Science

The Science Department consists of twelve teaching staff, three Laboratory technicians. Science is taught in ten spacious laboratories, designed by the science team, situated on both sides of an area of the school known as the 'street'. There are two preparation rooms and an outside pond/garden area.

Key Stage 3
Results at Key Stage 3 this year were up on last year, and we hope to make further improvements in 2009/10. Over the past three years we have introduced a completely new scheme of work which covers the New KS3 Science Curriculum content and links with students studies in Humanities and Performing Arts. At Key Stage 3 students cover the foundation subject content to prepare them for BTEC or GCSE courses and learn important generic science skills. There are separate assessments in place for subject content and for skills.

The most able students are taught in a fast-track set. They complete the Key Stage 3 syllabus in two years and start their GCSE work in year 9. Less able students are taught in smaller groups and may receive extra help from a teaching assistant.

The allocation of teaching time for each of Years 7 to 9 is three one-hour periods in a week. Students are taught in sets; the top set is the largest set containing students of the highest ability. Each set is usually taught by one member of staff.

Key Stage 4
Students either study GCSE Science or BTEC Science. The choice is important because GCSE is mandatory for most A level School courses, but most students find it easier to hit target grades on a BTEC.

GCSE Science comprises two GCSEs: Core Science is taught in Year 10 and assessed by multiple-choice module exams in November, March and June for the three subjects Biology, Chemistry and Physics (not necessarily in that order). There is also a practical exam called an ISA (Investigative Skills Assessment). These four components carry equal weighting to make up the final grade. Additional Science is taught in Year 11 and assessed by extended writing module exams in January and June. There is an ISA for this too. Students complete two of the three subjects (Biology, Chemsitry and Physics) in time for the January exam and sit the third in June.

BTEC Science is assessed by 100% coursework. In Year 10, students study BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science which is equivalent to two GCSE grades. In Year 11 students study BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science which is equivalent to a further two GCSE grades.