Academic Departments
Science
The ethos of the Science department at Abbey Gate College is based around the following points;
- Enjoy and achieve
- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Achieve economic wellbeing
- Make a positive contribution
Curriculum
The curriculum for pupils in the Science department is as follows;
Year 7
The pupils will be following the new Science Works teaching course which meets recent changes in the National Curriculum and is fully supported with electronic resources for both pupils and teachers. This is a combined Science course covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics that has a major emphasis on learning through fun practical work. The Science Works course continues in Year 8.
Year 8
Pupils will follow the highly respected Spotlight Science 8 course which is a combined Science course. Through practical and investigative work pupils are able to put theory into practice and gain a better understanding of the world they live in and the challenges they face in the future.
Year 9
The pupils are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately by subject specialist teachers. Pupils explore many topics in depth through practical experimentation. The skills gained allow pupils to make an early start on the GCSE courses.
GCSE
In Year 10 and 11 pupils can choose two or three separate Sciences (many choose all three). Pupils are taught the AQA exam specifications and are again taught by subject specialist teachers which include practical experiences wherever possible and appropriate. In recent years, outstanding GCSE results demonstrate excellent value-added teaching and learning.
A Level
In Years 12 and 13 pupils can choose the separate Science AQA exam specifications. The vast majority of pupils use their A Levels to successfully enter University courses of their choice. There is strong emphasis on practical skills where accuracy and precision is paramount.
Recent visiting speakers, such as chief examiners and members of industry, help pupils achieve success in higher education.
Rooms and Resources
The Science department includes four purpose built laboratories. There are also three preparation rooms and a dark room. The laboratories are fully equipped, including fume cupboards, to teach the Sciences up to and including ‘A’ Level.
ICT provision for the laboratories includes departmental laptops, data projectors, interactive white boards and new data logging equipment. The laboratories are supported by three experienced and enthusiastic technicians.
Fieldwork/Extra Curricular/Educational Visits
For pupils who wish to explore Science further, there are separate Year 7 and Year 8 Science clubs which take place on a weekly basis. Here the emphasis is on learning through fun experimental projects and the clubs are popular with both pupils and staff alike.
The department enjoys the benefits of strong links with local industry e.g. Shell Global Solutions; visits to which have included experience of spectrometry and electron microscopy.
‘A’ Level Biology is supported annually by day trips to residential field study work in Wales. Key Stage 3 Science is supported by visits to Chester Zoo for example.