Science
Science
About the Department
The Science Department’s mission is “Inquisitive Orchidians Empowered to Excel”. The department aims to nurture critical thinkers with a keen interest in real-world applications of Science. We also aim for all Orchidians to become:
- Inquisitive Orchidians who are self-directed, have a strong sense of curiosity, enjoy learning, and strive for excellence.
- Critical Thinkers who are analytical, innovative, and able to make logical connections between ideas to improve complex real-world situations.
The Science programme seeks to impart a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, as well as develop key 21st century competencies and values in our students. Focusing on inculcating the right Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Values (KSAV), we strive to prepare our students for the increasing VUCA world, as well as inspire them to become the scientists and innovators of tomorrow.
Signature Pedagogies
There are three main pedagogical approaches in the OPSS Science Curriculum.
Inquiry Based Learning (IBL)
At the heart of our Science programme is Inquiry Based Learning where students are guided to develop the spirit of scientific inquiry and engage confidently in the Practices of Science
In IBL, students are empowered to participate actively in the construction of knowledge and are challenged to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to develop solutions for real-world problems. Students will learn to pose meaningful questions, hone their critical thinking skills, and appreciate the relevance of science in their daily life, society, and environment. These enable students to develop their scientific dispositions and acquire important competencies to tackle challenges from a scientific perspective.
Pedagogy and Blended Learning
The Science department also places a strong emphasis on the integration of e-Pedagogy to enhance learning experiences and deepen students’ learning. e-Pedagogy involves the use of technologies in teaching to create a participatory, connected, and reflective classroom, and encourage active learning of students. In Science lessons, technology is introduced to allow opportunities for personalisation, independent learning (self-directedness), collaborative learning, differentiation, and assessment for learning – promoting the effective learning of knowledge and skills for students. For blended learning, the Science department is committed to ensuring seamless transitions between home-based and in-school activities, as well as both online and offline approaches to learning.
Differentiated Instruction
The Science programme tailors instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, to maximise their progress in learning and allow them to reach their fullest potential. Through differentiating the nature of content, learning process, product of learning, and/or the teaching environments, teachers attempt to address the different learning abilities, preferences, and profiles of students. With differentiated instructions, students are engaged in meaningful tasks pitched at an appropriate level and can learn more effectively.
Science Talent Development Programme
In OPSS, we believe that all students can excel. The Science Talent Development Programme aims to enhance students’ learning experiences in authentic contexts, extending beyond the classroom. The programme comprises three levels (with different customised activities) to cater to the needs of students depending on their interest and readiness in science.
1) Explore
Specific learning platforms are designed to help ALL Orchidians develop their scientific dispositions and build up their interest in the learning of science. These include the integration of alternative assessments (a shift from traditional forms of assignments to assess students’ science performance more holistically), performance-based tasks, Science Discovery Challenge, cohort experiential learning journeys and OPSS Science Fair.
2) performing
For MANY Orchidians who have demonstrated interest and aptitude in science, they will be provided opportunities to further extend their interests and talents. These students will be exposed to a range of activities including competitions, experiential learning journeys and enrichment workshops. These activities are curated to provide students with rich exposure beyond the school syllabus, sustain students’ interest in science as well as to nurture their strengths.
3) Soaring
For SOME Orchidians who have displayed passion and outstanding performance in science, advanced opportunities such as the Young Explorers Programme (YEP) are organised to cater to their needs. The programme provides platforms for students to engage with practices of science at a higher level through scientific investigations, in-house and external workshops, as well as alternative learning activities in collaboration with institutes of higher learning and industry partners. Students will gain rich insight into scientific research as they are challenged to apply their scientific knowledge to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts, deepening their knowledge and skills in the process.
Achievements
Year 2022
Year 2021