Introduction

 

The science department, incorporating Health and Social studies, is the largest in the school in terms of both the number of staff and the pupil lessons taught. It has a large role to play both in the academic achievements of the pupils and in and supporting the ethos of this school: to promote the physical, intellectual, aesthetic, spiritual and moral growth of all members of our community.

 

Staff

 

Lead by Head of department Angie Booth and a management team of four others, there are thirteen full time teachers and a GTP. The teaching staff are supported by a team of laboratory technicians fronted by senior technician Helen Holt.

 

Laboratories

 

Nearly all science lessons take place in our 12 laboratories. Each laboratory has recently been refurbished and equipped with interactive white boards. A large new inventory of science equipment has recently been ordered, including two full class sets of laptops, facilitating the hands on approach to science supported by the department. The Laboratories are well equipped with apparatus and materials. Textbooks are available for each students for all courses offered by the department.

 

The Science Curriculum

 

Key stage 3: All students will follow our own scheme, written in response to the KS3 initiative and the NC which is in electronic format. In year 9 students have the option of studying for a triple award at GCSE which continues into year 10 and year 11.

 

Key stage4: Almost all students follow a programme of study leading to the AQA core science A and additional science. Year 10 pupils sit six module tests, which counts towards their GCSE. A BTEC National Diploma is also offered. For very able students in year 11 we offer a pathway to achieving a Chemistry AS level opening up further options for the student in KS5.

 

Post 16: there are AS and A2 courses in Applied Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry with healthy groups sizes in all four courses. All three traditional courses follow the EdExcel syllabus and Applied Science AQA. A fulltime BTEC National Diploma Level 3course is also available in Health and Social Science

 

 

Organisation of teaching groups

 

Year 7 and 8 pupils are taught in mixed ability.     

Year 9: there are five bands in each half year. The lower ability classes are small.                                                             

Year 10 and year 11: the pupils are banded across each half year. Groups 1-3 do the AQA Modular science higher course with groups 4 & 5 taking the BTEC diploma route.  

 Post 16: Dependant on intake the average class size is about 15-20 students.

 

 

Results 2007 -8

 

At the end of KS3, in the SATs examinations May 2008, students were working above the national average (73%) and the department exceeded its FFT estimates of 78% gaining 86% level 5 and above and 50% level 6 and above                                                                                                       

 

In KS4, results this year were 65%. This result was 7% above the FFT estimates for the subject area (58% A*-C).The results for KS4 science this year were the best that the school has ever received.