ALDER GRANGE
COMMUNITY & TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
The Science Team comprises a Curriculum Leader, two Assistant Curriculum Leaders, Science
Teachers and a Technician. All members of the Science Department are dedicated
professionals and are working hard to improve the quality of pupil learning and examination
results. In “raw” and Value Added terms the Department is succeeding. It works well as a team
and received a very favourable report in the last OFSTED inspection. All staff teach across the
age and ability range.
KS3
The Science timetable allocation at KS3 (Year 7 and 8) is 4 periods out of a 29 period week.
Pupils follow a KS3 scheme of work with SATs questions and assessment tasks for each unit.
Staff store data centrally on a computerised holistic recording system.
Pupils are taught in 6 sets at KS3 and KS4 with opportunities for set changes at the end of year.
The Department runs a Skills Programme and is reviewing its delivery and content to more
effectively challenge all pupils.
KS4
At KS4 (Year 9, 10 and 11), curriculum allocation is 6 periods per week. Pupils study in 6 sets,
with Sets following the AQA Separate Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Science A
and Additional Science. Sets 1 and 2 typically study at Higher Tier with Sets 3 – 6 studying at
Foundation Tier. Staff generally teach their specialist subject(s). How Science Works and
science skills are key strengths at KS3 and GCSE with pupils regularly attaining a high quotient
of the marks available.
KS5
We are delighted with the number of students who are choosing to study Science subjects at
Level 3. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are offered at AS and A2 level. Edexcel BTEC Level
3 Applied Science is also offered.
The Department has seven laboratories, two of which are Sixth Form laboratories. All rooms
are well resourced. There are two central Preparation rooms, chemical stores and two resource
areas, one of which can act as a quiet working area for staff.
Each main school laboratory is resourced with sets of text books for all Key Stages.
Our philosophy is simple; happy teachers are motivated teachers. Happy teachers create
happy pupils. Happy pupils are successful pupils, and our pupils are successful!
March 2015