Science

The Science Department aims to provide an interesting and varied programme in which a child’s natural curiosity is fostered and encouraged so that the learning process is an enjoyable part of life. Our teaching is very much hands on and learning is practically based.

In the two youngest years we follow the 11+CE Syllabus and this acts as a foundation, which is then built upon as the boys move into the third year at Maidwell and begin work on the 13+CE syllabus. The three subject areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately, but in each year group the boys will have the same Science teacher in the delivery of each subject area. With such a strong and experienced team of Science teachers we feel this is a benefit to the children as it allows for stability and continuity whilst encouraging the boys to think laterally and apply skills developed in one subject area to another. We have small class sizes, which means pupils have little need to share equipment and in such a practical subject this is a huge benefit. We are also able to prepare boys in the top sets for scholarship examinations and give them greater time and attention.

There are two laboratories consisting of a junior lab used by the two youngest years and a senior laboratory. The senior laboratory is very spacious and is well equipped with a range of scientific equipment as well as the latest in interactive hardware. We are fortunate to have an EM – panel and digital projector which work well in this subject area and along with videos, DVDs, educational websites and power-points all enhance and vary the delivery of the many practical investigations. In the grounds of Maidwell we have a wealth of resources. During the summer months pupils are often found with nets dipping in the lake for their aquariums back in the laboratory, or using keys to identify trees in the arboretum. Other teachers will take the opportunity to take groups out to lay quadrats on the croquets lawn or release water rockets by the pavilion.

Inevitably many fun experiments don’t fall under the umbrella of the CE Entrance syllabus and this is where Science Club has a part to play and enables pupils to make such things as: gooey ooze or carry out investigations to find out if bananas, kiwis or clementines are better at powering a bulb.