Science

Head of Department: Dr S Adams

Introduction

The Science Department is responsible for teaching all three Sciences, which are taught as Science in Key Stage 3.  Specialist teachers are provided at Key Stage 4 for each Science.

At Collingwood all students start their GCSE Science courses at the beginning of Year 9.  All Year 9 students follow the same Science programme and assessments throughout the year inform our setting for either Triple Sciences or the Combined Science route as they start Year 10.

Both the Triple Science and Combined Science routes are assessed at the end of Year 11.  There are six written exams for each course, two each in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  We strive to engage and motivate the students.  We track their progress in detail and offer support whenever appropriate.

The GCSE examination board is AQA.

Facilities and Resources

The Science Department is situated in both the Kingston and Barossa buildings, having 10 laboratories in Kingston building and 4 in Barossa building.  All laboratories have interactive whiteboards which are used in all lessons and can display a whole range of interactive activities as well as pictures and information.

We have 30 laptop computers with a wireless Internet connection and a suite of 20 computers.  This means students are able to enjoy animations and simulations of Science experiments as part of lessons.  One of our Science teachers is a Leading Practitioner and visits other schools to share good practice and participates in attainment raising initiatives arranged by the Science consultants.