Science Department

Science is a forward thinking and dynamic faculty. We have a philosophy of sharing good practice and leading innovation, with an open door policy and a supportive team ethos. Teachers are encouraged to be creative and take risks when developing new teaching strategies and work alongside dedicated SEN support colleagues. We are pleased to welcome to the faculty both graduate teachers and PGCE students who provide excellent opportunities to develop mentoring skills and reflect on own practice

Science is one of Windsor's subject specialisms and we have approached the recent curriculum changes at KS4 with enthusiasm using them as an opportunity to engage and motivate students. We currently offer 'AQA Science A' and AQA Double Applied Science to our year 10 students, with those that follow Science A then choosing their year 11 GCSE course from: AQA Additional Science, AQA Additional Applied Science and AQA Human Physiology and Health.

Schemes of work are written to support the most recent developments in the National Curriculum providing high quality detailed resources for all lessons. There is extensive use of ICT to enhance learning, much of it supported by professionally produced software. The KS3 course has been written by members of the team. It is reviewed, evaluated and improved regularly to ensure that students have excellent opportunities to achieve and exceed their targets.

We also operate a fast track group in year 8 and 9. These pupils are identified at the end of year 7 and take their National Test at the end of year 8. They then start on the GCSE course in year 9 and will have completed 'Triple Science' by the end of year 11 within their normal science curriculum time. There are opportunities for pupils to take Crest Awards, and there is a regular KS3 science club. Science Week is celebrated in March with a variety of activities and there are also several science trips throughout the year.

There have been extensive improvements to the science accommodation in recent years, with four new laboratories created in a new science block and four other laboratories refurbished in the summer of 2008. There are eleven labs in total, ten currently having interactive white boards.

The recent refurbishments also included the science preparation areas and this has given the five enthusiastic and experienced technicians three new purpose built prep rooms. This ensures a high level of technical expertise to support learning.

The intranet is used for efficient communication and tracking pupil progress within the faculty. Sophisticated tracking systems enable us to identify underachievement quickly and deploy intervention strategies effectively to raise attainment.

There are thirteen friendly, experienced science teachers with a plethora of teaching styles, one being the only Secondary Science AST within Dudley. Her outreach work enables her to share best practice from across the Borough.

This is an exciting faculty to work in. It is a large and successful team which is developing the new curriculum alongside new facilities and investment.