Science

The Department has eleven large laboratories. All the laboratories have been designed to promote the teaching of Balanced Science in Years 7 to 11 and specialist subject teaching at A' level. The department has recently been fitted with interactive whiteboards and projectors in all laboratories.

Science is a core subject in the Curriculum for all students in Years 7 to 11. In Years 7 to 9 students follow a balanced science course based on the Heineman scheme of work. This course promotes the teaching of Science through investigative work. Students are encouraged to predict the outcomes of their investigation and are taught the practical skills necessary to carry them out. The content of the course builds on the students' knowledge gained at Key Stage 2. The teachers in the department encorporate ideas from the Key Stage 3 National Strategy to improve teaching and learning styles.

In Years 10 to 11 all students follow the Co-ordinated Science (Suffolk) course which leads to a double GCSE qualification. The course is divided into eighteen units, six from each subject area, which are taught by subject specialists. The students are assessed by the following methods - teacher assessment of investigative work (20%), end of Year 10 examination (25%) and a terminal examination consisting of three papers (55%).

In the Sixth Form A' level courses are offered in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These courses are taught by subject specialists.