Science

"There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks." [Johann Gottfried Von Herder]

The Science department offers a full range of courses allowing students of all abilities to access the curriculum.

The main school has seven fully equipped laboratories, with a further two in the Sixth Form.

Key Stage 3 

Our aim is to foster an enjoyment of Science so that students find it interesting, exciting, rewarding and worthwhile in its own right. The KS3 students follow the QCA scheme of work, which builds on the curriculum followed by students during KS2. Students in Years 7 and 8 are currently pioneering the new How Science Works scheme introduced this year. This focuses on a providing a great understanding of the importance of science in everyday lives, and of how scientists work. Year 8 follow the conventional KS3 Science Scheme.  In Year  9, we are currently piloting GCSE courses with three classes. In September 2011 we expect to follow a KS4 programme of study with all Year 9 classes.

Key Stage 4

KS4 sees some considerable changes as we move to make the science curriculum more suitable and relevant to our students. We offer the traditional GCSE sciences (in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) for those pupils who desire it. The majority are expected to follow a BTEC science course. The BTEC focuses heavily on understanding how science works, and its role in modern society. It is assessed through a portfolio of  work students compile over the two years.

Where it differs from previous GCSE courses is that it is 100% coursework based, with no exams. Pupils achieving the basic pass level are awarded the equivalent of two GCSE grade C’s. The double award GCSE science is offered to those students planning on going on to study science at college. It consists of three modular exams each year with separate GCSE’s awarded for Years 10 and 11. 

Sixth Form In the Sixth Form we presently teach GCSE and BTEC science courses, with option to extend the basic BTEC to the equivalent of four GCSE grade C’s if requested. However we are equipped to offer a wide range of courses as required.