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'Science is a great game. It is inspiring and refreshing. The playing field is the Universe itself'.
Isidor Isaac Rabi (1898-1988) U. S. physicist and Nobel prize 1944.
Nobody boasts about their ignorance of literature, but often it is socially acceptable to claim an ignorance of science. As a department we aim to ensure that our students are well-educated in Biology, Chemistry and Physics so that they do not hold this view.
Through their studies in Science, our pupils acquire a full understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of Science so that they may become confident citizens in a technological world and be suitably prepared to embark upon post-school studies. We develop skills that are relevant to the practice of Science in everyday life. We stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Science.
The department is staffed by seven specialist teachers and two technicians, and the subject is taught as a discrete Science from the start of Senior School. We have excellent facilities and resources to allow us to deliver a high-class level of teaching and learning. The department has five well-equipped laboratories and two preparatory rooms, all furnished to a very high standard.
Staff
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The department is managed by Miss McLaren and Dr Upcott, and Mr Bartram oversees the running of the Biology Department. All members of the department are well qualified and experienced and they inspire their students with their own enthusiasm and interest in their particular fields.
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Extra-curricular activities
The Biology department offers the most fantastic animal club for Years 7 and 8. Our FHS zoo contains chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters, geckos, fish, Cuddles the snake, Bobby the tortoise and Toby the tarantula!
Miss McLaren runs a well-established, extremely popular junior Science club where amazing experiments take place with the emphasis on having fun. Detecting fingerprints, howling jelly beans, optical illusions, burning bubbles are just a few of the activities on offer.
Miss Falinska runs the science and engineering club which is open to Years 7 to 9 and involves bridge and structure building, science practices and basic robotics.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8)
Throughout the lower school all students study a balance of the sciences. This is taught in the three subject areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics with close collaboration between specialist teachers. The students enjoy a rich experience in practical work as well as developing a sound understanding and knowledge of Science. Trips to exhibitions and events, including visits to the nearby Science Museum and Natural History Museum are arranged each year.
In Years 7 and 8, the National Curriculum is followed in most respects, but with more emphasis on traditional school Science aimed at giving a deeper understanding of the basic principles of the subject. In Year 9, students will embark upon their IGCSE courses.
IGCSE
Students will be taught either the Edexcel Double Award IGCSE Science or separate IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry and IGCSE Physics.
Both courses are a suitable preparation for students to follow any of the sciences at A level, although the separate Science courses provide a better grounding for future study.
Double Award IGCSE
IGCSE Science qualification is a double award. This means that it is worth two IGCSEs.
Students learn about the basic principles of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, whilst also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. Students learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus therefore enables students to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take on informed interest in science and scientific developments.
© Copyright 2011 by Francis Holland School