Science

The Science Faculty aims to build a strong sense of community. This is done by working on staff-staff, pupil-pupil and staff-pupil relationships both inside and outside of lessons. Interaction is designed to fulfil our motto “Serve the Lord with Joy” and we aim that pupils leaving our care will be: Well educated in the sciences, independent, caring and responsible.

There are three labs and all have ICT equipment that is used both in presentation of lessons and for scientific work with the pupils. Networked computers in one lab allow for internet access.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 and 8 students have six lessons of Science per two weeks; Year 9 have 9 lessons per two week rotation. All girls take SAT style papers at the end of year 9. We have a new course in years 7, 8 and 9  that dovetails with the new National Curriculum for KS3. “Fusion” introduces the students to a wide range of exciting topics in Biology, Chemistry & Physics.  The girls are encouraged to research topics and relate their understanding to their science and use a web based link to further expand their knowledge base.  Practical skills are integrated into lessons with a strong emphasis on both team work and independent enquiry. The “How Science Works” element of the GCSE course is taught in the third term

Key Stage 4

We have three sets from Year 10 onwards. The girls are taught by specialists in their subject areas from Year 10 onward. Most girls study for two GCSEs in Science. There are 9 lessons per two week rotation. Girls who attain level 7 at the end of KS3 have the opportunity of studying separate sciences. There is also a single science option for girls who do not achieve in science. Extra revision lessons are organised to support exam classes?

Sixth Form

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are currently all offered in Year 12. There are 10 lessons per two weeks in both year groups. The AQA course is followed in all three sciences. Each specification comprises two units that are examined in January and/or June and a practical element that replaces coursework. This is assessed internally within the centre and makes up 25% of the total mark. Trips are organised to MRC and Epping Forest.

Extracurricular Activities

Girls from Year 7 upwards take part in The Salter’s Chemistry competition.

There is a KS3 Science Club that encourages enthusiasm for science once a week (This will run from Sept 2010).

The Science Faculty runs an inter-house science competition each year that involves all year groups.

Trips are organised in many year groups, notably to the RAF Museum at Hendon.

Sixth form pupils enter the Chemistry Olympiad.

We run the “Baby Think it over” programme that allows the girls to take electronically programmed dolls home for the week end.

Science staffs are also involved in running other non-scientific clubs, such as, the Chess Club, Sailing Club and Guitar Club.