Science

Facilities

The science curriculum area is housed in ten purpose built and well equipped laboratories distributed on both floors within the school building. Each lab is general purpose in design. This allows teachers to teach across all the science disciplines. In addition each lab is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and we also have access to very good ICT resources including laptop computers, dataloggers and subject specific software to support and enhance teaching and learning.

The Science Team

The science team is made up of an equivalent of 9 full time teaching staff, whose expertise covers all specialities required by the National Curriculum for science. We are ably supported by a team of three full time and one part time laboratory technicians.

We are:

David Tointon Physics Team Leader for Science	Mike O’Hare Biology/Agriculture Deputy Team Leader for Science
Debbie Datson Chemistry Team Leader Student Support	Nicola Steen Assistant Team leader for Applied Science
Hilary Adams	Jean Rae
Ian Williams	Louise Hope
John Roodhouse	Ben Lloyd-King
John Domine Technician Team Leader	Darren Pascoe Science Technician
Sally Anthony Science Technician

Aims and Objectives

The department aims to provide a curriculum to meet the needs of all students to develop their knowledge and understanding of science and their ability to think and act scientifically and to contribute to the development of all students' key skills in communication, numeracy and in the use of Information Technology. In particular, we aim to provide a breadth of study to address the following:

• Understanding key concepts
• Using scientific methods of investigation.
• Appreciating the contribution science makes to Society.
• Personal development
• Providing access to careers in science related contexts.
• Contributing to students' key skills in communication, numeracy and I.C.T.

Implementing the Aims of the Science Curriculum.

The department uses a range of teaching and learning styles set out in its schemes of work to help achieve the above aims. These include experimental and investigative work, discussions and demonstrations; some work will be whole class teacher led, but group work will also be used and students will be encouraged to use secondary sources and to take some responsibility themselves for the manner in which they carry out and report on the work.