Science is taught in suite of 11 well appointed laboratories and a small seminar laboratory, on two floors. There is a large Preparation room on each floor, serviced by an interconnecting lift.
Each laboratory is equipped with a digital video projector linked to a computer, with access to the Academy Intranet and Internet. All laboratories are fully equipped with class sets of commonly used equipment. Each laboratory is equipped with the Soundfield system.
The Academy Intranet has a wide range of digital resources containing both commercial and in house audio visual teaching aids available for use in Science lessons. Some of this is also available for personal student use in the student shared area.
All courses are well resourced with a wide range of equipment and textbooks. Biology laboratories are equipped with class sets of Lower School and 6th form advanced microscopes. Additional projection microscopes are available for whole class demonstrations. All four Chemistry laboratories have built in fume cupboards, with additional portable fume cupboards available for use in any laboratory. Class sets of textbooks for all courses are available in relevant laboratories for use by students in lessons.
The Department consists of 3 Physicists, 5 Biologists, and 4.5 Chemists. They are supported by a Senior Technician and 2 full time Science Technicians, who as well as their general duties take responsibility for Chemistry, Biology and Physics respectively.
The Department is led by the Head of Department and two Assistant Heads of Department having specific responsibilities for KS4 and Biology A level. In addition, other teachers have responsibilities for A level Physics, A level Chemistry, A level Applied Science, Key stage 3, and Monitoring and Assessment. All teachers teach across all three Science areas in lower school, and teach to their specialism in upper school and 6th form.
A three year course based on the QCA KS3 scheme of work, using Exploring Science resources.
OCR GCSE Gateway Science scheme is taught to all students. It is compulsory and part of the core curriculum.
Approximately 8 -10 students take up this course and follow it through to A2 level.
Approximately 8 -10 students take up this course and follow it through to A2 level.
Approximately 10 – 15 students take up this course and follow it through to A2 level.
Approximately 4- 8 students take up this course and follow it through to A2 level.