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 Marrill	Assistant Principal / Head of Science	Mr Marrill has been teaching for 18 years and joined Crayford Academy in 2020. Despite being a biologist, he has a passion for fireworks.
Miss Ajayi	Head of Biology	Miss Ajayi has a degree in Medical Physiology and loves to inspire students to be challenged, develop their ideas and grow an interest in science and more specifically in Biology.
Ms Elmi	Lead Practitioner / ITT Coordinator	Ms Elmi has been at the school for almost 6 years and has completed a Biomedical Science degree. She teaches Psychology as well as Science and is passionate about Microbiology.
Ms Akinyemi	Head of Chemistry	Ms Akinyemi has been at the school for 3 years and completed her degree in Chemistry. She is extremely passionate about all things Chemistry.
Mr McCormack	Head of Applied 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 been at HCA for 3 years and co-ordinates the Applied Science BTEC. He is passionate about medical sciences and neuroscience.
Ms Vitalino	Teacher of Science	Ms Vitalino completed a Masters degree in Chemistry and has recently joined the academy. She is eager to help students apply scientific knowledge to everyday life. She also has a particular interest in computational chemistry and the application of developing technology in modern day science.
Mr Enoh	Teacher of Science	Mr Enoh has 6 years teaching experience. He is passionate about all sciences, with a love for Chemistry. He can teach all sciences and PE making him a well-rounded general science teacher.
Ms O'Reilly	Teacher of Science	Miss O’Reilly completed a degree in Neuroscience and is passionate about the nervous system and human biology. She currently runs the KS3 STEM club after school.
Mr Otebil	Teacher of Science	Mr. Otebil completed degree in science Education and recently joined the Academy. He is passionate about helping young people, electricity and practicals in science.
Mr Ogundipe	Teacher of Science	Mr Ogundipe has a degree in science and technology. He is a passionate teacher with 17 years of wealth of experience teaching in various countries.
Miss Taylor	Teacher of Science	Miss Taylor has recently joined the Academy, following her Masters degree in Astrophysics. She is passionate for general relativity, black holes and theoretical physics.
Miss N Qayum	Teacher of Science	Miss Qayum joined the school in 2022 and has been teaching since 2018. She completed a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science before becoming a teacher.
Dr A Hye	Trainee Teacher of Science	Dr Hye holds a PhD in neuroscience from King's College London and prior to teaching secondary science he was involved in research in the field of dementia (Alzheimer's disease). His work involved investigating how to diagnose dementia early so we can treat people. 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.

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