The Science Faculty

With  strong teaching across the range of disciplines, the science faculty is developing exciting and engaging teaching and learning opportunities for all students. Our aim is to be outstanding in every respect - results, teaching, support and extra-curricular activities. 

The science curriculum encourages skills development and understanding through practical application, discussion and student involvement. Key Stage 3 follows the ‘Activate’ programme of study, until the start of the Autumn term of Year 9 – where students begin to follow the GCSE course most suited to their needs. 

Students have the opportunity to follow AQA GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science) based on their ability or AQA Combined Sciences. 

GCSE Science is taught in nine, one hour lessons over two weeks, within specialist subject groups.  Schemes of work are up to date and are reviewed regularly to incorporate a wider range of strategies appropriate to student ability and engagement. 

A Level sciences are taught by subject specialists and are taught in nine, one hour lessons a fortnight with increasing numbers across all three subjects. We follow AQA A Level specifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  All our A Level science courses enjoy a healthy uptake, with two groups of each science in some cases.   

We run an active programme of extra-curricular activities with inter-house competitions, such as Biobakes, conservation projects with the local zoo and sixth form entry into national competitions .Trips are very popular, in the past we have taken students to GCSE Live in London, visited Bayfordbury observatory and Paradise Wildlife Park to name a few. A level Biology students have enjoyed trips to Yorkshire, to complete fieldwork, Chemistry students have completed practical work at the university of Hertfordshire and Physics students have visited CERN to find out more about the particle accelerator. Additionally, the faculty also ran an inaugural science trip to China in July 2019. 

The Science faculty comprises seven laboratories, with four having been recently refurbished, two classrooms, a preparation room and a staffroom within a single building. All rooms are Wi-Fi linked with laptops available for student use. An experienced technician team provide excellent support in both preparation and planning of our lessons. 

We encourage mentoring of initial teacher training (ITT) trainees and Early Careers Teachers (ECTs) within the faculty, and hold regular teaching and learning meetings to share best practice and peer support in all areas of our professional roles.