SCIENCE DEPT | PARENTS | CURRENT STUDENTS | STAFF LIST | JUST FOR FUN
Welcome
to the Science faculty. The Science Department consists
of seven fully equipped laboratories grouped mainly
in pairs, with a preparation room between. These laboratories
are serviced by three science technicians who ensure
all practical work is fully catered for.
Most of the
laboratories now have interactive white boards and are
linked to the school intranet and the internet. The
Faculty has invested recently in a large amount of interactive
software for use in lessons. All laboratories have access
to video equipment.
During science lessons, pupils participate
in: experiments, investigations, theoretical discussions
and demonstrations. We also try to make it fun! It is
our aim to provide pupils with practical skills, ICT
skills, logical thinking, numeracy skills, teamwork
and problem-solving skills. These qualities are highly
valued by employers and admissions tutors once pupils
leave school.
At Key Stage 3, we cover the following
areas of the National Curriculum:
 Physics,
consisting of: Electricity and Magnetism; Forces and
Motion; Light and Sound; the Earth and Beyond; Energy
Resources and Energy Transfer.
Biology,
covering a range of topics from microscopic cells and
micro-organisms to biochemical and biological processes
such as digestion, the heart and circulation and on
a larger scale, the way in which organisms and populations
interact with their environment.
Chemistry,
including: Particles; Elements and Compounds; Chemical
reactions; Acids and Alkalis; experimenting with separating
mixtures.
At GCSE level, year 10 pupils
study OCR GCSE Science (Gateway Science) and year 11
pupils study OCR GCSE Additional Science (Gateway Additional
Science).
Both of these courses emphasise explanation,
theories and modelling in science along with the implications
of science for society. Strong emphasis is placed upon
the active involvement of students in the learning process,
which is encouraged by:
Identifying
activities and experiences which will excite students’
interest, through links to scientific ideas and their
implications for society;
Providing
opportunities to develop science explanations and theories.
Students in Key Stage 4 are taught by
a specialist Biology, Chemistry or Physics teacher,
leading towards two GCSEs in Science.
A
third of the GCSE marks come from internally assessed
Practical Skills. This assessment takes place in both
years 10 and 11.
The
remaining marks come from externally set exams. The
year 10 GCSE Science exam takes place in June, the year
11 GCSE Additional Science exam takes place during the
GCSE period.
We also offer a non-exam, accredited
Science course for those who would have difficulty with
the GCSE course, more information about which is available
upon request. e.
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