INSET DAY - FRIDAY 30TH OF JUNE - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED

Chemistry

Physics

Biology

It is Science that allows us to understand what is going on around us. Science teaches us how to look after ourselves and our environment and means that human beings continue to innovate and develop. The department’s vision is to develop inquiring, enthusiastic pupils who want to discover how the world, the universe, and everything in it work. We want to do this by developing pupils’ independence and skills by providing regular practical and extra-curricular opportunities. Teachers in the department are all subject specialists. The provision for all pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 is therefore of the highest standard and the teachers’ knowledge and experience provides the best possible opportunity for the pupils.

The Curriculum

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world
through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed
our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught
essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through
building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be
encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of
excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to
understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Key Stage 3

Pupils will have the opportunity to study the sciences from Year 7 where pupils will be taught in mixed-ability groups. In Year 8, pupils will be taught in sets.

At Key Stage 3, pupils study a variety of topics that give them an introduction to Biology, Physics and Chemistry and develop their skills ready for the GCSE courses

Key Stage 4

For those who enjoy Science and make good progress in the subject, they have the option of studying individual GCSEs in the three areas – Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This would mean 15 lessons per fortnight of Science.

Everyone also has the option to study Double Science. This will involve studying aspects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology for a qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs. This would mean 10 lessons per fortnight. Pupils will be assigned a specialist teacher for each of the sciences.

Triple Award Specification (Biology)

Triple Award Specification (Chemistry)

Triple Award Specification (Physics)

Double Award Specification

Key Stage 5

Pupils who achieve a B grade or higher in their GCSE courses have the option to study Science at A Level. One or more of the subjects – Biology, Chemistry and/ or Physics – can be chosen. Again, the subjects are taught by teachers who are subject specialists.

The Science Department has a long history of success in this area and we are very proud of the rate of pupils continuing to study in the scientific fields at University and beyond.

AS/A Level Biology Specification

AS/A Level Chemistry Specification

AS/A Level Physics Specification

Resources and Home Learning

 

ROOMS AND RESOURCES

The Science Department has seven laboratories, each containing the tools needed for practical work. The department has resources to allow all pupils studying Science to have first-hand experiences of experimenting and completing practical work. The department can also provide specialist equipment and support for pupils studying the sciences up to A level. We are very fortunate to have a Science Technician, Mrs Anne Farr, working in the department.

 

 

HOME LEARNING

We encourage pupils to constantly inquire about their surroundings. Homework will be set regularly to develop pupils’ skills and knowledge.