Science
The Science Learning Area is accommodated in two buildings housing seven spacious, modern and well equipped laboratories in addition to three preparatory rooms. All laboratories are wireless networked and have a computer, projector and interactive whiteboards. The area has 32 laptops for student use in the laboratory. We have ten highly qualified staff who are committed to providing a variety of teaching methods to motivate and engage students towards science and to encourage students to continue their science studies beyond Key Stage 4. We work together in a collaborative fashion to plan, review and improve all aspects of the science curriculum. The team also has two technicians who provide practical resources, assist in lessons and support the running of special events.
The Curriculum at KS3
During Years 7 to 9 students cover aspects of biology, chemistry and physics building on prior knowledge from primary schools and embedding the foundations ready for GCSE science which begins in Year 9. The bespoke curriculum has been designed to introduce key ideas in Year 7 which provide students with the foundations to build on in the coming years. Practical science allows students to apply their knowledge with more freedom as well as develop a toolbox of transferable skills; for example problem solving, drawing valid conclusions from evidence and evaluating claims. For this reason each topic has a key practical which focusses on one of these skills. The students are assessed in a variety of ways at the end of each term to track individual progress and ensure all students are stretched and challenged whatever their pathway.
KS4
The majority of students study a double award science course that includes topics on Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA Combined Science: Trilogy). This allows progression to A-level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students may opt to use one of their GCSE option choices to study the extra content needed to achieve three separate GCSE’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
KS5
At Key Stage 5, A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are offered. Please refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for further course details.
Science and STEM Clubs
Raising awareness of where studying STEM subjects can take students beyond school is an important part of our work. We have strong links with the University of Bath, University of Bristol and University of West England which see students visiting laboratories, taking part in competitions and workshops as well as gaining an insight into how research scientists work. Students benefit from visits from STEM ambassadors working in industry and research as well as workshops run by the likes of Bloodhound SSC, Dyson, SS Great Britain, Atkins and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Our Science Club runs every Wednesday after school. Students work through a programme published at the start of each term. Activities include conducting experiments to gain a CREST award, learning more about space and disections.
University Links and Professional Scientists
Raising awareness of where studying STEM subjects can take them beyond school is an important part of our work. Our students have received visits from STEM ambassadors working in industry and researching in local universities. Ambassadors have presented their work as well as informed students of how they progressed into their current work. Students have also visited the University of Bath and University of Bristol’s Chemistry labs, taking part in competitions and workshops as well as gaining an insight into how research scientists work. Students have also had the opportunity to visit Science Live conferences where leading scientists lecture on their chosen field and recent scientific developments.
Teaching and support staff
| Mrs S Cornelius | Leader of Learning: Science (maternity leave) |
| Mr D Axe | Science Teacher |
| Miss K Eatock | Science Teacher |
| Mr S Hellard | Science Teacher |
| Miss C Houston | Acting Leader of Learning; Science |
| Mr C King | Head of Physics |
| Miss C Lam | Science Teacher |
| Mrs J Macalister | Head of Year 9. Science Teacher |
| Miss A Millest | Acting Second in Science |
| Mr J Reeves | Deputy Head Teacher and Science Teacher |
| Mr Taylor | Science Teacher |
