Aims of the Department

The main aim of the Science department is to work with students to develop and fulfill their highest potential, and to prepare them for the adult world.

As teachers, we strive to work closely as a dynamic and innovative team, to deliver the curriculum effectively so that students can enjoy Science and relate it to the world around them.

Key stage 4

In Key stage 4 students get to choose from four different science courses to suit their academic needs and learning styles. Core science is worth 1 GCSE and provides the basics in science at Key stage 4.

Additional Science worth 2 GCSE’s and provides a traditional academic route to go on and study science A’ levels.

Additional Science is a vocational GCSE worth 2 GCSE's and can lead onto studying health care related courses and applied science A’level.

OCR National Science is worth up to 4 GCSE’ equivalents and can lead onto studying scientific vocational courses.

Homework

The department’s philosophy remains that homework should become a continuation of students learning during lessons.

Students are expected to complete all homework set and this is made easier in Key Stage 3 where homework is set from homework booklets.

For key stage 4 students, homework often forms the basis of revision, application of knowledge and coursework.

Facilities

The science department comprises of 7 science laboratories, one computer suite and one science preparation room.

There are 10 full time teachers and one part time teacher all committed to the teaching and learning of science to each and every one of the students at Holyhead school.

The department also has three full time science technicians that provide valuable support within the department and with the students as two of our technicians provide additional classroom support within our lessons.

Key stage 3

The department offers students many opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills through external visits. These include;

• Milennium Point - ThinkTank
• Centre of the Earth Ecology trip
• GCSE preparation lectures
• Brewery visit for vocational courses

In addition to external visits, many speakers are invited into the department to engage students and complement the teaching of the curriculum.

Examples of these include; plastic fantastic demonstrations, the forensics service and PUNCH music and science workshops.

Key stage 3

Year 7, 8 and 9 students follow the departments own scheme of learning and this has been developed using strategies such as the National Key Stage 3 Strategy. The scheme is regularly reviewed and modified to cater for the needs of all students at Holyhead School.

In year 9, much emphasis is placed on the important SATs examinations and revision periods are built into lesson time as well as during after school sessions. Throughout key stage 3 students are provided with a range of revision material to aid their learning.

Useful Science Websites