Science

All pupils in Years 7-9 study Science. It is one of the six ‘core' subjects at GCSE.
An Integrated Science course is taught in years 7 and 8, in groups of less than 25 pupils of mixed ability. Pupils are taught in groups for five periods per week by one member of staff in Year 7, and two members of staff in Year 8.

In year 9, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately by specialist subject teachers, for two lessons (one double) per subject per week. Again there is no setting, pupils are taught in teaching groups of mixed ability.

Pupils make option choices at the end of year 9. All pupils are required to take science at GCSE level: we offer triple science (Biology,Chemistry & Physics) and a dual science award in line with the national science strategy.
Dual Science follows the AQA syllabus, taught by three separate subject specialists for three double periods per week, plus two ‘rotational' lessons, giving a total of eight periods.

Biology (AQA), Chemistry (AQA), and Physics (AQA) are currently the subjects offered at AS/A2. Only candidates with at least an A or a B grade at GCSE are encouraged to study A level sciences. There are currently six timetabled lessons per week in year 12 and seven in year 13. Group sizes at A level vary enormously year on year, although they are usually on average between 6 and 12 students.

The approach within the department at all levels is one of high academic standards and the expectation of ALL pupils is high. Consequently examination results at both GCSE and A level are excellent with high pass rates at both levels in all three subjects.

Aims and Objectives
To provide, through well designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level. In particular, pupils' studies should enable them to acquire understanding and knowledge of the concepts principles and applications of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and, where appropriate, other related sciences, so that they may become confident citizens in a technological world, able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific importance; recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life; be suitably prepared for further studies in pure science.

To develop abilities and skills that: are relevant to the study and practice of science; are useful in everyday life; encourage safe practice.
To stimulate: curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and its methods of
enquiry, interest in, and care for, the environment.

To promote an awareness that: the study and practice of science are co-operative and cumulative activities, subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations; the application of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment; the concepts of science are of a developing and sometimes transient nature.

Exam Results and Statistics

In 2011, 22 pupils took GCSE triple award. The pass rate was 100% all at A*/A grades in Biology and 95.5% A*/A grades in Physics and Chemistry. 28 pupils took single and additonal Science. The Single Science A - C pass rate was 85.7%; for additional science the A-C pass rate was 96.4%.
At A-Level 11 students took Biology; the pass rate was 100%, 90.9%l at A/B grades. 9 students took Chemistry; the pass rate was 100% 77.7% at A/B grade. 7 students took Physics; the pass rate was 100% with 57.1% at A/B grades.

In 2010, 21 pupils took GCSE triple award. The pass rate was 100% with 95.2% A8 & A grades in Biology and 90.5 A* & A grades in Physics and Chemistry. 38 pupils took single additonal Science. 38 puils took the Triple Science award. The pass rate for was 100% with 68.4% A % A* grades; for additional science the A-C pass rate was 97.4% with 68.4% A & A* grades.
At A-Level 14 students took Biology; the pass rate was 100% all at A/B grades. 11 students took Chemistry; the pass rate was 100% 81.8% at A/B grade. 13 studnets took Physics; the pass rate was 100% with 61.5% at A/B grades.

In 2009, 39 pupils took GCSE Dual Science, the pass rates were 94.9% and 97.4% with 59% % 48.7% achieving A-C grades. 15 pupils took the single Science exams. The A-C pass rate was 100% for all three science subjects, with 100% A/A* grades in Physics and Biology and 93.3% A/A* in Physics.
At A-level, 2 pupils took Biology; the pass rate was 100% at A/B Grades. 3 pupils took Chemistry; the pass rate was 100% with 66.7% achieving A/B grades. 1 pupil took Physics; passing at grade B.

Staffing
The Science Department comprises five full-time members of staff (one in each discipline plus Head of Science and Deputy Head), two part-time members of staff, and one full-time and two part-time laboratory technicians (during term time).

Mr K. Tilley MSc PGCE Head of Department
Mrs E. Bielski BSc Cert Ed Biology
Mr C. Conway BSc PGCE Physics
Miss P Goldfinch BSc Science/Biology 
Mr M. Hodgson BSc PGCE Chemistry/ Science
Miss E. Holder BSc PGCE Physics/Biology/science
Mrs Paula Starkey BSc PGCE Biology

Mrs H. Cutler Laboratory Technician
Mrs K. Sparks BSc Assistant Laboratory Technician
Mrs J. Sullivan BSc Assistant Laboratory Technician

To see Year 7 Science Syllabus - Click here
To see Year 8 Science Syllabus - Click here
To see Year 9 Science Syllabus - Click here
To see GCSE Science Syllabus - Click here
To see A-Level Biology  syllabus - Click here
To see A-Level Chemistry  syllabus - Click here
To see A-Level Physics  syllabus - Click here

Back to Academic Departments Homepage