Science
Head of Science: Jon Ryder

Through the study and practice of science we aim to develop each student’s confidence in their ability to be successful scientists. The ability to analyse scientific information logically and critically will be important in our students’ future lives, as consumers, voters and in their further studies. We aim to develop each student’s ability to communicate their ideas about science, to question assumptions and to use their increased understanding to explain unfamiliar events.

Resources
At Lower School there are five well equipped, spacious laboratories and a very well resourced science ICT suite. A pond and environmental area enhance students’ learning.

At Oxford Road there are ten laboratories - six modern rooms in the Syson building and four more traditional rooms in the Foundation Centre. Two of these have been developed as specialist A Level teaching areas.

Key Stage 3
Science is a National Curriculum core subject and students are taught in balanced tutor groups. Each group has two lessons per week in Years 7 and 8 and three lessons each week in Year 9. During the Key Stage 3 course, pupils study a wide range of scientific topics drawn from the traditional science areas of physics, chemistry and biology. Much of the experimental work in the course is approached in an investigative style, through which students learn how to pose questions and plan and carry out practical work to answer those questions. Progression is assessed via module tests and practical coursework. Students take the National Curriculum Tests in Year 9.

Key Stage 4
All students follow the NEAB Double Award Modular GCSE course and receive four lessons of science each week. Each group is taught by two science teachers with complementary specialisms in physical, chemical and biological aspects. There are two accelerated groups and ten balanced ability classes. Students study twelve modules, four from each of the science areas. In Year 10, end of module tests count towards the final GCSE grade. The final exams focus mainly on Year 11 work and practical coursework makes up 25% of the assessment.

Post-16
Four science subjects are available for study in the Sixth Form:
Biology A/AS Level
Chemistry A/AS Level
Physics A/AS Level
Psychology A/AS Level
All 4 subjects involve a wide range of learning activities, including original research. Study trips to London and Oxford universities are regular events and a great deal of support is available to help all science students achieve their full potential. The biology field trip to Cornwall is a particular highlight of many students’ school career.