The Science Department at Westminster Under School aims to provide an education that not only equips pupils with the knowledge and skills required for academic achievement but also ignites a lasting sense of wonder about the natural world. We aim to cultivate inquisitive minds that are not content with simply learning facts, but are eager to question, investigate, and understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind what pupils observe.
Curriculum
Our Science curriculum is designed to provide our pupils with a secure knowledge and understanding of key concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. We aim to help pupils make sense of the world around them, whilst sparking and nurturing their intellectual curiosity.
Through both practical enquiry and the study of significant scientific discoveries, pupils gain an insight into how scientific knowledge is developed. They learn to appreciate the importance of observation and evidence in scientific method and to recognise the contributions made by scientists past and present.
A key focus of our approach is developing pupils’ ability to express their scientific understanding with clarity and precision, using accurate, subject‑specific vocabulary. While our curriculum is grounded in the frameworks of the National Curriculum and the ISEB Science syllabus — ensuring that pupils are well prepared for future transitions — we also benefit from the autonomy to structure and deliver learning in the way that we believe is most effective.
This flexibility allows us to go beyond standard expectations, offering opportunities for deeper exploration, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with scientific ideas. Our aim is not only to meet curriculum requirements but to foster a richer and more ambitious scientific education.
Enrichment
Enrichment plays a vital role in our Science education, extending learning beyond the classroom and helping pupils to understand the relevance of science in the wider world.
We regularly participate in national science quizzes and competitions, often travelling across the country to provide pupils with exciting opportunities to apply their scientific knowledge in competitive and collaborative settings. Our central London location also gives us unparalleled access to world‑class museums, exhibitions, and scientific institutions, enabling us to organise a diverse range of trips that enrich and extend classroom learning.
We welcome visiting speakers from a broad spectrum of scientific fields, offering pupils valuable insights into real‑world applications of science and the wide variety of careers it can lead to.
Departmental Staff
Miss Emily Casserly
— Acting Head of Science
Mr Paul Isaac
— House Master of Fleuries
Mrs Harriet Lindley
— Acting Assistant Master (Pastoral); Head of Science
Ms Emily Lorch
— Science Technician
Miss Nikita Odedra
— Head of Enterprise
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“I love Science because every lesson is fun, and I like the practicals because they teach us real life things. We learned how to extract DNA from strawberries which was cool because it taught us about what DNA does and how to use different chemicals and equipment.”
— Leo, Year 5 pupil
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