Science

Mission Statement

We are devoted to imparting scientific knowledge, understanding and skills to our pupils to give them a broad appreciation of the applications and implications of science and to prepare them for further study in higher education. The science department offers a diverse range of courses to pupils as they progress to allow them to develop according to their individual needs and enable them to fulfil their potential.

Curriculum

KS3
During Key Stage 3 all students follow a broad and balanced curriculum delivered through our own tailor made course. The focus is on practical study and we have well resourced laboratories that allow for this.
We believe this is an excellent way of introducing students to the skills, knowledge and language they will need to develop as enthusiastic scientists.
Assessment is formative throughout the course, in addition to the winter and summer school examinations.

KS4

Starting in January of year 9 pupils begin studying for one of the following courses
AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Separate science)
AQA Trilogy (Dual science)
Specifications for these courses can be found on the following link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
The aim of the GCSE Science course is to allow students to develop essential knowledge and understanding of key concepts in science. We have good laboratory facilities and the subject is delivered with a great deal of hands-on practical experience. Science stimulates student’s curiosity about the world around them, it enables students to develop and evaluate explanations through experimental evidence and modeling.

KS5
The A Level Sciences courses we teach are Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are all with the exam board AQA. Specifications can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level
We additionally teach the AQA Applied General Science course which is a level 3 qualification. The specification can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/applied-general
Our objective is to ensure that learning is enjoyable and enhances a student’s enthusiasm for Science subjects beyond GCSE. There is an emphasis on how each scientific discipline is relevant to contemporary issues and there are numerous opportunities to use practical experiences and link theory to reality, which will equip students with the essential practical skills they require.

For pictures from the 2011 KDHS trip to CERN click here.

KDHS fielded a highly motivated and able team of year 12 students to enter the acclaimed international Weizmann Institute Safe Cracking Competition. After winning on a national level by competing against schools from across the country, KDHS was invited to compete internationally in the annual championships held in Israel. Although our students gave it their all they missed out on claiming top prize. Click here for pictures.

Activities

SCIENCE CLUB

Key stage 3 science club takes place weekly. See the Extra Curricular List for times and updates.

GCSE COURSEWORK ENHANCEMENT SESSIONS

A club run once a week for pupils in year 10 and 11 to get extra guidance on their science coursework.

Staff

Miss. S.Hirst - Head of Department (Responsibility for KS5 & Chemistry)
Miss. C. Harrington - Head of Department (Responsibility for KS4 & Combined Sciences)
Mr.Z.Christo – (Responsibility for A Level Physics)
Mr.P.Curati - (Responsibility for GCSE Physics)
Mrs. V. Dansey - (Responsibility for KS3)
Miss. N. Longley – (Responsibility for Biology)
Mrs. H. Byrne
Dr. L. Ivings
Mrs. J. Lomax
Dr. S. McDonald
Dr. D. O’Brien
Mr. G. Percival
Mr. A. Waring

Technical Staff
Mrs. E. O’Connor - Head Technician
Miss. S. Costello – Lab Technician
Mrs. L. Parkes - Lab Technician

Key Links

Competitions
Field Trips
ISA Support
Science Club

Mission Statement

Curriculum

Activities

Staff

School

Contacts

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