Science
Head of Department: Dr P Taylor
At Priestlands School, we are passionate about helping students develop both confidence and curiosity in science. We want every student to experience the success that opens doors to the wide range of careers linked to the subject. Equally, we are committed to building a deep understanding of key scientific concepts and the scientific method — so that students can appreciate the awe and wonder of the world around them and make informed decisions throughout their lives.
KS3 is built around the key scientific skills of: explaining scientific concepts; mathematical problem-solving and scientific enquiry. Whilst we cover the KS3 National Curriculum, we are also guided by the questions that students consistently raise in their science lessons and by the fundamental ideas that underpin success at KS4.
At the end of KS3, students sit the Y9 exam, which, together with other assessment data, helps us determine the most suitable pathway at KS4. The two pathways offered at KS4 are: AQA Combined Science (Trilogy specification); or AQA Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Both of these pathways are an excellent foundation to study science at A-level and beyond.