Weaverham High School · Northwich, North West
Facilities: Science Block This building comprises 9 laboratories, chemical/book/equipment stores, preparation room and staff room. All laboratories are equipped with fifteen sets of standard apparatus, a PC and an interactive whiteboard. The science department has a wide range of equipment and resources from 30 Chromebooks to a well stocks preparation room. Curriculum, assessment and examinations We believe that all pupils, irrespective of ability, are entitled to a broad and balanced science education, which not only meets the requirements of the National Curriculum but also seeks to ensure that each individual achieves their potential and becomes the best version of themselves. We favour a ‘hands on’ experiential and pupil-centred approach to lessons that seeks to develop practical and investigative skills as well as imparting scientific knowledge and understanding. Key Stage 3: Years 7-9 Pupils have between 7 and 8 periods of science every two weeks. All pupils follow schemes of learning that have been written by the Science department. The schemes incorporate new approaches to learning and assessing progress and is tailored to build on knowledge and skills to ensure pupils are ready for GCSEs and beyond. All pupils follow the same basic content, but its delivery is tailored to the needs of the pupils in the class. This strategy not only enables the Science department to be able to continue to provide excellent learning experiences that challenge our most able children, but also permits pupils of more modest ability to achieve success. Specialist support staffing is used in addition to the subject teacher to assist pupils with particular learning difficulties. The progress of each individual pupil is assessed by end of topic key marked pieces and termly common knowledge tests and by annual examination. A lot more use is made of ongoing assessment within lessons. Key Stage 4: Years 10 -11 In Key Stage 4 all pupils do science for at least 20% of the curriculum time, 9 periods per cycle. Single science pupils complete an additional 5 periods over 2 weeks. Apart from those opting for Separate Science who follow AQA GCSE single Sciences, Pupils follow AQA Trilogy. All pupils are taught in ability groups and are taught by subject specialists. The Post You will enjoy an excellent level of support from colleagues who have a wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise. You will have opportunities for personal development through an extensive CPD programme both in science and whole school. I hope you are excited by this post and the potential for development it offers. If you do have any further questions regarding the post, please do not hesitate to contact me either by telephone 01606 855926 or via email zoe.walker@weaverhamhighschool.com