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The Science Department, which comprises Biology, Chemistry and Physics, aims to provide a general scientific education for all pupils, leading to qualifications in science at Key Stage 4 (GCSE). The courses are designed to have a substantial practical element. Firm foundations are laid for those intending to study science at A level and beyond.

In Year 7, science is taught as a single subject in six periods per cycle. This is a foundation year for pupils from junior and primary schools entering our senior school. Scientific principles are firmly established and substantial science content is taught in this practically based course. The Year 7 course builds on Key Stage 2 science studied in the previous school.

In Year 8, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught as separate subjects with two periods per cycle. There is a strong emphasis on practical work with experiments designed to improve dexterity, observation and recording skills whilst reinforcing the safety aspects of laboratory work.

In Years 9 to 11 the AQA GCSE leads to certification at Key Stage 4. No Key Stage 3 examinations are taken. Pupils opt at the end of Year 9 for a science course of 8 or 12 periods per cycle (i.e. a choice between two or three separate sciences).  The written examination is supported by practical coursework, which is assessed by members of the department. The coursework accounts for 25% of the total marks awarded.

In Years 12 and 13, Biology, Chemistry and Physics use the AQA modular AS and A2 A.Level courses. These consist of various written modules and practical tests, which are available at the end of Year 12 and twice in Year 13. There are also opportunities to increase the depth of study as preparation for entrance to Oxford and Cambridge universities or simply to resolve problems encountered during A level studies.

Facilities

 The Biology Department, in a self-contained building, has two large laboratories designed with GCSE requirements in mind and a small laboratory used mainly by the Sixth Form. The Chemistry Department, located on the first floor of the main science building, has one small and three large laboratories. The Physics Department on the ground floor comprises two large laboratories used mainly for Years 8 to 11 and two small laboratories for Years 12 and 13. In addition, there is a Photographic Darkroom, and a Lecture Room.

The Science Resource Centre is a facility for Sixth Form students. The Lecture Room is also a study area for younger pupils. These study areas accommodate a library of science books and magazines.

 

BIOLOGY

 

 Facilities

The department is well equipped with a wide range of resources. There are three Biology laboratories. The two newer laboratories were designed with the practical requirements of GCSE coursework in mind. The older advanced laboratory is an ideal size for smaller Sixth Form groups. The department benefits from experienced technical support staff.

The school was built over 100 years ago on the site of the Hull City Botanic Gardens and, while the landscape has changed significantly since then, the grounds do provide an excellent learning resource. We make use of it for fieldwork with every year group. There are wooded areas and a lake, as well as wasteground, which have been left specifically for us to study.

Teaching

The Biology teaching team is made up entirely of subject specialists, with a wide range of interests, from Zoology and Botany through to Biochemistry and Ecology.

We believe pupils should learn to appreciate the living world through practical experience and our courses include as much practical biology, whether inside the laboratory or outdoors, as possible. Biology is taught as a separate subject at Hymers from Year 8 through to Year 13, for GCSE and A level, and as part of Year 7 Foundation Science.

At Key Stage 4 Biology students follow the AQA GCSE Biology specification and at AS and A Level the AQA Biology. Full details of these specifications can be found at: www.AQA.org.uk

 

CHEMISTRY

 

Facilities

The Chemistry Department comprises three large laboratories and a smaller laboratory used mainly for Year 12 and 13 teaching.

Curriculum

Chemistry is studied as a separate subject from Year 8. National Curriculum Key Stage 3 examinations are not taken.

Pupils opt to study Chemistry at GCSE  following the specification AQA Chemistry.
In Year 12, the AQA modular AS GCE in Chemistry is examined, followed in Year 13 by the AQA Advanced (A2) GCE in Chemistry.

The department seeks to promote an interest in chemistry and to allow pupils to maximise their potential via an extensive and integrated programme of practical work and a range of homework tasks.

The opportunity is provided to study the subject in greater detail and depth to prepare for optional entry to the Advanced Extension Award and the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad competition in Year 13. In 2003 a team won the Royal Society of Chemistry Analyst Competition, and Hymers were again national finalists in this competition in 2007. Hymers were also national finalists in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench Competition (Years 9-11) in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

 

PHYSICS

 
Facilities

 The Physics Department is on the ground floor and comprises two large laboratories used mainly for Years 8 to 11 and two smaller laboratories for Years 12 and 13. In addition, there is a Photographic Darkroom, and a Lecture Room.
The Physics Department extension, completed in 2001, greatly enhanced the facilities by providing a new large laboratory in addition to various other preparation and storage rooms.

Teaching

In Year 8 Physics is taught by subject specialists. KS3 examinations are not taken.

At KS4 the AQA Physics (specification 4451) is used. Coursework accounts for 25% of the total marks awarded. Every year, several pupils from Year 11 enter the Physics Challenge competition. In Year 12, the AQA modular Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics (specification 1451) is examined. During Year 13 the AQA Advanced GCE in Physics (specification 2451) is available for those who wish to take the full A level.

Physics Forum sessions are held throughout the year to increase the depth of study as preparation for entrance to Oxford and Cambridge universities, British Physics Olympiad Competitions or simply to resolve problems encountered during A level studies.

During the Sixth Form years, a number of students take part in Headstart, Villiers Park and other university taster courses related to Physics, Engineering and allied subjects. Over the years, Physics and Engineering have been well-represented in Oxbridge and other Higher Education successes.

Practical work is a strong feature of the Department at all levels. Regular bulletins are posted and e-mailed to Sixth Form Physics students. These contain details of reading and work to be done, notices of meetings and courses and other advice.

The Department was particularly pleased with the performance of one student recently who obtained 600/600 in the Physics A.Level examination – an achievement recognised by a presentation from the Institute of Physics.

In the 2009 Physics Challenge, the top student in the country from 2859 entries was from Hymers College.