Science
The Science Department strives for excellence in teaching, with an emphasis on student participation and enjoyment.
The department is has 5 specifically designed laboratories, one of which is part of the Year 8 integrated learning base and two separate preparation rooms. The science department consists of 8 specialist teaching staff and 2 laboratory technicians.
Science enjoys a high profile within the School and years 7-9 have three periods a week (180 minutes), covering all aspects of Key Stage 3 in detail.
The GCSE syllabus has recently been revised to offer more choice to students at Key Stage 4. The department runs field trips, visits by guest speakers, revision classes for Years 10 and 11. The Year 7 Science Club has been particularly popular this year, taking part in a variety of projects.
Our aim is to engender an interest in all fields of Science. Each student is encouraged to reach their full potential. Extra help is available for those who experience learning difficulties while the more able or interested are given the opportunity to extend themselves within the context of the subject. We are very keen to increase the opportunities for independent learning and we will be broadening the resources available on the school website to move towards this aim.
The Science Faculty has strong links with local primary schools and aims to make the transition between primary and secondary Science education smooth. The students prior knowledge and understanding is assessed and lessons are delivered to enable the students to progress. A variety of teaching strategies are used to meet the needs of all students.
The package offers a modern, interesting and challenging curriculum matched to the needs of young people.
Science Homework - Term 1
For Key Stage Three students, homework booklets/tasks have been handed out to students, these will last for the entire half term and are to be handed back in to the pupils teacher during the last week of the half term. The topics for these booklets are listed below:
Year 7 - Cells
Year 8 - Energy (NVIZ)
Year 9 - Space and Gravity
In Year 10 students have been set Sam Learning tasks which are to be completed by the last week of term. Sam Learning can be accessed using links from the school website. ICT rooms are available for the pupils to use at lunchtimes if access to the internet at home is unavailable. In addition to Sam Learning individual class teachers may also set separate homework tasks at their discretion, which they think are appropriate to enhance the learning of the pupil.
Year 11 students continue to work on their coursework for homework - this is ongoing and monitored on a regular basis by their class teacher.
Should additional information relating to the curriculum be required, please contact Ms F Salisbury on 01253 336500.
