The department is committed to an active learning approach to Science and all of the Science teaching staff believe in the value of practical and investigative work.Throughout the school, children are encouraged to be curious and to develop their own ideas so that Science is seen as an interesting, exciting and rewarding experience. There are six enthusiastic and dedicated members of the Science department teaching staff, one specialist teaching assistants and three technicians.

KS3 Science

Each KS3 pupil receives six 50 minutes lessons each fortnight.  

 All pupils will follow the Go Science Scheme. There are major changes to the way that KS3 Science will be assessed nationally.

 SATs exams will be eventually replaced by Assessment of Pupil Progress (‘APP’) criteria. Every pupil will be assessed a number of times each year on their ability to:

• think scientifically
• understand the applications and implications of Science
• communicate scientific material and consider the value of scientific data
• use investigative approaches
• and work with scientific evidence in a critical way.

There will still be end of unit assessment tests to rigorously assess pupils’ understanding of scientific content and concepts.

KS4 Science

We offer three different KS4 courses to allow every pupil to pursue a course that is suitable for their ability and learning style. For two of the courses Scientific content is taught in a series of short modules. Assessment is based on examinations (67%) and teacher-assessed coursework (33%). Pupils have a choice of either

‘Core’ (one GCSE) in six periods a fortnight

‘Core and Additional’ Science (two GCSEs) in 12 lessons a fortnight (20% of curriculum time), or:

‘Core and Applied’ Science (two GCSEs) in 12 lessons a fortnight (20% of curriculum time).

Applied science is taught in 3 modules. Assessment is based on examinations (50%) and teacher-assessed coursework(50%)

KS5 Science 

The department offers Biology and Chemistry A levels.