Science
Science is taught by a dedicated group of highly qualified and dynamic teachers in a number of laboratories situated in both the Lower and Upper school sites. The laboratories are well resourced with interactive whiteboards and a number of stand alone computers in each. Science staff are superbly supported by an experienced technician in the department on both sites of the school.
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 are taught by one subject teacher through a series of modules following the Eureka! Scheme of work to meet the needs of the new National Curriculum. The emphasis is very much based on the acquisition of Science Skills to enable pupils to solve problems through enquiry based learning. In year 9, pupils move up to the Upper school site Results at the end of Key Stage 3 have been particularly pleasing over the last few years and continue to improve.
At Key Stage 4, pupils will follow either the new WJEC ‘Science Suite’ of GCSE qualifications, or study a BTEC National in Applied Science. They may opt to study GCSE Science, Additional Science or the Separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The sciences are taught at this key stage by specialist Biologists, Chemists and Physicists, a staffing structure that the department is fiercely proud of and undoubtedly contributes to the huge success of the Science department’s results at G.C.S.E. All courses are designed to motivate and enthuse pupils within the Sciences and to maximise their potential at 16+
In Years 12 and 13, students follow the WJEC courses in AS andA2 levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These courses demand a high degree of motivation and commitment from students and the success rate is good with a consistent progression to higher education. The number of pupils studying Sciences beyond G.C.S.E. is very healthy for a school of this size.
Pupils also get to experience Science outside the classroom through trips and fieldwork activities. The Department also runs a ‘coursework club’ and Eco club.
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