Science
The Science Department consists of twenty well-qualified science teachers and seven science technicians. We teach all science lessons in fifteen well-equipped laboratories, including two newly refurbished rooms. All science teachers have a passion for their subject and deliver lessons that aim to foster that passion in our pupils.
Lower School - Integrated Science (First & Second Form)
The Key Stage 3 Science course is taught in two years in the First and Second Form. In both years Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught by topic with an equal balance of the three sciences in each year. There is strong emphasis placed on practical work and fostering a love of science, building a firm foundation of practical skills and knowledge for the years ahead. By the end of the Second Form students will have covered the KS3 curriculum and be at a level at least equivalent to those joining the school through the Common Entrance examination.
Third to Fifth Form – IGCSE Sciences
Pupils study the three sciences as separate subjects, completing three separate IGCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Lessons are taught by subject specialists and delivering the course over three years ensures that topics are covered in depth and with opportunities for stretch and challenge beyond the specification. The courses aim to teach pupils detailed theoretical knowledge, understanding and application of facts, concepts and practical techniques as well as a wider appreciation for the importance of the sciences in our world. We place a strong emphasis on practical work and so students can expect to spend a large proportion of their time carrying out experiments, making measurements and observing. They will develop transferrable skills including the ability to evaluate data, the validity of experimental methods and conclusions and to practise their problem-solving skills.
The IGCSE is universally recognised as equivalent to GCSE by universities and employers and provides the appropriate level of challenge and stimulation to our students, many of whom continue to study sciences into the Sixth Form. There are two examination papers for each subject which are sat at the end of the Fifth Form and there is no coursework element.
Sixth Form
A Levels in the Sciences are very popular and we have between 40 and 60 students opting to study each science every year, with many studying at least two or even all three subjects.
A Level Biology
We study the OCR A specification, which provides a natural progression from GCSE and aims to stimulate students and give them a lasting interest, so that they find studying Biology an enjoyable and satisfying experience. The course is also a suitable preparation for biological studies in higher educational establishments and for professional courses such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. As well as equipping students with practical and theoretical knowledge, the course also aims to develop skills of enquiry and scientific attitudes such as concern for accuracy and objectivity, initiative and inventiveness. By the end of the course students will see that Biology is not to be studied in isolation, but relates, in a wider sense, to the needs of people and other organisms. In addition, they will be able to link together the “big ideas” in Biology to gain an overall appreciation of the subject.
A Level Chemistry
We study the AQA specification at A Level. The course is packed with engaging and interesting practical work which builds on what was learnt at GCSE, to develop pupil’s theoretical and practical abilities in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. The required practical component allows pupils to go from simply following methods given to eventually designing their own methods and using computer analysis in their discussion and evaluation of their work. Pupils develop as independent learners, reflecting on their work as the course progresses and building valuable transferrable skills. Many go on to use their study of A Level Chemistry in courses such as medicine, biochemistry and chemical engineering.
A Level Physics
We study the AQA specification at A Level. The programme of study is richly enhanced with extensive practical and problem-solving activities. Students begin to really discover how the world works. Topics of study range from the fundamental building blocks of Matter in the Standard Model of Particle Physics, to Special Relativity and Cosmology, as we explore of the fundamental laws of nature.
The required practical component allows pupils to go from simply following methods given, to eventually designing their own investigations and using datalogging and computer analysis to capture and evaluate their results. Pupils develop as independent learners, reflecting on their work as the course progresses and building valuable transferrable skills.
A Physics at A Level opens up hugely diverse fields for further study, including: Environmental Sciences and Geophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Forensic Science, Astrophysics, Aeronautical Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Power Generation, Fusion Research and much more besides.
