Ralph Allen School
Science Department
The aim of the Science Department is to give pupils an enthusiasm and interest in Science, whilst attaining the
highest standards. This is achieved through a range of practical, theoretical and problem solving activities. The
department aims to ensure the material and topics covered are relevant to pupils and meet the National
Curriculum requirements.
The department has nine full-time and one part-time Science teachers, three technicians, and there are eight
well-equipped laboratories, two brand new in January 2002, two refurbished for September 2004 and two
refurbished for September 2006.
Science College Status
The school was delighted to be awarded Specialist Science College in September 2004. This enables the
school to build on its fine reputation and academic success to become a centre of excellence for Science
education. As a Science College we aim to create stronger cross-phase links and raise attainment in
Mathematics, Literacy, ICT and Technology by sharing good practice in Science teaching. We wish to provide
learning in Science, Maths and ICT for the 21st century by improving facilities and learning across all key stages.
We are working to support primary colleagues to improve investigative learning in Science from reception to
KS3, and building on our close community links to ensure the benefits of our designation are felt in a wider
context.
The school’s bid for Specialist Science College status can be viewed on the school website,
www.ralphallen.bathnes.sch.uk.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 are taught in mixed ability tutor groups. Years 8 and 9 are set across the year. Pupils have 6 x 1 hour
Science lessons across a 10-day timetable. Where possible, groups are taught by the same member of staff
throughout the academic year. Class sets of Hodder Science, Starting Science books 1, 2 and 3 are available
in school, as well as Spotlight Science books. The department has produced their own schemes of work, which
follow the QCA framework for Science. KS3 is supported by Birchfield Interactive and Boardworks.
Key Stage 4
Pupils in Year 10 and 11 are placed in Science sets 1 to 7.
Science at Key Stage 4 is delivered to all students through a balanced Science course which occupies 18% of
their lesson time. Most students will follow courses which will lead to two GCSE qualifications. Students will
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complete their Core Science qualification in Year 10 and will be awarded one GCSE on its completion. At the
end of year 10, students will opt for an additional science or science related course. Students will complete their
additional science option in year 11 and will be awarded a further GCSE qualification. Triple Award Science is
aimed at our most able scientists and it enables pupils to achieve three GCSEs over two years. There is an
opportunity for these students to complete an AS in Science for Public Understanding. All of the science
courses combine the four Science Attainment Targets:
Sc1: Scientific Investigation
Sc 2: Life and Living Processes
Sc 3: Materials and their Properties
Sc 4: Physical Processes
There are sets of Chemistry, Biology and Physics for You and AQA core science books, which are fully
supported by E-Science. We also use Multi-Media Science, birchfield interactive and Boardworks.
Course Structure
Year 10
Year 11
All pupils complete Core Science
All pupils complete Additional Science
Triple Award for most able
Scientists and AS Science
for Public Understanding
Double Award Applied
Science
Years 12 and 13
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught at AS/A2 level. The results are excellent over the last few years and
the uptake for Science AS/A2 Levels continues to rise. In the current sixth form there are approximately 44
students studying Chemistry, 23 studying Physics and 56 studying Biology.
Management of the Department
Ms Katherine Greenslade
Mrs Sarah Bubyer
Ms Jacqueline Danks
Miss Pam Ellison
Mr James Forrester
Mr Oliver Hogg
Mr David Thomas
Mr Matthew Croft
Mrs Anna Wallace
Head of Department - Biologist
Head of Chemistry
Head of Biology and Key Stage 4; i/c coaching within Science Dept
Head of Physics
Teacher of Physics
Teacher of Science
Teacher of Science: Chemist
Teacher of Science: Physics
Teacher of Science: Biologist (part time)
Technicians
Mrs Sue Brown
Ms Lorraine Clifton
Mrs Isabel Wells
Science Technician - Chemist
Science Technician - Biologist
Science Technician (part time) - Physicist
All members of the department are encouraged to have some area of responsibility with Science, as part of their
career development.
For
further
information
about
www.ralphallen.bathnes.org.uk.
the
school
and
department,
please
see
our
website,
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