The Specialisms

Science

As a core subject leading to GCSE, Science has a major importance in the curriculum of all pupils, and the time allocation of 10% in Year 7 rises to 20% in Years 10 and 11.

The department is the largest in the School and has specialist Biology, Chemistry and Physics staff with a history of involvement in innovation and development in science education, which from 2008 has been recognised in the School’s specialist status as a Science College.

The department is well equipped with laboratories and modern apparatus, efficiently maintained by a team of able and enthusiastic technicians. Most of the laboratories have been completely refurbished and modernised.

In the first three years all pupils follow a course to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, with elements of the three basic sciences and aspects of Earth Science and Information Technology. The aim is to convey the excitement of the subject through discovery by practical work in the laboratory, and at the same time ensure that pupils appreciate Science as an academic discipline. There are also additional opportunities to follow extra curricular Science through the Creativity in Science and Technology (CREST) award scheme.

All pupils continue with Science in Years 10 and 11, taking a variety of GCSE courses which include Triple (or Separate) Science comprising three GCSEs, one in each of Chemistry, Physics and Biology, taught by subject specialists working in teams.

Science is strongly represented in the Sixth Form, with A Level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, taught by the respective specialist staff. Most of these A Level pupils go on to read a Science or related discipline at university.

As a science college, we engage our students, partner schools


and the wider community in an innovative and exciting programme of science courses, enrichment opportunities and outreach. Our achievement in attaining a second specialism in Science complements our work as an Arts College and ensures that our pupils have access to a balanced, varied curriculum and a wide variety of extra curricular opportunities.

The study of science develops curiosity about the world and offers opportunities to find explanations linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling not only enable us to develop and evaluate explanations but also encourage critical and creative thought. Scientific ideas contribute to technological change in the fields of industry, business and medicine and affect the quality of our everyday lives. Through the study of science we learn to question and discuss issues that may affect our own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world. We hope that through our work as a Science College our pupils, partner schools and members of the community will be inspired by science and have the opportunity to understand and experience its relevance and impact upon society.

With our partner schools we provide opportunities for collaboration between teaching staff through training and support, loans of equipment, provision of master classes for gifted and talented pupils and the hosting of works events that will support their work in science and enrich the learning experiences of their pupils.


The School works with local groups to both support their work and raise awareness on issues such as protecting the environment. We use links with local industries to show the relevance of science and technology in wider contexts, such as in the ‘Rapid Response Day’, where local engineering companies involve Year 8 pupils in planning and enacting the response to a natural disaster in a sit- uation requiring teamwork, practical and planning skills and role play.

Achievement and standards in Science at A Level are outstanding
(Ofsted Science Inspection 2008)