Science

Science is a core subject which is delivered at all schools in SCE. Our secondary schools have an established reputation for providing science with an emphasis on the practical, experimental and investigative. This quality provision continues throughout the student’s school life from Year 7 into the 6th form.

At Key Stage 3, science is delivered as a combined subject. At GCSE, schools offer various combinations. All our schools offer GCSE Science which follows the AQA examination board specification, except for Windsor School which offers the OCR Gateway route. If your child has already started GCSE science at a UK school, check with the Head of Science at their new SCE school on how transition and coursework can be accommodated.

SCE schools make two GCSE grades in Science available, one for work covered in Year 10 (GCSE Core Science) and one relating to work covered in Year 11 (GCSE Additional Science). An increasing number of our schools will offer students with high achievement from Key Stage 3, the possibility of studying for 3 GCSEs in the separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). This provision is currently available (in academic year 2008-09) at King’s School and Gloucester School. For students wishing to take a more vocational route, an Applied Science GCSE is on offer at Windsor School.

Schools are currently widening the opportunities for students to study the sciences at 16+. Presently all our secondary schools offer at least one science A Level, with the majority offering all three. Vocational courses may include BTEC Applied Science or Health and Social Care.