Astronomy (KS4)

"Space is for everybody. It's not just for a few people in science or math, or for a select group of astronauts. That's our new frontier out there, and it's everybody's business to know about space."

Christa McAuliffe
Teacher and Challenger Astronaut

Staff members

Dr C Ashton (Head of Astronomy)

Subject definition

Astronomy is a branch of science that studies celestial objects, space and the physical universe as a whole. Astronomy uses mathematics, physics and chemistry in order to explain the origin and evolution of celestial objects of interest including planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies and comets.
 

Subject Purpose

Most people are fascinated by the night sky and are interested in stories about our continuing exploration of our Solar System and Universe. This course has been developed to build on that interest and to introduce the subject of astronomy. The course will enable students to understand our position in the Universe, the movements of planets and stars, the cycles in the night and daytime sky, and the way in which we use technology to observe and interact with space. Students will follow an incredible story of how scientists, from ancient civilisations to the modern day, have used their imagination and carefully recorded visual measurement to explore the Universe in which we live.

The aims and objectives of this GCSE qualification are to enable students to:

-Understand the structures of the Earth, Moon and Sun; and how their interactions produce many of the astronomical cycles and phenomena of our natural world

-Understand the Earth’s place within the Solar System and the universe; and the forces, which have shaped both our own, and other planetary systems

-Understand the forces governing the life cycles of stars; and demonstrate a knowledge of how stars appear in the night sky

-Understand how astronomers discovered the Earth’s position within our galaxy and the Universe; and understand current theories for the evolution of the Universe

-Understand the challenges inherent in making observations in astronomy; and the ways in which technology has aimed to overcome them

-Apply observational, enquiry and problem-solving skills, through the use of information from aided and unaided astronomical observations; and use these skills to evaluate observations and methodologies

-Develop an informed interest in current astronomical investigations, discoveries and space exploration

-Acquire knowledge and understanding of astronomy theory and practice, and the skills needed to investigate a wide range of astronomical contexts

-Understand that the study and practice of astronomy are interdependent and iterative activities, and appreciate the links between astronomy and other branches of science

-Develop an awareness that the study and practice of astronomy are subject to limitations by e.g. economic, technical, ethical and cultural influences

-Enable students to progress to further and higher education courses in the fields of astronomy or physics.