Science
Head of Department
Ms Ingrey
enquiries@cardinalpole.co.uk
Welcome to our Science Department.
Cardinal Pole has extensive science facilities throughout the school. We have 7 modern laboratories increasing the use of practical and problem solving approaches to teaching and learning Science. The user friendly design provides a calm but exciting environment that promotes group work and encourages investigative and experimental work to deliver the National Curriculum.
We aim to provide an enrichment and engagement of the Science Curriculum. This includes seven courses in the 14-19 age range, a strengthened transition from Key stage 2 to 3 and between key stages 3, 4 and 5. This has improved progression and continuity in teaching and learning.
With the improved ICT resources we also offer technically enriched teaching and learning with exposure to a wider context of information by using outside speakers, museums, university partners and industry. Additional support has created extra classes in years 10 & 11, enhanced provision for the separate sciences and a textbook and virtual learning environment for every pupil for home study support.
At key stage 3 pupils follow an investigative/curiosity approach to the curriculum. We encourage questioning and fact finding skills. The topics at keystage 3 are purposely planned and we develop our own resources for our students, they cover the four main areas of science. All pupils are assessed through end of term examinations with feedback to their tutor and Head of Year. We set challenging targets and encourage parents with us to monitor these throughout the year.
At key stage 4 pupils study either the separate GCSE sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics or GCSE Core science and Additional science or BTEC Level 2 Science. Each year we support pupils with after school classes, holiday revision groups and lunch time intensive support. Examination results have improved in all the science courses and we see this improving again this year. We always help to give students a better appreciation of higher education courses and industry and business, thus enabling them to make a more informed choice of career.
At key stage 5 we offer the Biology, Chemistry and Physics we are taught by our specialist teachers in the department.