Science Department
Staff
• Mr M Tempest (Head of Department/Head of Chemistry)
• Mrs S Dolan (Head of Biology)
• Mr RA Slater (Head of Physics/Senior Teacher)
• Mr J Gallagher (Biology)
• Mrs F Kay (Biology)
• Mrs L Poyser (Chemistry)
• Mrs E Sanders (Science)
• Mr S Huxley (Senior Technician)
• Mrs J Leach (Technician)
Aims and Ethos
At Abbey Gate College Science is a subject that fires students' curiosity about phenomena in the world around them, providing enjoyment through a sense of awe and wonder. The investigative and practical nature of Science, and the opportunities it offers for working with others, engages and motivates students and increases their understanding of the world
Facilities
The main Science centre includes three purpose built laboratories for each of the Sciences. The Biology laboratory is new (September 2008). There are also preparation rooms, a dark room and a staff work area. In addition there is also a General Science laboratory which has its own preparation room. The laboratories are fully equipped, including fume cupboards, to teach the Sciences up to and including ‘A’ Level. ICT provision for the laboratories includes departmental laptops, data projectors, interactive white boards and the introduction of new data logging equipment. The Science department is fully networked with the rest of the College. The laboratories are supported by two experienced and enthusiastic full time technicians.
Curriculum
In Year 7 and 8 the pupils are taught a Combined Science course building on successful links with the Juniors. For pupils who wish to explore Science further there is a Year 7 and separate Year 8 Science club which take place on a weekly basis. Here the emphasis is on learning through fun experimental projects and the clubs are popular with both pupils and staff alike.
In Year 9 the pupils are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately by subject specialist teachers. Pupils are often setted according to ability.
In Year 10 and 11 pupils can choose two or three separate Sciences (many choose all three). Pupils are taught the AQA exam specifications and are again taught by subject specialist teachers. In recent years outstanding GCSE results demonstrate excellent value-added teaching and learning.
In Year 12 and 13 pupils can choose the separate Science AQA exam specifications. The vast majority of pupils use their A Levels to successfully enter University courses of their choice.
The department enjoys the benefits of strong links with local industry e.g. Shell Global Solutions; visits to which have included experience of spectrometry and electron microscopy. ‘A’ Level Biology is supported annually by trips to field study work in Wales. Key Stage 3 Science is supported by visits to Chester Zoo for example.
Results
The department achieves outstanding public examination results with almost 100% pass rate at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level in recent years. In summer 2008 an ‘A’ Level Physics candidate mark was in the top five marks in the country. We have received awards for pupils’ work both at national and local level, and for initiatives in curriculum development and industrial links.
General Objective/Ethos
In our teaching emphasis is placed on fulfilling the objective that “pupils should derive interest, enjoyment and some sense of achievement from their study of Science”. Wherever possible academic theory is related to practical applications in the real world. Pupils have a lot of hands on practical work.