Academic Departments - Science

All girls are taught by subject specialists in the department. The department has good facilities and science technicians support teaching. A newly refurbished Biology laboratory was recently built. Girls are taught in small classes and obtain excellent results at GCSE and A-level.

The department runs a “Crest” award scheme; Insect club and visits are arranged to places of scientific interest. Stick insects have been reared from eggs and their life cycle studied. In recent years girls have visited a local brewery, university departments, the Science museum and working laboratories. Girls took part in an “Astronomy day”, visited a planetarium and saw real moon rock.

A “Forensic science week” encouraged students to consider evidence for a mock crime that took place in the main building.  In 2008 a student visited Nepal for work experience before applying and obtaining a place at medical school.

At St David’s, all girls study the full range of science subjects Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science is taught as separate subjects. Science teaching encourages girls to develop and improve a range of important skills. Girls are expected to improve their understanding of the subject, develop their thinking, investigative and manipulative skills. Girls are expected to develop team work skills and apply mathematical and ICT skills to their work in the department. An appreciation and understanding of “Science at work” is viewed as important. Practical work is important and supports teaching activities. All girls are expected to work safely in the laboratories. The Science department works closely with the Learning support department to assist and offer guidance to girls with special needs. The most able girls are catered for by the stimulating and demanding curriculum.

Key Stage 3.

At Key stage 3 girls follow the Explore Science course. This is both stimulating and demanding. In Year 7 girls are taught in mixed ability groups. Setting begins at the start of Year 8. Subject specialists teach the course. Regular assessments take place so that progress is monitored. Self assessment takes place on a regular basis as a part of assessment for learning. All teaching takes place in laboratories.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

At Key Stage 4 (which is begun in Year 9) all girls continue studying the 3 Sciences, following the modular EDEXCEL 360 course specification. This allows them to obtain 2 GCSE certificates by the end of Year 11. Girls receive a broad and balanced education in the major scientific disciplines. Most girls follow the Science / Additional Science route. They develop their knowledge of a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics and improve their investigative skills. ICT activities take place using probes and sensors. The department has its own laptops.

Some girls follow the Extension science course and obtain three separate GCSE grades. This option that starts from Year 10 is suitable for the most able students and provides ideal preparation for A-level Sciences. The department runs weekly support sessions in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The department has obtained excellent GCSE results with most girls obtaining A* or A grades.

AS / A-level Sciences.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses are offered. Girls follow these courses after GCSE. Biology and Physics follow the EDEXCEL specification whilst the OCR Salter’s specification is used by the Chemistry department. Students are taught in small groups allowing them to benefit from individual attention and a close working relationship with their tutors.

Biology

Most students follow the two year course. In recent years students have visited field centres to undertake practical coursework. Most students have obtained excellent grades and moved on to university courses to study subjects such as medicine, nursing and biochemistry. Regular assessments take place to monitor progress.

Chemistry

The Salters' course provides a demanding and stimulating experience to Sixth form students.  Students are expected to think about their learning and develop a range of important skills. Investigative work is important and forms a key part of assessment. In recent years students have investigated the vitamin C and salt content of foods

Physics

Girls follow the Advancing Physics course. This is a new course that covers many contemporary aspects of the subject. 

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