THE CURRICULUM - SCIENCE

The department aims to:

• Develop students' interest in Science through enthusiastic and dynamic teaching.
• Improve standard of literacy and numeracy by developing the existing curriculum in conjunction with the National Strategies.
• Make lessons enjoyable and develop students' practical skills through investigative experiments.
• Engage with students to understand their misconceptions and develop the way they observe, analyse and evaluate scientific ideas.
• Encourage an atmosphere where students feel comfortable and able to express their opinion.
• Regularly assess student' development through a variety of techniques including peer assessment and self-assessment.
• Increase awareness of important environmental and citizenship issues and enable students to comment and debate.

Resources

The Science Faculty at Shorefields Technology College comprises 6 fully-equipped, recently refurbished laboratories, served by a total of four prep rooms on two floors.

Situated adjacent to these laboratories is a science computer resource base of 30 internet computers, complete with inter-active whiteboard. Television, video and LCD projector facilities are all available, with full technical assistance if required by the teacher. Photocopying facilities within the Faculty itself are also available.

Full disabled access will shortly be available with the planned installation of an elevator to the east side of the tower block. The Science Faculty is staffed by six teachers and two technicians.

There are a wide range of text books available for students' use, and each laboratory has sets of 'Spotlight' Key Stage 3 books for each year, along with 'Hodder Science' sets.

For Key Stage 4 students (Years 10 & 11) the preferred text is the 'Science Foundations' series of Physics, Biology & Chemistry text books, and also the 'Physics For You', 'Chemistry For...' etc. series published by Stanley Thornes. Each laboratory also has an overhead projector.

Our Mission

We will create the best possible school for the students and for members of the community.

Providing capable, caring and enthusiastic staff who will work as an effective team and in which each member is supported, recognised and valued.

Believing that every individual has the capacity to learn and has something positive to offer society.

Providing a broad and balanced curriculum which is motivating and enjoyable and provides the essential knowledge, concepts, attitudes, values, experiences and skills for a fulfilling and effective life.

Working closely with parents, with the local community, with associated Primary Schools, colleges and other agencies for the well being of our students and for our community generally.

The ethos we subscribe to for everybody is one of:

• Hard Work
• Achievement (In personal, social, physical, moral and academic terms)
• Respectability (To achieve a friendly atmosphere, discipline, co-operation, responsibility, courtesy, respect, tolerance, sound attitudes and values, a sense of commitment to and pride in our community
• Personal Fulfillment (Satisfaction, enjoyment, self-esteem and a strong sense of personal worth)