Faculty Leader: Mrs V Lumley
Biology Subject Leader: Mrs G Detheridge
Chemistry Subject Leader: Dr J Morgan
Physics Subject Leader: Mr S Sims
As a department, we embrace new motivations and new technologies to enhance teaching and learning. We strive to provide students with the confidence and motivation to move onto further study, through informed target setting and fostering a culture of self reliance and responsibility.
There are a variety of routes for students to follow building on the two-year KS3 programme in middle schools. The department currently offers the following courses of study at Key Stage 4:
Triple Science
From September 2008 all students achieving at least a Level 6 at KS3 will be entitled to study Triple Science. Triple Science is the study of the three separate sciences Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The advantages of studying 3 sciences are that the courses cover a more extensive range of subject matter and provide the best preparation for entry to A level in the respective subject. This is an appropriate course for students who are aiming to study sciences at A level. Due to the extensive nature of the studies in this course students may have to take Triple Science as one of their Options Choices. This leads to the award of three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
GCSE Science and Additional Science
Most students will study the Double Award Science course (worth two GCSEs). The Science suite is divided into two components: GCSE Science studied during Year 10 and GCSE Additional Science studied during Year 11. The Double Award course encompasses aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics relevant in everyday life. The science suite encourages an appreciation of what science can teach students about themselves, the environment and the universe. Students will be externally assessed by unit exams, incorporating structured questions based on teaching modules. In addition, students will be internally assessed on their investigative and practical skills throughout the course. Students will be entered for either a Foundation tier or a Higher tier examination entry based on their Key Stage 3 SATs result. Good grades in this course will qualify students to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science
Some students may wish to opt for a science course which has a stronger work-related emphasis. For these students, Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science may be more suitable. This course offers a vocational qualification that focuses of applied science during which students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to enter science employment. This course is ideally suited to students who wish to pursue a career in science, perhaps as a science technician, science laboratory researcher, hospital technician or even writing for a scientific magazine. There are no external exams, the course is based purely on internal assessment. This award is equivalent to two GCSEs. Students must be self-motivated, self-disciplined and able to work independently on assignments to be successful studying this course.
Entry Level Science
Some targeted students will study a preparatory science course, Entry Level Science, before embarking on GCSE Science, leading to a single GCSE award at the end of Year 11.
Science and Engineering Club
The school has been awarded significant funding from the DFCS to run a Science and Engineering Club for about 15-20 Year 9 students. We meet after school until 4.30 each day.