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 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 Science Framework 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 double award science and separate sciences). The depth of work covered is the same for each option but the breadth of topics will depend upon the alternative chosen. The written examination is supported by practical coursework investigations, which are assessed by members of the department. The coursework accounts for 20% of the total marks awarded.

In Years 12 and 13, Biology uses the AQA modular AS and A2 A.Level course. Chemistry and Physics follow Edexcel modular AS and A2 A.Level courses. These consist of various written modules and practical tests. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and select the timing of module 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.

When there is sufficient demand, an AS Electronics course is made available in Year 12.

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 which is used for meetings by several departments in the school and also for some lessons.

The science extension, completed in 2001, has greatly enhanced the facilities by providing two new large laboratories in addition to various other preparation and storage rooms.

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.

J G Bell