Curriculum Areas - Science

The Department

The Science department has 8 well equipped laboratories with two more to be completed by September 2008. Two labs have their own computer suites. Access to the internet is available and pupils are encouraged to use ICT where it will help them. We encourage pupils to use data loggers, when appropriate, during experiments.

Lower School

Science teaching in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) is undertaken in partnership with local middle schools. In year 7, our feeder middle schools follow an agreed scheme of work, based on the National Curriculum, and this is built on at Lynn Grove in Years 8 and 9.

Upper School

In Year 10 and 11, the Science courses followed will depend on the abilities and aptitudes of the pupils. The following options are available.

Triple Science

GCSE Triple Science Course Information Booklet (DOC, 2.59MB)

This option will be offered to pupils who have performed very well in Science at Key Stage 3, enjoy a fast pace of work and are highly motivated. Pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately and will be awarded a separate grade for each subject. This course is excellent preparation for pupils who wish to go on to study A-level Sciences.

Double Science

GCSE Double Science Course Information Booklet (DOC, 3.16MB)

Most pupils will study one of two double science options. These will cover aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will lead to two GCSE grades. All pupils will study Core Science in year 10. Following completion of the Core Science GCSE, pupils will be selected for one of the following two options in year 11:

• Additional Science GCSE. This will follow a similar format to the Core Science course. It provides adequate preparation for pupils who wish to study a Science subject at A-level.
• Additional Applied Science GCSE. This course has a vocational focus covering topics such as Forensics and Sports Science. The assessment scheme is based on a portfolio of work created in class and an examination. The course is better suited to pupils who are not keen to study science to A-level but might wish to go on to take a vocational Science qualification. It is also better suited to those who perform less well in examination situations but who are good at completing coursework.

Practical work and the use of ICT are a very important part of the Science lessons at Lynn Grove and pupils are encouraged to develop a lively and enquiring mind. Pupils carry out practical work as an important part of their Science work and are progressively taught how to plan, carry out and evaluate their practical work, particularly when doing Science investigations.

Other Activities

Pupils get many opportunities to be involved in Science work outside lessons. This helps them understand the work they are doing and realise why it is useful. Visits and activities in the past have included:

• The annual lecture at the BT laboratories in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk.
• Industrial visits
• Field trips to Carlton Marshes and Ranworth Broad
• A Science festival including activities like designing bridges
• Exploring ecology and using forensic science to solve a crime
• A Science inter-house competition
• Visiting lecturers from research facilities