Science

Department Staff

Science Faculty
Teaching 
  • Dr J Perkins - Head of Faculty, Physics
  • Mrs L Dowding – Head of Chemistry, KS3 Science Coordinator (maternity leave)
  • Mrs L Stallard - Head of Biology
  • Mr S Perks - Assistant Subject Leader, Physics (part-time)
  • Mr M Leake – Assistant Headteacher, Chemistry
  • Mr P Larter – Assistant Headteacher, Chemistry
  • Mrs J Wells - Chemistry (part-time)
  • Dr R Lissenden - Physics
  • Ms E Humpage - Biology (part-time)
  • Mrs H Morgan – Biology, Acting KS3 Science Coordinator (part-time)
  • Mrs A Jankowska - Biology (maternity leave, part-time)
  • Mrs J Dabson - Biology (part-time)
  • Mr G Bish - Chemistry, Acting Head of Chemistry
Non - Teaching
  • Mrs J Wrigley - Laboratory Manager, JuniorSTEM Technician
  • Mrs K Wade - Biology Technician 
  • Mrs S Hill - Physics Technician
Faculty Introduction

Science capital is an essential part of modern life. As a faculty we firmly believe that an understanding of scientific concepts is not simply for those students wishing to pursue science as a career but an essential ingredient for all school leavers.

The courses offered at all key stages reflect this need to develop students’ critical evaluation of scientific evidence, as well as develop the analytical and problem solving skills for students to be successful in science qualifications post-16.

Our varied enrichment opportunities provide experiences beyond the syllabus give an insight into the life of scientists, engineers and related professions and the chance to work and collaborate on genuine research projects. 

Key Stage 3

Science at key stage 3 is delivered over two years. The course offered is bespoke to QE but based upon the Pearson KS3 syllabus. Each unit of study addresses one of the aspects from the core science areas of biology, chemistry or physics.  Experimental skills and scientific method are woven into the KS3 course throughout.

Each topic will be assessed by a combination of formative activities throughout the teaching of the topic and a summative test at the end of the module.  A synoptic paper will be taken at the end of Year 7 and Year 8 to show progress throughout this vital, bedrock key stage. Students have 8 periods of science per fortnight and are encouraged to take part in various JuniorSTEM club activities through the year.

Key Stage 4

All Key Stage 4 students study separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at GCSE level, using the Edexcel 9-1 suite of qualifications. Students are allocated 4 periods per fortnight for each of biology, physics and chemistry.

Each subject area is broken down into key topic areas and key skills. Key skills are assessed through a range of core practical activities and further examined in synoptic papers at the end of year 11. Internal assessment will comprise of summative and formative work, and each year will have an end of year exam. Each subject consists of 2 examination papers, 1 hour and 45 minutes in duration.

At key stage 4 a number of specific extra-curricular STEM projects are available to students (see below). In addition, they have the opportunity to work towards a silver crest award as an enrichment opportunity.

Key Stage 5

Common to all courses at KS5 is practical work relating to the course being studied.  All pupils are graded against the same criteria to demonstrate capability in their chosen Science. These practical skills are further examined in their synoptic exam papers taken at the end of Year 13. There is a wealth of extra-curricular activities in the faculty, including trips, research and olympiads. Students are encouraged to become part of the department and develop their broader interest and  passion for STEM.

Biology 

We offer the Edexcel GCE Biology specification. Students continue to develop their understanding of How Science Works, building on understanding from KS4.

  • Energy for biological processes
  • Microbiology and pathogens
  • Modern genetics
  • Origins of genetic variation
  • Control systems
  • Ecosystems 

There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure.

  • Knowledge of all core practicals can be tested within exam papers.
  • Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment.
Chemistry

Students continue developing their understanding of scientific method and how chemists contribute to industry and research.Students will develop their quantitative and qualitative analysis, prepare compounds and solve both practical and numerical problems.

  • Equilibrium
  • Acid-base equilibria
  • Energetics
  • Redox
  • Transition metals
  • Kinetics
  • Organic chemistry II
  • Organic chemistry III
  • Modern analytical techniques

There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure

  • Knowledge of all core practicals can be tested within exam papers
  • Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment.
Physics

Students continue looking into subjects covered at GCSE and to cover new areas.

  • Further mechanics
  • Electric and magnetic fields
  • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Thermodynamic
  • Space
  • Nuclear radiation
  • Gravitational fields
  • Oscillations
Enrichment

Students of all abilities are encouraged to participate in various enrichment activities. In addition to relevant visits and trips as part of the curriculum, for example GCSE Science Live, we offer the following opportunities to students:

KS3
  • JunorSTEM club
  • Visiting speakers and crest award opportunities
  • Little Big Bang Fair
  • Rockets Challenge
  • Primary outreach 
KS4

Mentoring Year 5 pupils during forensics days 
GCSE Science Live
SpaceQuEST near space weather balloon missions as part of the ESA/ESERO Asgard project
Biotech research group
Vex robotics

  • Salters Chemistry Camp
  • Mentoring Year 5 pupils during forensics days
  • GCSE Science Live
KS5
  • QuEST - STEM club for senior students
  • Regular visiting speakers - professional scientists, healthcare industry representatives, researchers and engineers
  • Senior students in each science support KS3 and KS4 and JuniorSTEM activities
  • NanoQuEST: Nanotechnology research program in collaboration with North Penn High School, USA & University of Bristol
  • SpaceQuEST-IRIS James Webb Telescope
  • BioQuEST: biotechnology research group
  • Erasmus+ Climate change research collaboration with Otto Von Taube Gymnasium

Visits to A level science live, University of Reading women in science, JET nuclear fusion research centre, CERN & United Nations