SCIENCE AT PRINCE HENRY’S

The Science Department at Prince Henry’s Grammer School aims to help students to:

• Study and understand the scientific knowledge as set out by the National Curriculum.
• Develop the ability to analyse, criticise and evaluate scientific material.
• Develop investigative skills such as planning, obtaining results, analysing and evaluating evidence.
• Make good use of ICT in Science.
• Follow courses of study appropriate to their ability and to achieve in these courses to the best of their ability.
• Be aware of the role of Science in everyday life.
• Gain scientific knowledge and understanding which is of value in the wider world.

In order to achieve these aims students follow a wide ranging and detailed program of study for each year.

In year 7 students are taught in mixed ability form groups for 4 periods per week and are taught according to the QCA scheme of work. This gives them knowledge and skills that underpin the science curriculum in areas such as cells, interdependence, particles, forces and energy whilst all the time developing the practical skills required to carry out scientific enquiry.

During year 8 (three periods per week) and year 9 (four periods per week) students are taught in sets and build on the skills and knowledge gained in year 7 at a pace and to a level that matches their ability.

In Key Stage Four all students will continue their science education for six periods per week. All students have two lessons of Biology, 2 of Chemistry and 2 of Physics. There are a variety of programs of study available in science and every effort is made to match ability and aspirations to the most applicable course.

• Pupils can follow the Double Award Scheme in science and gain two grades in science.
• The Gifted and talented students follow the separate sciences and gain three grades (1 in Biology, 1 in Chemistry and 1 in Physics)
• Students can follow the Double award GCSE in applied science and gain two grades.
• A group of students following a work related program study single award science and gain 1 grade in science.

In all available programs of study students will increase their scientific knowledge to as high a level as they can and also develop their practical skills to enable them to carry out full investigations in a range of different areas.

In the Sixth form students may continue to extend their knowledge and understanding with AS and A2 courses in Biology, chemistry, physics and psychology. All these courses are very popular and aim to prepare students for careers within the scientific field or university. Many pupils choose to further continue their scientific education into university.