Science
Aims and Objectives
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The Faculty expects all pupils, irrespective of background, to achieve their full potential.
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The Faculty aims to prepare pupils for adult life in a society that is increasingly dependant on the application of science and technology.
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The Faculty aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that makes a significant contribution to pupils’ personal, social, health and citizenship education.
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The Faculty aims to provide a caring and safe environment in which pupils can develop key skills.
Role within our Specialist Science College
As a lead Faculty, together with Mathematics, we aim to be at the forefront of developments in education. We have led the introduction of Applied GCSE’s and were the first Faculty to set individual test targets for pupils. We take pride in the quality of feedback we give to pupils about their progress and feel that this is a major factor in our success. In our first three years as a specialist Science College we have done much to foster links with other schools and education providers, with local industry and with the wider community.
Key Stage 3
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(i) Courses
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(ii) Key Stage 3 results over the last three years
We have written our own course for years 7 and 8, incorporating the best aspects of a number of commercial “packages”. In years 7 and 8 pupils have 3 one hour Science lessons a week, usually with the same teacher.
2005 level 5+ in Science = 89%, level 6+ in Science = 57%
2006 level 5+ in Science = 92%, level 6+ in Science = 60%
2007 level 5+ in Science = 91%, level 6+ in Science = 66%
2008 level 5+ in Science = 94%, level 6+ in Science = 69%
Key Stage 4
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(i) Courses
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AQA Triple Award - GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics
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AQA "Core" and "Additional" GCSE Science
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OCR Dual Award Applied Science GCSE.
(ii) Key Stage 4 results over the last three years
Pupils have a one hour Science lesson every day and are taught in 7 sets, The options currently offered are:-
Pupils taking the first 2 options are taught in rotaion by specialist teachers.
Pupils taking Applied Science are taught by just one teacher.
2006 Grade A* to C pass rate in Science = 71%
2007 Grade A* to C pass rate in Science = 83%
2008 1+ GCSE = 89%, 2+ GCSE = 73%, 3+ GCSE = 45%
Accommodation & Physical Resources
The Faculty has seven labs, two of which have been built in the last five years. An extensive program of renovation has been undertaken in the older labs. All labs are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards and one of them contains a suite of 30 computers. The Science Faculty has its own section of the school’s ICT network allowing resources to be stored centrally and accessed from anywhere within the school. The Faculty has 3 preparation rooms, staffed by two full time technicians.
Self – Evaluation Outcomes
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(i) Areas of Strength
(ii) Targets for Improvement;
a) The Faculty has a great deal of experience in raising levels of achievement
b) The teachers form a very effective team, showing consistency in terms of approaches to teaching and learning and classroom management
c) The Science Faculty has a good track record in curriculum development
d) The Faculty is strongly committed to all aspects of teacher training
a) To increase the number of pupils achieving grades A*to C at GCSE and level 7 in the KS 3 SAT’s
b) To increase the proportion of lessons involving aspects of ICT, particularly data-logging
c) To work more closely with other schools/education providers
d) To offer a wide choice of GCSE courses including Triple Science to all pupils
Summary
The Science Faculty has done well in recent years but is not content to “rest on its laurels”. We will continue to raise levels of achievement to secure re-designation as a specialist college.