| Seniors: Science |
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| Description |
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 The
Science staff at St. Christopher's School
is a team of nine well qualified and dedicated
teachers who have extensive experience of
teaching in UK state and independent schools
and international schools in Europe, Asia
and the Middle East. The department is dynamic
and forward thinking and is continually
looking for ways to develop and improve
the learning environment. Our aim is to
give all our pupils a firm knowledge base
whilst also developing their ability to
apply and adapt their knowledge to new situations.
The department promotes a caring and friendly
atmosphere and prides itself on the support
and encouragement that it gives to all its
pupils. A mentoring system is operated in
all year groups and, if required, pupils
are given individual assistance with their
studies. Through regular assessment and
target setting, teachers and pupils are
able to monitor progress and pinpoint areas
that may require support. We offer our pupils
a stimulating environment in which to learn.
 Emphasis
is placed on the development of practical
skills and most lessons involve some practical
work. The application of thinking skills
is also strongly encouraged through the
use of a variety of materials. Teachers
have high expectations of pupils who work
hard to succeed in all areas. Examination
results certainly reflect their dedication
and effort. Homework is seen as an integral
and important part of the Science curriculum.
It is department policy that regular homework
is completed by all pupils in all year groups.
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| Facilities |
 The
department is housed in a new building and
consists of nine well equipped laboratories.
A large preparation room also provides for
all subjects with two full time technicians.
Each laboratory has its own computer with
access to the school network and permanent
internet connection. The department also makes
use of scientific software that has been installed
in the nearby computer suite. There are also
laptops available for use during practical
lessons. The department is well equipped by
UK standards with a substantial annual budget.
The priority this year has been the enhancement
of data-logging equipment and software provision. |
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| Courses |
| All pupils
in Years 7, 8 and 9 are prepared for the UK's
National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage 3.
The curriculum is based on a well established
teaching scheme 'Spotlight Science' which
is used extensively in the UK. Additional
materials are also used to enhance the course
including activities from the CASE (Cognitive
Acceleration through Science Education) project.
The course offers a spiral curriculum in which
topics are revisited each year and developed
further. This enables new pupils to the school
to quickly fill any gaps in their knowledge.
At GCSE, pupils are taught for nine, 40 minute
lessons per week, with each of the three subject
areas being covered by a specialist. At the
end of the course, pupils are entered for
the Edexcel Double Award Science Examination.
In order to keep options open, all pupils
at St, Christopher's School follow a balanced
Science course at Key Stages 3 and 4. Pupils
have the opportunity to move into the specialised
areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at
the end of Year 11. The Edexcel Biology, Chemistry
and Physics syllabi are followed at both AS-level
and A-level. The requirement needed for entry
onto an AS-level Science course is a minimum
of a grade B in Double Award Science or the
relevant Separate Science subject. Science
is very popular within the School at Advanced
level and results are consistently well above
the UK norms. |
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| Career
Routes |
 Scientific
understanding is important in many areas of
modern life and should a pupil wish to pursue
a career in Science the options available
are numerous and varied. Following a career
in Science does not necessarily mean spending
the rest of one's life in a laboratory. There
are plenty of opportunities for using Science
qualifications as a route into other areas
and the list of jobs is a long one. Pupils
should consider very carefully the huge range
of exciting opportunities available to them
and make every effort to visit the careers
library to find out what is on offer. |
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| Student
Quotes |
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 "I
like Science because we do a lot of experiments
and learn from them. And it's FUN!"
"I like Science because I've had great
teachers who've made every aspect of the
subject fascinatingly relevant"
"I like Science because it's interesting
and I have learnt lots of new things."
"Science is great because it helps us improve
our world"
"Great teachers, good facilities, perfect!"
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