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Science

Head of Science: Mrs S Gurteen
Head of Biology: Mrs E Harling
Head of Chemistry: Mrs J Chubb
Head of Physics: Mr O Bowden

The Science department jointly offers Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Lower School

In Years 7, 8 and 9 girls are taught the three separate sciences. Each science is allocated two lessons per week. In all three Sciences the National Curriculum programme of study is followed closely, but not rigidly, and not necessarily in the prescribed order. Girls in Years 7 and 8 also have CASE lessons (Cognitive Acceleration in Science) which helps to develop their thinking sills. The major aims of the Key Stage 3 course are: to introduce pupils to safe and correct working laboratory practices; to familiarise pupils with a wide range of equipment needed for later studies; to develop the skills of observation, recording and investigation: to develop knowledge and conceptual understanding and to encourage interest in all aspects of science.

Upper School

At IGCSE girls can choose to study either the Double Award Coordinated Science course or to study the three separate sciences in the Triple Award. The Double Award Coordinated Science course receives 22.5% of curriculum time in Years 10 and 11. A specialist teacher from each of the three departments delivers this course and three periods per week are devoted to each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Alternatively pupils may opt to do the three separate sciences at IGCSE. This course receives 30% of the curriculum time and four periods per week are devoted to each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The particular aims of the courses at IGCSE are: to build progressively on the concepts delivered and develop knowledge and understanding; to relate science to a wide range of contexts and consider social and ethical issues, and to develop experimental and investigational skills.

Sixth Form

The Sciences are very popular in the Sixth Form. There is a large number of pupils studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology at AS and A2. Girls can proceed to A level from either the Double Award or Triple Award courses at GCSE. In all three departments students complete the AS course at the end of Year 12. The majority of students continue into Year 13 to complete the A2 course the following year. Each year a significant number of girls apply to read a wide variety of science-related courses at university.