Science is a compulsory subject in the curriculum as it demands and develops such a valuable diversity of skills. The Science Department is staffed by nine experienced teachers with varying expertise to deliver all three sciences to an exceptional level across the College. Science teaching uses a blend of theory and practical lessons and the overall aim is to develop in pupils, whatever their ability, a greater awareness and a more critical interest in the world around them. It is hoped that this will subsequently enable them to make better-informed judgments, concerning topical issues, in the future.
Resources
There are ten main teaching laboratories in the newly refurbished Bevan Building. Each laboratory has access to modern technology with televisions, media players and data projectors shared between the sciences.
The Science Department has two large, well-equipped preparation rooms adjacent to the teaching laboratories, in which practical experiments are planned, prepared, monitored and stored. Science technicians are on hand to assist teaching staff and to ensure pupils’ safety.
Additional Opportunities
Throughout the year groups, pupils gain a lot of hand-on laboratory experience. This involves observing and conducting a number of interesting practical experiments.
Year 12 and 13 pupils, along with psychology pupils, take part in a 'Brain Day'. Eminent neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton talks to pupils about the most recent developments of our understanding of the brain. The talk compliments Topic 8 - Grey Matter in the A-level biology specification.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8, all pupils attend one lesson per week for each of the three sciences. The Key Stage 3 syllabus is followed closely, with an additional emphasis on practical activities.
In Year 9, pupils are split into five mixed-ability small sets where they begin studying the GCSE specification. At the end of the year, students are given, in consultation with their teachers, the option to choose to study Triple Science when they move into Year 10.
GCSE
Pupils not opting to take Triple Award Science sit their GCSE Science examinations at the end of Year 11. Each assessment can be taken at foundation or higher tier in any combination depending on ability. Generally, most pupils enter the higher level papers while the lower sets are judged on an individual basis based on consultation with parents.
Those pupils that did opt to study Triple Science work towards separate GCSEs in each of Physics, Chemistry and Biology with exams taken at the end of Year 11. Again, pupils are entered for the examination most appropriate for them to allow them to access their highest possible grade.
Sixth Form
Pupils wishing to continue with a science subject in the Sixth Form are expected to have attained at least a grade 7 at GCSE in their preferred science or a 7-7 if they studied combined science. Additionally, a 7 in mathematics is required if they wish to study either chemistry or physics and a 6 in English Language if they wish to study physics. Usually, between 10 and 25 pupils opt to take each science at A-level meaning there are one or two sets for each subject.
Biology: this A-level will suit students with an interest and curiosity about the diversity and origins of the world around them. The pace of biological research and the potential impact of recent discoveries show that biology will play an increasingly important role in modern society, wealth creation and improved quality of life. Topics will focus on the natural environment and human interaction with it, developing an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ways biological organisms function. The course is assessed by three written papers at the end of Year 13.
Chemistry: the course integrates theory and relevant practical work. The subject content will include four core areas of chemistry; physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and practical skills in chemistry. Amongst various key topics covered in depth, pupils will study atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding and structures, groups and redox chemistry, quantitative analysis, core and advanced organic chemistry, modern analytical techniques, transition elements, energetics, kinetics and equilibrium. The course will be assessed by three written examination papers at the end of the second year.
Physics: over the two years, pupils will study mechanics, waves, electromagnetism, particles and quantum physics, electrical circuits, gravitational and electrical fields and thermodynamics amongst other topics. The A-level will be assessed through three exams taken at the end of Year 13, covering all topics taught over the two-year period.
All three courses are extremely challenging and are only suitable for pupils with a high level of academic ability and commitment. In addition to the theoretical components, students of all science A-levels must also complete 12 core practical experiments throughout the course which will result in the practical endorsement part of their grade. The hard work, however, is rewarded as the sciences are regarded highly by universities and employers. As such, attaining one or more science A-levels opens up a huge range of opportunities for further studies and future careers.