Science is taught in the Mason Centre in laboratories that are fully equipped for all sciences – although designated to a particular discipline to enhance teaching and learning. The Biology and Physics laboratories are on the ground floor with the Chemistry laboratory situated above. As well as our inside facilities, we are also able to link our curriculum to make use of the fantastic grounds in which the school is situated.
The girls are taught by specialist teachers from Year 7 and will know the Sciences as individual disciplines, rather than as Combined Science. From Year 7, they are set on ability to enable our Science teachers to stretch the most able and support those who may need it. These groupings are reviewed regularly to ensure the girls are receiving the best possible Science education for them.
Currently all girls start the preparation of their Key Stage 4 pathway in Year 9. Girls will be able to make individual and guided choices at the end of Year 9 to determine if they study for the Separate Sciences and obtain three GCSE qualifications or continue with studying for the Combined Science qualification and obtain two GCSE qualifications. This choice depends on the individual and takes into account not only their academic ability, but also their passions and future goals as an individual.
Our ability to equip our girls with the skills they need to achieve success is evident by over 73% of all students gaining GCSE grades 9-7 in 2022, across all Separate Science courses. 100% of our Combined Science students attained Grades 9-4 in 2022 and showed evident, valued added progress beyond expected measures.
Aside from academic work, the Science department offers extracurricular activities through our Junior and Senior Science Club and national schemes such as the CREST award. Prep STEM clubs run in both KS1 and KS2. This helps to build confidence to allow for a smoother transition from Year 6 to Year 7. Girls also take part in external competitions such as Physics Olympiad, Biology Olympiad and SATRO problem solving to name but a few. Throughout the school year the girls will also be given the opportunity to attend trips to a wide variety of locations including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Thorpe Park and other sites of interest, for example Nower Wood, to enhance their fieldwork skills and awareness of the Science that is all around them.
