Facilities

The science department is located across 9 laboratories and one computer room situated in two neighbouring teaching blocks. The department has a wide range of equipment with all science labs having digital projectors/whiteboards and four with interactive whiteboards. We also have a set of class laptops.

Outline of Courses

For more on what our pupils are studying during the spring term, please click on the relevant year group above

KS3

All of our Key Stage 3 pupils are currently completing the 'Ox-Box' curriculum. They are studying a wide range of topics and their classwork is assessed by teachers on a regular basis throughout each term. In addition, end of term topic tests are also completed.

KS4

In Years 10 and 11, all pupils study OCR Twenty First Century Science. This is divided into different GCSE courses. The majority of non-vocational students will study the ‘Core’ programme in Year 10 which is equivalent to one GCSE. In Year 11, these students will go on to study either Additional or Additional Applied Science (each is worth one GCSE). At the beginning of Year 10, some pupils will also have the opportunity to study Separate Sciences; consisting of a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Our vocational students study the Additional Applied course throughout both Years 10 and 11. We are pleased to have established this range of courses at KS4, having originally taking part in the Pilot Scheme.

A-level

We are pleased to offer several subjects at AS and A2 level. We offer Biology (SNAB), Chemistry (AQA), Physics (OCR) and Applied Science (AQA).

Extra-curricular

We are pleased to enhance the curriculum both through visits to local establishments such as Chester Zoo, and by inviting people and organisations into school to work with students. In the past we have welcomed Zoolab, Starchaser Rocket and Whizzbangs (working with the University of Manchester Chemistry Department). We are also proud of our local University links with Manchester, Salford and Central Lancashire. Last term we hosted a Spooky Spectacular for Years 7 and 8 pupils and their families. Activities included making slime, writing in invisible ink, flame testing and some explosive chemistry. The evening was a fundraiser for Children in Need, and raised over £150.

Staff

We are a large department, with 14 experienced members of staff. Outlined below are the members of the Science department. Whilst all teachers cover the three sciences, indicated in brackets are the different specialisms:

Mrs C Burton - Director of Science (Chemistry)

Mr A Waltho – Key Stage 5 Coordinator and Assistant Head of Learning (Physics)

Miss N Slinger – Key Stage 4 Coordinator (Biology)

Miss J Waring - Key Stage 3 Coordinator (Chemistry)

Ms L Wharton – Assistant Head of Learning - Biology

Dr K Turner – Assistant Head of Learning - Chemistry

Ms K Williams – e-Learning Coordinator (Physics)

Ms R Begum (Chemistry)

Ms S Hillman (Biology/Chemistry)

Dr S Hale (Biology/Chemistry)

Ms M Yates – Lead Learning Advocate for Science in Bolton West

Ms J Fowler – Senior Technician

Ms K Brooks – Science Technician

Ms J Jarrett – Science Technician