Staff:
Head of Science: Ms D Crichton, BSc, PGCE
Head of Physics: Mr V. A. Price, BSc, PGCE
Head of Biology: Mrs D.A. Rockey, BSc, PGCE
Chemistry/Biology Teacher: Mr C. Jennings, BSc, PGCE
Physics Teacher: Mr. N. Shaw, BSc, PGCE
Biology Teacher: Mr M Williams, BSc (Hons), PGCE
Technician: Mrs S. Manning

Course offered:
Year 7-9: National Curriculum of England & Wales
GCSE (WJEC): Core, Additional and Seperate Science
A Level: Biology (OCR), Chemistry (WJEC), Physics (OCR)

Aims:

Our primary aim is to ensure that all students gain knowledge and understanding of science, and that they reach their true potential in this subject.

 This can only be achieved by

• Using effective teaching strategies,
• Using continuous monitoring and evaluation procedures,
• Responding to the fact that all pupils have individual needs.

Students bring a wealth of experiences to the classroom, they have different interests, they progress at different rates, and they respond differently to a variety of teaching and learning styles.  Our task is to provide a suitable learning environment in which all pupils, irrespective of ability, gender and cultural background can gain maximum benefit from a study of science.

If we can achieve the maximum possible rate of progression and attainment in science for each student, in the time they are at Llandovery College, then we can be satisfied with our teaching strategies.

However, this is not our only target.

We also aim to promote and develop cross-curricular skills, including ICT and Key skills, and reinforce the aims of the whole-school policies in the development of individuals. Naturally, we hope that all students will enjoy the study of science, and in their study of science they will develop an appreciation of its importance in society today. Students can relate to the content of the topics placed in a modern context much more easily, and therefore retain interest.

We recognise our obligation to make science relevant to the needs and interests of the students, and we constantly strive to provide an invigorating experience for all students, irrespective of differences in ability, gender, and cultural background.

1    To provide a broad and balanced science education for all,  which encompasses and promotes the following themes:

a)    A coherent curriculum structure for science.
b)    An experience of a broad range of sciences.
c)     Access to science for all students.
d)    Enhanced learning and performance.
e)    Progression and continuity.
f)      Cross-curriculum links.

2    To provide, through well-constructed studies of investigative and practical activities, a science education which enables the learner to:

a)    Appreciate science as a human activity.
b)    Understand how science operates.
c)     Know and understand how science operates.
d)     Know and understand scientific concepts and principles.
e)     To be able to be scientific in analysing and solving problems

3    To provide relevant and challenging Science courses and promote and develop the associated elements of cross-curricular programmes of study.

4    To develop abilities and skills that are:

a)    Relevant to the study and practice of science.
b)    Useful in everyday life;
c)     Encourage safe practice.

5     To stimulate:

a)    Curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and in the methods of enquiry.
b)     Interest in, and care for, the environment.

6    To promote an awareness of:

a)    The study and practice of science are cooperative and cumulative activities subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations.
b)    The applications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and to the environment.
c)     To promote a greater self-awareness and a positive attitude of personal responsibility for health.
d)    To enable all students to work independently, and to take more responsibility for their own learning.
e)    To encourage group activity, through discussions, projects and practical activities.
f)      To encourage pupils to develop personal qualities such as politeness, perseverance, initiative, empathy, self-confidence, and independence.
g)    To develop an understanding of the spiritual, moral, cultural aspects in the development of science and in the study of science.

The Department

The well-resourced science department consistently delivers excellent results across all three subjects, with highly-experienced and new staff providing expert but friendly tuition and support. In Years 7 and 8 there is a practical based course which exposes the pupils to all the sciences according to national curriculum with a real ‘hands-on’ feel to the lessons.

The friendly science staff run revision clinics and have an open-door policy for queries. This collaborative approach encourages questions and discussion all the way to A Level with extra help and support available at the crucial times in AS and A2.

Our results speak for themselves. At GCSE we have students who, year after year, produce grades that are way above the national average. At Sixth Form level the top pupils will be entered for various national competitions (eg Olympiads).  We give ample careers and UCAS advice including medicine (UKCAT/BMAT), work experience (particularly in medical fields) and short sixth form courses to help prepare for a future career and higher education.