Science

There are five full time science staff who teach in the Department, plus two science technicians who help prepare and support practical work in lessons. We have five laboratories, all equipped with digital projectors, interactive whiteboards.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow the Upd8 Wikid course which sets science theory in real life contexts.  In Year 7, pupils are taught in their mixed ability tutor groups.  In Year 8, pupils are placed in five ability based sets.  The same structure continues into Year 9, when pupils work on the remaining skills and theory that they will need to be successful in their GCSE courses.  This is essential as Year 9 start their Edexcel 360 GCSE Science course just after Easter.

This is completed during Year 10, taking up 20% of curriculum time, and leading to a single GCSE.  A separate course is then chosen by all pupils for Year 11.  We currently offer a choice between Edexcel's 360 Science Additional Science or AQA's Additional Applied Science.

Additionally, high achieving pupils may opt to take extra science as an option during Years 10 and 11. This leads to a Triple Science award of 3 GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics.

All pupils study Science up to the age of 16 so that they have some understanding of the involvement of Science in all areas of modern life. The courses we offer provide a good basis for a wide range of courses at 16+, leading to careers in medicine, engineering, farming, sports etc.