Our aim is to provide every student that passes through the department with the opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to progress to further studies in science if they choose to do so.

We pride ourselves in the way we work with students in developing these skills through the way our schemes of work are offered.

Students benefit from a well resourced department with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of staff.

Above all else we enjoy science and so we hope that our courses allow our students to do the same.

In KS3 students follow a route through the national curriculum which is supported by the "framework Science" scheme of work. In each of the key stage years, students learn about science and how it relates to their everyday lives, through the 3 disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Each one of the lessons is designed to challenge our students thinking by setting knowledge and understanding objective. In addition each lesson has a focus on developing scientific enquiry, this is a key skill required for successful progression through key stage 3, but equally so in development of independent skills needed in the completion of the coursework element in their GCSE studies. The use of a variety of assessment tools is central to a students progression, therefore we assess within the class context as well as through homework and importantly in end of topic tests.

Students are expected to complete homework that is related to the topic they are studying as well as homework that serves to support weaknesses in topics taught previously. These are independently tailored to the needs of the student in order to help progression towards next levels.

In KS4 we are currently offering 3 courses which are tailored to the individual learning styles of our students and their ability within the subject. In all cases students are intentionally extended and challenged to reach beyond expectations. Our courses are designed to engage students in ethical debate and discussion about the way science fits into our society. Many of the themes covered are topical and have a relevance to theirs and their families’ lives. The courses on offer will award students with the minimum required Core GCSE in year 10 (year 11 for students on alternative curriculum) and a further Additional science GCSE in year 11. Both awards are recognised separately so it is entirely possible for a student to improve on their performance in year 10.