Science

The Science curriculum aims to equip students with the skills and understanding to make sense of the science they meet in everyday life.  It considers modern science and future developments.  Through a wide range of activities students will be able to:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of scientific concepts and theories
  • Understand the impact of science and technology
  • Make informed personal decisions about scientific issues they hear about in the media.

Key Stage 3

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the Science Works scheme of study based on National Curriculum programmes of study.  It is designed to promote scientific enquiry, stimulate curiosity in the world around them and develop an understanding of how science works. This challenging course covers twelve topics in Years 7 and 8 and nine in Year 9. It will engage students in a variety of practical work, written projects and research tasks using a variety of resources, all fully supported by help sheets, extension exercises and content summaries. Students are assessed and tested regularly to provide a detailed record of their progress.

Key Stage 4

All students follow the 21st Century Science scheme from OCR. Students will have a choice of pathways through Years 10 and 11. The most common pathway is GCSE Core Science in Year 10 followed by GCSE Additional Science or Additional Applied Science in Year 11 which will lead to a double award GCSE qualification. Students with an aptitude for the sciences are encouraged to follow a two year course leading to three GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The final grades for all pathways are based on exam results and controlled assessments and as for Key Stage 3, students are assessed and tested regularly to provide a detailed record of their progress. Some students in Year 11 may take BTEC Level 2 in Applied Science.  This leads to a qualification that is equivalent to one GCSE.

Post 16

Three courses are currently offered at AS and A2.

  • OCR Biology (specification code: H021/ H421)
  • OCR Chemistry A (specification code: H034/ H434)
  • Edexcel Physics (specification code: 8PH01/9PH01)


These courses allow pupils to specialise in their chosen area of study with regular assessments and testing allowing for a detailed record of their progress.

Biology

If students are looking to break into the world of Science, an A Level in Biology is a great start. Choosing Biology prepares students for further study and careers within the Life Sciences or related disciplines. It will help appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the Sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.   Students will cover a wide range of topics including the core principles of Biology, genes and genetic engineering and the effects on the environment. Students will learn to differentiate and assimilate detailed information, and to draw logical conclusions from scientific evidence.

The AS Level course is comprised of the following units:  

Unit 1 - Cells, Exchange and Transport
Unit 2 - Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
Unit 3 - Practical Skills in Biology 1 (internally assessed).  

The A2 Level course is comprised of the following units:

Unit 4 - Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Unit 5 - Control, Genomes and Environment
Unit 6 - Practical skills in Biology 2 (internally assessed)

Chemistry

Chemistry is a challenging and stimulating subject. It has played a major role in improving living standards and is one of the most successful industries in the UK. In most cases, Chemistry is an essential subject for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and some Biological Sciences.   If students enjoy finding out what happens when substances react and why, if they have an enquiring mind and enjoy solving problems or if they enjoy practical work and want to improve their skills and accuracy then an AS or A Level in Chemistry could be the answer. From the moment you are born and throughout your life you are surrounded by Chemistry, in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear.  Chemistry is a modern and relevant course clearly structured with an integrated and concise practical assessment. How science works is also integrated throughout along with up to date topics.   


The AS Level course is comprised of the following units:  

Unit 1 - Atoms, Bonds and Groups
Unit 2 - Chains, Energy and Resources
Unit 3 - Practical Skills in Chemistry 1 (internally assessed).  

The A2 Level course is comprised of the following units:

Unit 4 - Rings, Polymers and Analysis
Unit 5 - Equilbira, Energetics and Elements
Unit 6 - Practical skills in Chemistry 2 (internally assessed)

Physics

If students have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge, and like solving problems, then they should consider studying Physics. From the smallest part of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, Physics helps us understand how our world works. The applications, like the career opportunities, are infinite.   The course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the subject, its applications and skills. It aims to show the link between theory and experiment and how Mathematics can be used to explain physical principles.   

The AS Level course is comprised of the following units:  

Unit 1 – Mechanics (motion, forces, energy and power) and materials.
Unit 2 – Waves and electricity.
Unit 3 – Internal assessment based on practical work.

The A2 Level course is comprised of the following units:

Unit 4 – Mechanics, electric and magnetic fields and particle physics.
Unit 5 – Thermal energy, nuclear decay, astrophysics and cosmology,
Unit 6 – Internal assessment based on practical work.  

Practical work is an essential component of the course. The Science Department is well resourced with equipment and the emphasis is on individual work. You will be expected to apply your understanding of Physics principles to the design of experiments, realistic interpretation of results and evaluation of the methods used. You will also be encouraged to develop your IT skills and to show initiative and self-reliance in your studies.   

Resources

The department is housed in a new build part of the College, and enjoys excellent facilities, large airy Science Laboratories and a wealth of equipment and resources.

Extra Curricular/ Enrichment

  • Science club.
  • Field Course for A-level Biology students.
  • Forensic science day
  • Physics at Work trip
  • Science Masterclass at Cambridge University
  • Physics lectures at Cambridge University
  • GCSE Science Live lectures
  • AMTEC day

Staffing


Mr R Watson

Head of Department and A Level Biology

Mr P Hickson

Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator and A Level Biology and Chemistry

Dr L Edwards

Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator, Primary Liaison and A Level Biology

Mr M Sandeman

Head of College and Teacher of A Level Physics

Mr J Oakley

Deputy Headteacher and Teacher of A Level Physics

Mr C Otterwell

Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of A Level Physics

Mrs E Benton

Teacher of Science and A Level Biology

Mr T Bold

Teacher of Science and A Level Physics

Mr R Cawston

Teacher of Science and A Level Chemistry (part time)

Ms C Croll

Teacher of Science and A Level Chemistry

Mr P Foxton

Teacher of Science, A Level Biology and Head of Year

Mrs C Gray

Teacher of Science and A Level Chemistry (part time)

Mr P Kaushal

Teacher of A Level Chemistry (part time)

Miss C Tole

Teacher of Science

Mrs D van Dongen

Teacher of Science and A Level Chemistry

Mrs V Washbrooke

Teacher of Science and A Level Biology

Mrs I Radford

Senior Science Technician

Mrs C Lau

Science Technician

Mrs K Newton

Science Technician

Mrs J Rawden

Science Technician