Science
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 five 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.
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, 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 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, 2008 and 2011.
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.
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.