The Science faculty is based in the large Science/Art block, with six purpose built laboratories all of which are equipped with interactive whiteboards. We have a computer suite for use by pupils in all years and two more laboratories adjoining the Technology block.

When pupils arrive at the school they are taught first in mixed ability groups. They will then be reset after Christmas according to their ability. Years 8 and 9 are also taught in ability groups.

At KS3, pupils have six lessons a fortnight. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and is regularly set. Testing takes place after each topic and at the end of the academic year. The Science department has fully embraced the KS3 strategy and an extensive range of new materials has been put in place over the last two years so as to make lessons more thought-provoking and challenging.

All our pupils are put in for the National Curriculum SAT tests at the end of Year 9. This year 83% gained a level 5 or above, with increasing numbers at level 6 and 7. It is the third successive year that we have improved on our previous year’s results and currently we are performing well above the national average.

Year 10 pupils are now studying the new Core Science Specification and will study Additional Science in Year 11, to give them two GCSEs. Our 58 most able students will also study extra work in all three Sciences to enable them to gain separate GCSEs in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. We may also offer an Applied Science option in Year 11 which is more coursework based, for those students who do not perform at their best in written examinations.

Our Year 11 are continuing to follow the old specification and are working towards Triple, Double, Single or Applied Science Awards according to their ability. This year the number of students gaining A* - C at GCSE rose over 10% to 71%.

The Sciences are a popular option for our sixth form students and we offer Physics, Chemistry and Biology at ‘AS’ and ‘A’ level. Numbers in all three are buoyant, between 2030 ‘AS’ students in all three subjects this year, with students regularly going on to study Sciences at university.

For the past three years we have organised a trip for all Year seven pupils to Bristol, which offers a hands on experience of Science.

Friday lunchtimes are given over to Science club which is run for pupils in Year seven and eight and for those in Year nine, there is an opportunity to get involved in the Syngenta project.