Science
In July 2004 Sanders Draper School was awarded Specialist Science College status.
The philosophy of the department is the delivery of quality teaching and learning of Science to all students.
We are committed, in partnership with our local schools, colleges and businesses, to developing Science in ways that inspire and challenge. Specialist Science status will enable us to raise achievement in Science and across the curriculum. We will spread the expertise we develop to schools throughout the local community and beyond. As a Science College, we are determined to be inclusive, making the most of all the talents of all potential learners, so that we become an outstanding learning community.
Year 7
Year 7 Science builds on your scientific knowledge and understanding from Key Stage 2 and makes connections between different areas of Science. You will study 12 units through the course of the year in seven Science lessons. The Biology units include topics such as Life, Habitats, Variation / Classification, etc
The three Physics units include Electrical Circuits, and Forces across Space.
Chemistry includes Chemical Changes, and Acids and Alkalis.
Year 8
Year 8 continue to follow the KS3 Science programme started in Year 7. Students study 12 units through the course of the year.
The five Biology units include: Respiration, Food and Digestion and Ecological Relationships.
The Physics units include: Magnetism, Light and Energy Transfers.
Chemistry covers: Erosion, Building Blocks and Reacions / Mixtures.
Practical work is an important part of this course; students carry out investigations of different types, on their own, and in groups. ICT is used to data handling and to research information wherever possible.
Year 9
Year 9 complete the KS3 Science programme that meets national targets at KS3 and prepares students for the Science SATs that take place in May.
Throughout the year, students continue to study modules in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, building on ideas and concepts introduced in Years 7 and 8.
In Chemistry this includes Reactions of Metals, Chemistry and the Environment and Using Chemistry.
Biology includes topics such as Inheritance and Selection, Fit and Healthy and Photosynthesis.
The Physics modules look at Energy and Electricity, Gravity and Space, and Speeding up. All these modules are assessed in end of module tests based on past SATs questions.
The final part of the course will concentrate on revision and preparation for SATs. Pupils are advised to purchase KS3 revision guides as they are useful addition to help studies. Following SATs, students carry out a practical investigation, and continue to develop skills needed for KS4. We aim to bridge the gap between KS3 and KS4 Science in this term.
Key stage 4 Science
With the introduction of a new national GCSE Science course at Key stage 4 level pupils in year 10 will embark of the AQA examination board course. The year 10 Science course is called Core Science. Throughout year 10 pupils will be taught 6 modules: 2 from each of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics disciplines. There will be 6 externally assessed modules and one ISA (internally assessed) piece of work which will contribute to the year 10 GCSE Science examination.
In year 11 pupils will progress onto the Additional Science course in which they will receive a second Science GCSE certificate at the end of the course.
Rooming and Resources
The Department consists of eight full sized, well equipped laboratories all with interactive white boards. We also make extensive use of the wide range of resources in the school such as the use of Computer Suites, The Internet, LRC, CD ROM, etc. The Department itself has a range of CD ROMs and video library plus a variety of text books, etc.
The department has a wide range of the more expensive items of equipment and is continually adding to and improving the resources present.Resources are always planned so that all students have access to the practical experience. The Department is serviced by an experienced and enthusiastic team of technicians.
Ethos of the Department
The department is committed to the encouragement and interest of Science and to develop in students an awareness of the importance of Science in an ever-changing world. We also wish to develop in students the skills to work independently and as part of a team. This is encouraged by a practical approach to the subject reinforced by regular testing and assessment. The Department is totally committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all students.
Extracurricular Activities
Students are encouraged to view Science as being important in their everyday life and to have respect for the environment they live in.
Visits are seen as an important part of this. Visits arranged include an Ecology trip for fieldwork, and out of hours learning visits to the Royal Institute, Royal Society, Imperial College, Cambridge university, etc. Students also participate in BAYs and Crest clubs. Students are always encouraged to enter competitions The Science Department fully supports the school's policy on the more able student and have successfully run extension sessions for such students.
Keywords
Teaching Staff
Mr M.Fletcher : Head of Department
Mr A.Archer : Key stage 4 Coordinator
Ms A.Dear : Senior teacher
Mr N Power : Head of Year
Miss I Pratsides : Deputy Head Teacher
Ms M.Meyers : Head of Year
Mr M Vaghela : Teacher
Ms R Akhter : Teacher
Mrs A Weatherly : Faculty Assistant
Technical Staff
H. Crago : Senior Technician
B. Osborn
M.Garner
S. Forrester
M. Chambers
A. Hitching