In May 2002, our Science Department was granted Lead Department status in recognition of good practice and the capacity to share this good practice. As a highly achieving department, Science specialism status was awarded in 2005. This Science College designation will further enhance the educational opportunities the school can offer its students as well as staff/students in other schools. The department consists of highly qualified specialist teachers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The laboratories are well-equipped including digital projectors and access to the wireless network in every room.
At Key Stage 3 students are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There is a strong belief in the value of practical work in Science teaching and this is used especially in developing investigation skills and to produce stimulating lessons. Innovative teaching has ensured high achievement in the Year 9 SATs with 75% of students achieving level 5 or above in 2005.
The department integrates the use of outside agencies to bring Science to life and make it relevant to the outside world. Students in Year 7 learn about habitats by experiencing a visit from Zoolab, Year 8 have a Environment Day, Year 9 develop their Science investigation skills using sport with a visit from Learn by Design.
At Key Stage 4 all students complete a Double Award Science. Our G & T students visit Severn Trent Water Authority as part of their ecology course to look at sampling techniques and sewage treatment. In Year 11 students have the opportunity to attend GCSE revision sessions at Birmingham and Aston Universities. Year 11 students also visit Science faculties at local Universities to encourage them to consider further studies in Science. These links are also used for our Sixth Form students studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
As a Science College we have successfully run SATs Master Classes for Key Stage 2 students from local primary schools. This has helped to increase student self-confidence as well as to raise the status and enjoyment of Science for younger students.
