Science at Stringer
At Dorothy Stringer we have a lively and successful science department where pupils can explore the world around them. We challenge pupils to question what they see every day and to explain why things happen.
Studying science teaches pupils to think in a logical and precise fashion, and helps them to communicate with clarity and precision, as well as providing the intellectual apparatus to make informed and reasoned judgements on the issues of the day, long after they have left school.
It enables students to develop into adults with an understanding of the principles that our technologically-based world is founded upon. It allows them to assess whether the risks posed in an increasingly scientific society are acceptable, as well as enhancing their understanding of inventions, discoveries and technological developments.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) pupils are taught discrete topics, each lasting 2-3 weeks, with an emphasis on learning through practical investigations. There is a progress test after each set of 3 topics (a Biology, a Chemistry and a Physics topic). In Year 7, pupils are taught in mixed-ability tutor groups for the first half of the year, then regrouped by ability for the remainder of the year. Year 8 and 9 have more formal setting.
At GCSE, Core Science (AQA Science A) is compulsory, for which pupils study significant developments and issues in all three sciences - this is worth one GCSE. Most students also opt to take Additional Science, a separate GCSE which covers the three sciences in greater depth and breadth and allows pupils to study Science at A-level. The most able and motivated students who can learn faster and more independently can choose to study 'Triple Science', for which they receive three separate GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
All GCSE options are assessed by written papers during each year. There are also a number of internally-assessed controlled assessments. These involve pupils researching, planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating a practical investigation, which are assessed by two written exam papers.