Science
Students initially focus on practical skills and the scientific method learning how to conduct practical experiments and investigate hypotheses.
Pupils learn to plan experiments, producing stepwise instructions that are repeatable by other scientists. They learn to use common apparatus found in a laboratory safely and with precision. Processing results, students learn to analyse data, spot patterns and draw conclusions that prove or disprove hypotheses. At the same time, pupils become familiar with the body of scientific knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum and start to learn the numeracy and literacy skills required to succeed at GCSE.
At Prince William School we begin studying GCSE Science at the star of Year 9 following the OCR A specification. Most students take the Combined Science GCSE course, achieving two Science GCSE grades. We stretch our most able students by offering the chance to follow the Separate Science GCSE courses, resulting in separate GCSE grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The A-level Science courses are very popular with our KS5 students; indeed many of our students going on to take Science related subjects at undergraduate level. That said, the KS5 Science courses are also popular with students who don’t intend to peruse Science related courses and careers after 6th form due to the opportunities to develop numeracy, communication and problem solving skills and therefore people with science A-levels are highly sought after by the majority of employers.