Rickmansworth School - A DCSF Designated Specialist Science and Art College

Introduction

Welcome to the Rickmansworth School Science home page. This is the general Science homepage. Should you wish to visit a specific subject within Science, please click on the links to the chosen subject from the side menu.

In 2008 we were awarded a second specialism in Science as recognition of the innovative work taking place in the department. The Science department is an area of excellence with up to date facilities and exceptional staff who have the ability to bring Science to life for students of all abilities. We pride ourselves on the excellent progress made by students in all Key Stages.

A level Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology) are very popular at Rickmansworth School with many students choosing to study science-related subjects at University.

 The Science Department consists of 11 fully equipped, modern teaching labs and 4 prep rooms. We have 2 class sets of laptop computers, extensive datalogging equipment and the technical support required to allow us to carry out the significant amount of practical work we consider essential for students to succeed in Science.

The number of extra-curricular activities offered by the Science department continues to grow with the addition of the STEM clubs in 2011. We also offer opportunities for students to access help outside lessons to help them fulfil their potential.

Extra-curricular activities include Newgen (KS3 Science Club), CREST (bronze, silver and gold), Eco-geekos, Science Study Club (Y10 &11), Psycafe, Conservation Club, Chemistry Study Club (Y12&13), Astronomy GCSE, Y9 Science Leaders, STEM club

 Department Philosophy

In our work, we seek the following for our students:

• The acquisition of the knowledge, understanding and skills required in the Science National Curriculum.

• To develop the ability to collect and analyse scientific data critically, using the relevant graphical and numerical skills.

• To encourage effective verbal and written communication, and where appropriate, the ability to utilise Information Technology.

• To develop regular and efficient working practices in our pupils and to encourage them ultimately to become responsible for their own learning as an important preparation for a lifetime of continuing education.

• To foster the ability to contribute to a team in a variety of roles, sometimes as leader.

• To appreciate the place of creativity and imagination in the progress of Scientific knowledge, to understand that Science does not have all the answers and that there may be a variety of opinions on controversial matters all deserving respect.

• To train pupils in the use of apparatus, equipment and chemical substances, including an appreciation of the hazardous nature of some of these and the confidence and skill to deal safely with them.

• To engender a respect for the environment and for living things, including their own bodies and to inform pupils of the responsibility they should take for their own good health and that of those around them.

• To understand the contribution that science makes to the health and material well-being of the population, and the importance of science-based industry for the wealth generation of the country.

• To understand the limitations of the material and energy resources of the Earth and the importance of their conservation and equitable distribution among the population of the world and for future generations.

• That pupils should expect scientists to take responsibility for their actions and discoveries, but to understand that ultimately, it is a political system with an educated and informed electorate that will include themselves to decide to what uses Science is put and with what restrictions.

• The science curriculum should be based on pupils' previous knowledge and experience and extend their Science Education with experiences that are relevant to their present and future lives.

 KS3 Curriculum Summary

The Department uses a course written by department staff encompassing Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is designed to develop knowledge and skills in order to create competent young scientists ready to take their Science education further at Key Stage 4.

KS4 Curriculum Summary

Towards the end of Year 9, students decide whether to study Triple Science, Double Science or Single Science. Those studying Double Science complete GCSE Science in Year 10 then have a choice of Additional Science or Additional Applied Science in Year 11. The Department follows the AQA specification, apart from the Additional Applied Science course, which follows the OCR 21^st Century Science specification.

KS5 Curriculum Summary

Please see the separate department pages accessed through the links on the side menu.

 Staff