Science

In the Science Department we provide an integrated course in S1 and S2. This is made up of units extracted form Biology, Physics and Chemistry. In January of S2, pupils sit an examination on all of their previous science work. Pupil's grades will determine which subjects they will be recommended to take in S3. In S3 the Science Department also offers courses in Horticulture and Engineering (delivered through inter disciplinary working with the Technology department.)

 

 

Biology

The Biology Department aims to provide high quality courses for pupils, catering for a range of abilities in each class.

 

In years 1 and 2, Biology is taught as part of a General Science course but thereafter pupils specialise. These courses provide a grounding for pupils who will progress academically to more advanced study in Biology and in subjects/careers which depend on Biology.

 

Staff

Temporary Faculty Head of Science - Mr A Huddleston (Room: Lab 8)
Teacher - Mrs P Charters (Room: Lab 10)
Teacher - Miss P Monaghan (Room: Lab 9)
Teacher - Miss S Hamilton (Room: Lab 11)
Teacher - Mrs A Wren (Room: Lab 7)
Teacher - Dr Karine Coenen (Room: Lab 6)

 

As a contribution to general education, Biology should provide pupils with an understanding of themselves and the natural world in which they live.  The courses give emphasis to the role of practical activity and investigation as vehicles for extending pupils' knowledge of the subject and developing necessary skills.   The courses also provide a basis for further study of the subject, although the intention is not, in the first instance, to produce professional biologists.   Recognition of the demands of society and of the need to produce citizens who are aware of the biological benefits and hazards which will impinge on their every-day lives plays a significant part in the course. The scope of Biology, the boundaries of which are rapidly expanding, is extremely wide and varied including not only traditional study of plants and animals and the environments, but also of such areas of molecular biology and biotechnology which have clear relevance to modern society.

 

Chemistry

The Chemistry Department aims to provide high quality courses for pupils, catering for a range of abilities in each class.

In years 1 and 2, Chemistry is taught as part of a general Science course but thereafter pupils specialise.  All courses are regularly updated to modernise them and improve them.  Our courses help pupils understand aspects of chemistry which come into day-to-day life and they also provide a grounding for pupils who progress academically to more advanced study in Chemistry and in other subjects/ careers which depend on chemistry.

 

Staff

Temporary Faculty Head of Science - Mr A Huddleston (Room: Lab 8)
Teacher - Mrs A McKinnon (Room: Lab 4)
Teacher - Dr S Ashby (Room: Lab 5)
Teacher Mr S Wojciechowski (Room: Lab 6)

 

At all times we promote safe and responsible behaviour, and in the context of Chemistry pupils can see the immediate need for this.

We aim to provide a stimulating learning environment with a wide variety of activity.  There is however a strong basis of experimental practical work.  We are aware that pupils may learn in different ways and try to accommodate this in our teaching. 

 

We try to develop pupil's interest in Chemistry and Science in general and especially as to the ways that these subjects interact with the lives of the pupil in this material world.

 

 

Physics

In the Physics Department we aim to learn about the mysteries of the world: from the inside of the atom to the incredible structures in space.  We like to examine how things work to help us learn our Physics.

 

We believe that learning should be hands-on and enjoyable and that everyone can achieve their maximum potential by working hard.

 

Staff

Temporary Faculty Head of Science - Mr A Huddleston (Room: Lab 8)
Teacher - Mr J Burrows (Room: Lab 1)
Teacher - Mrs C Everett (Room: Lab 2)
Teacher - Mr D Nisbet (Room: Lab 3)
Teacher - Mr I Campbell (Room: Lab 2)