Science

Department Staff

Science Faculty
Teaching 
  • Dr J Perkins CPhys FRMS - Head of Faculty, Physics
  • Mrs L Stallard - Head of Biology, QuEST research co-ordinator
  • Mr S Perks - Head of Physics 
  • Mr G Bish - Head of Chemistry
  • Ms E Humpage - Biology & Environmental Science
  • Mrs H Morgan – Biology
  • Mrs J Dabson - Biology
  • Dr R Lissenden - Physics
  • Mrs R Cook - Chemistry
  • Mrs J Wells - Chemistry
  • Mrs L Dowding - Chemistry
  • Mr M Leake – Assistant Headteacher, Chemistry
  • Mr P Larter – Assistant Headteacher, Chemistry
  • Mrs J Wrigley - Laboratory Manager, Chemistry & JuniorSTEM Technician
  • Mrs K Wade - Biology & Environmental Science Technician 
  • Mrs S Hill - Physics Technician & QuEST research support.
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. Each unit of study addresses one of the aspects from the core science areas of biology, chemistry or physics yet links to future careers and opportunities in various science fields such as materials science, biomedical science, engineering, computing etc.  Experimental skills and scientific methods are woven into the KS3 course throughout.

Each topic is assessed through a combination of formative activities throughout the teaching of the topic and a summative mid-year and end of year tests. Students have 7 periods of science per fortnight in year 7 before moving into subject specialism in year 8 with 3 periods per fortnight for each core science.

JuniorSTEM is the jewel in the science crown, led by both staff and members of QuEST, our science and technology society. There are many events through the year from our science fair, to pizza box bridge building challenge as well as visiting speakers and competitions.

Key Stage 4

All Key Stage 4 students study separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at GCSE level. We have chosen the edexcel speciation and students are allocated 4 periods per fortnight in year 9, 5 in year 10 and 4 in year 11 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 summative and formative work, and each year will have an end of year exam. 

At key stage 4 a number of specific extra-curricular STEM projects are available to students (see below). 

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 via the Queen Elizabeth’s Science and Technology society, QuEST.

Biology 

We offer the Edexcel GCE Biology A specification. Students continue to develop their understanding of How Science Works, building on understanding from KS4, with topics such as photosynthesis, biological molecules and the cardiovascular system, but also introducing some new topics including forensic science. We develop existing practical skills through practical activities incorporating the 18 required core practicals including gel electrophoresis and the Hill reaction. There are a number of extracurricular opportunities throughout the A Level course, students will participate in the Biology Olympiad, a lab day at Canterbury Christchurch University and a trip to Biology in Action.

Chemistry

Students explore the three key areas of Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, following the Edexcel A-level specification, which is assessed by three examination papers at the end of a two year course. Lab-based work is a crucial component of the course and practicals, including calorimetry, titrations and syntheses of organic molecules, promote deeper understanding and development of experimental techniques. The Chemistry department offers a wide array of extracurricular opportunities, which enhance students’ experience and help to make UCAS applications stand out in a competitive arena. An after school Chemistry Club allows students to engage in experiments beyond the A-level specification. Examples include a complexometric titration to determine calcium ion concentration in tap water, a more reliable method of determining the kinetics of an iodine clock reaction, and syntheses of organic molecules such as indigo and an azodye. We also participate in numerous external events including:

RSC Chemistry Olympiad
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
Schools Analyst Competition
Lab-based workshops at the Discovery Park, Sandwich
Chemistry Race (held at Cambridge University)

Physics

Students continue looking into subjects covered at GCSE and to cover new areas such as Quantum physics, field theory and materials science. We provide a huge range of practical work beyond the mandated A-level core practicals and encourage students to challenge themselves by entering them all for the Olympiads and physics challenges. We use the Isaac science platform to provide both course related work as well as challenge opportunities and support students across the whole range of physics-related career paths such as physical sciences, engineering, finance, climate science and many more. 

Environmental Science (AQA)

Environmental issues are explored, with the emphasis on how to find solutions through sustainable management. It is a truly interdisciplinary science.


1. The living environment, biological resources and sustainability.

  • Threats to biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts from Antarctica to the tropics.
    The challenges and solutions in agriculture, fisheries and forestry to provide food resources to a growing population without damaging the planet's life support systems. 

2. The physical environment, energy resources and pollution.

  • Exploitation and management of minerals, soil, water and energy resources.
    Properties of pollutants and strategies to minimise problems.

Students must gain first hand experience of methodologies and sampling techniques including compulsory fieldwork in a variety of habitats (both in Kent and usually Wales).

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