our Key Stage 3 Physics Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

Once students begin their GCSE Studies the curriculum continues to spiral taking the students on a deeper journey into the topics of energy, forces and motion, waves and light.

GCSE Physics take students on a journey throughout the universe. Whilst studying individual topics throughout their Physics GCSE students will constantly revisit the fundamentals in Physics such as using and manipulating equations, the use of SI units and converting between units and using significant figures and standard form. The students’ individual journeys through the world of physics will require them to become accomplished Mathematicians as well as outstanding Physicists.

View our Key Stage 4 Physics Curriculum Map

Key Stage 5

A-level Physics is a facilitating subject that will allow students access to a broad range of careers and university courses. AQA Physics takes the students on a journey, from learning about the smallest particles to how we can explore space. Students will be able to explain how we’ve come to understand what is beyond our everyday perception. A-level Physics is an introduction to important ideas that will develop critical thinking, reasoning, logic and Maths.

View our Key Stage 5 Physics Curriculum Map

What qualifications can be gained?

GCSE: Combined Science

GCSE: Physics (when taken along side Biology and Chemistry as part of the Separate Science course.

A-Level Physics

How does Physics prepare students for the next stage of their education or employment?

GCSE Physics leads into A-Level Physics

Students that study A-Level Physics can progress to an undergraduate degree in several disciplines within Physics.

Physics graduates can enter fields such as:

Astronaut -Astronauts fly spacecraft or work as part of the crew.
Astronomer -Astronomers use a wide range of scientific techniques to study the universe and its origins.
Civil engineer -Civil engineers design and manage a wide variety of construction projects.
Geoscientist -Geoscientists study the structure of the - Earth and how it was formed over time.
Geotechnician- Geotechnicians work with geoscientists to collect and analyse data from soil, rocks and water.
Medical physicist -Medical physicists research and develop techniques and equipment used to diagnose and treat illness.
Nuclear engineer -Nuclear engineers are responsible for the safe and productive running of nuclear power stations.
Oceanographer -Oceanographers use knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study seas and oceans.
Palaeontologist -Palaeontologists study the remains, or fossils, of plants and animals.
Pathologist -Pathologists diagnose disease by examining cells, tissue samples, and sometimes performing autopsies
Physicist -Physicists study the natural universe and try to uncover why objects exist and behave as they do.

More Information

More information about our curriculum can be found by looking at our curriculum overviews

Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary