Science Faculty

Year 7 and have been studying foundation chemistry, learning about atoms, how they behave and how elements combine to form the compounds and mixtures we see, eat, wear, sit on and breath every day. They have recently moved onto classification and how we group living things.

Year 8 started the term looking at the various resources we extract from the Earth and the need to do this with sustainable strategies. They followed on learning about ecosystems and how we must make sure we take care of the environment.

Year 8 studying Ecology investigating the heat given off by composting

Year 9 examined the human body, working to understand how the body is co-ordinated through the nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems. This included a brain and eye dissection, which most of the students enjoyed. They finished the term gathering information on infectious diseases and how the body tries to protect us from them. They also studied the link between our lifestyle, genetics, and the environment to non-infectious diseases. 

Year 9 Modelling how "Pink Disease" spreads

Year 9 Completing a brain dissection

Hopefully, they have learned the importance of having a healthy lifestyle when they are young.

Year 10 have enjoyed the very practical topic of Chemical Reactions. Students learned to appreciate how the atoms which make up matter can join in different ways to produce the variety of substances we see and use all around us. They have focused on planning investigations, determining which is more acidic apple or orange juice using titration, comparing factors which effect rusting, finding the relationship between surface area and reaction rate and watching how we can use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. 

Year 10 students looking at DNA they extracted from strawberries

Year 11 are steadily working through their courses and are enjoying being able to study courses which they have an interest or passion for. They are realising the demands of Stage 6 means they need to follow a regular and comprehensive study program at home, especially leading into next term where they will have to complete an end of course exam.

Year 11 Investigating Science students modelling nuclear fission 

Year 12 are working efficiently to complete their courses and are currently preparing for the Trial Exams, which are scheduled for mid-way through next term. We wish them all the best for these and offer our assistance to ensure they comprehensively prepare and perform to their capacity. Holiday study sessions maybe available for your course so see your classroom teacher to get the details for these.

Mrs Louise Watkiss 

Head Teacher Science