The Science Department consists of a team of four full-time and one part-time subject specialists who are based in a suite of attractive, well-resourced classrooms. Each teacher has a classroom base and is able to enhance the environment in which they work with a large range of resources in all Science disciplines, a digital projector in each lab, software, sensors and other related equipment. There are two technicians support the teaching team using two prep rooms.
The department aims to give full access to the Science curriculum for all pupils up to GCSE level, regardless of their gender, ability or background. We wish to allow pupils to experience 'positive achievement' and to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, to reinforce and make links with other areas of their curriculum and build on their experiences in primary school, to make use of their personal experience and relate it to the worlds of work and leisure, whilst developing their scientific skills, to ensure that the form of the curriculum and the approaches to teaching and learning lead to a greater appreciation of science and its impact both on the individual and society and to cater for the needs and aspirations of all pupils within a balanced whole-school curriculum.
In KS3, the Exploring Science scheme is used as a reference for the teaching. We are developing our own scheme for KS3 mapping content to APP. In KS4, AQA modular syllabi are followed for Single, Double, and Separate Science. We have also introduced this year BTEC into KS4 to replace GCSE Additional Applied Science. Results at KS4 are well above the national average.
The department was awarded the Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark in 2009 for increasing challenge within the curriculum, beyond the curriculum and for developing staff specialist knowledge. The Department is looking to improve further on its excellent performance. We have initiated a number of changes over the last two years and are involved in a number of programmes that will help improve standards of teaching and learning across the Department and have close links with our primary feeders.
Our STEM club provides students with additional enjoyment of science after school and promotes great interest in the students. Science is our passion, teaching is a joy, behaviour is exemplary, results are outstanding and staff are committed, creative and reflective. We are looking forward to achieving greater success in the future by working as a supportive team and not at a price in human terms.
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“Science Outdoors”
“Year 7 Goretti took their learning experience outside when studying about Ecology in Science. The girls took some ecological measurements on the grounds of the school, including light, pH and moisture readings. The girls also estimated the presence of different plant life using a 1m wire gird called a Quadrat. They placed this randomly on the lawn and then estimated the percentage cover of the grass, clovers and other plants in the area. The students then discussed how all these factors are linked together in creating the environment we were studying. “
Ms. Bourke |
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The Science department put together interactive displays for parents and prospective students on this year’s Open Day. These included opportunities such as building circuits, labelling the human anatomy, mixing chemicals, testing solutions for pH and carrying out flame tests. Other activities included “ping pong hairdryers”. This challenged participants to balance two ping pong balls in the jet stream of a hair drier. For those who wanted hands on experience, they were invited to make bouncy balls from PVA glue and a special ingredient. There was a hair-raising experience for anyone willing to try the Van de Graff generator. And to finish things off, the crowds were given a scientific performance that packed some heat, heat from a bubble that is!
See the video to understand how bubbles can provide warmth. Be warned, you can’t try this at home with normal fairy liquid!
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