Science

The Science Department is a lively, hard working and friendly department that encourages mutual support and the sharing of skills, ideas and experiences. All Science subjects at AS and A2 level are very popular the majority of students follow the tripla award – separate sciences – at GCSE. We are very ably supported by three hardworking, dedicated and talented technical support staff. As far as possible, all teachers contribute to teaching at all three Key Stages. We are proud of our academic results at all Key Stages and of the large number of students who continue in the sciences at University and beyond.

At Key Stages 3 and 4, students are taught in groups of approximately 24 pupils. Students follow the Oxford Science Works programme of study in years 7 and 8 and are issued with Science Works textbooks as well as Biology First, Chemistry First and Physics First textbooks for reference. In Year 9, students begin their GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are issued with a supporting textbook. A wide variety of paper based resources and software packages are available in addition to Science Works, including ‘Boardworks’ and ‘Multimedia Science School’.

At GCSE, all students follow Edexcel Science specifications; Until this year, all students attaining level 6 or above were able to choose additional (separate) science from the option blocks. The numbers choosing triple science have risen to approximately 80% with the result that from September 2012, all students will begin triple award sciences at the start of Year 9.

All of the science subject areas offer AQA AS and A2. Uptake in all of the subject areas is very strong so that in the current academic year we have 4 groups for AS Biology, 4 groups for AS Chemistry and 2 groups for AS Physics as well as 4 groups for A2 Biology, 3 groups for A2 Chemistry and 1 group for A2 Physics. We have close links with Wolverhampton University and have developed several practical activities which students on A level courses carry out at the University. Biology students also have the opportunity to attend a field course as part of their A level studies. Chemistry and Physics students regularly attend evening lectures at Birmingham University.

Members of the Science department are actively involved in a number of whole school initiatives, including ICT user group, Health & Safety committee and Staff Development group. The department is well equipped and resources with interactive whiteboards and a wide range of interactive and traditional teaching and learning resources.