Foundation Years (Y7-Y9)

Beginning with the civilisations of Mesopotamia and the Near East, pupils survey the entire history of science from ancient times to modern. Along the way they explore some of histories greatest thinkers from various cultures, geographies and civilisations, including Socrates, Aristotle, Plato and the ancient Greeks; the great Muslim polymaths and scientists of the Golden Age like Ibn Sina, Al-Haitham, Khawairzmi, Ghazali, the natural philosophers of renaissance Europe like Copernicus and Gallileo Gallilei leading up to Isaac Newton and ultimately modern science epiotmised by the work of Einsten. In this sweeping study of humankind's attempt to understand the world we inhabit, pupils come to understand the process, scope and limitations of scientific enquiry. But the focus is not only on civilisations west of the Indus river (the original menaing of 'western civilisation'). Pupils also touch upon some of the achievments of Indian, Chinese and ancient American civilisations such as the Incas. The result is an appreciation of humankind's relentless search for knowledge, the richness of different cultures, civilisations and languages and an understanding as to how and why modern scientists explain natural phenomena the way they do.

Logic and critical thinking at Deenway is taught with a very specific purpose in mind: to help our students become skilled at evaluating the claims of others in order to make better judgements for themselves. This after all was the original purpose of logic. With this aim in mind our pupils study traditional logic but without being fixated on regurgitating technical vocabulary. They study logical fallacies but understand, for example, that not every case that seems like a logical fallacy is actually a logical fallacy. For example, just because someone references an expert in a field, does not mean that they are falling foul of the logical fallacy often referred to as "appeal to authority". Referencing a genuine expert's opinion is a good way to present evidence to support an argument-it is not always a logical fallacy. Often students of traditional logic fail to understand or lack the ability to apply their study of logic to real life situations although they can recite definitions and forms of argument by rote and seem very impressive.

Pupils at Deenway also study traditional logic, forms of arguments and even logical notation. But always the emphasis is on real life application. We study how to recognise a claim, the differencs between claims of fact, facts and opinions, logical fallacies, forms of arguments and much more. With lots of discussion and case studies this is an enjoyable and often lively course that empowers our students to make better choices in the modern world-a world where adults and even chidlren are bombarded by all sorts of claims designed to make them buy things or vote in particular ways.

Pupils sudy mathematics from Arithmetic and the Fundamentals of Mathematics all the way to Geometry, Algebra and beyond. The focus is to prepare them to become mathematical thinkers that approach math problems confidently and apply their knowledge in ways that can enable them to solve problems that they may have never encountered before by drawing upon previous knowledge in the subject. This is a comprehensive math programme that prepares pupils to go on to study for GCSE Mathematics from Years 10 and 11 if they wish to do so.

The teaching and study of Math involves lectures, seminars and practice problems in a unique blend that focuses on developing solid foundations, a broad understanding of the subject, and the ability to problem solve with confidence. Students of all abilities enjoy discussing their possisble solutions to math problems and quickly develop a love for the subject as the course progresses.

Pupils follow the Cambridge Science curriculum studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology in preparation for taking IGCSE science subjects in Years 10 and 11 if they wish to do so. Using Deenway's unique blend of lectures, seminars and practice problems students are well prepared to take their knowledge further.