Even an overview of Bromsgrove Science would take far more space than is available here. In essence, Science is taught to all pupils in Fourth and Fifth forms at Bromsgrove by specialist teachers in laboratories situated in the three departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In the L4 pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each for a double period per week. At present all pupils follow a double award Science GCSE but again taught within the separate Science departments for a total of nine periods per week. ICT is used to enhance the learning of Science, and there is a strong emphasis on the development of experimental and practical skills. Pupils are encouraged to relate their understanding of Science to decisions about lifestyles, and to technological developments in society.

The AS and A2 study of Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry and Physics are very popular choices, with many students progressing to related university courses.

Biology   (Live Birdbox Camera)
Biology is the study of living organisms and our experienced and dynamic department brings this exciting subject to life.  With a subject that is continually developing and rarely out of the headlines (think of global warming, medical advances and concerns over decreasing biodiversity amongst other issues), our Biology courses provide relevant and interesting material for citizens of tomorrow to make informed judgments about themselves and their environment.

Our six highly qualified teachers are ably supported by technical staff.  All staff participate in continuous professional development and the five light, pleasant and exceedingly well-resourced laboratories are conducive to both study and practical work. We make good use of our excellent computer facilities and ICT is incorporated into the teaching and learning in many lessons.   Our superb and extensive grounds provide many opportunities for biological study outside the classroom and our live animals, including a bearded dragon and a chameleon, are always a focus of attention for students.

The curriculum is structured so that students develop skills as well as learn facts.  With courses from the leading edge of educational developments, there are frequent opportunities for students to explore, experience, discover, manipulate and think about real Biology.  Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork skills are fostered by practical work as is the ability to work independently in preparation for higher education.  The new AQA GCSE course provides a firm foundation for success at A level.  Our results are very good at both GCSE and A level and are particularly good in terms of ‘value added’ for individual students.  Many of our students go on to study courses related to Biology, including medicine, veterinary science and physiotherapy, at leading universities.

Chemistry
“Poo!” they always say (prospective pupils and parents, that is) as they walk into the Chemistry Department.  “What a smell!” Or “Smells just like chemistry did when I was at school!”  Well, it would, wouldn’t it?  It’s no coincidence that chemistry has gone under the soubriquet “Stinks” since time immemorial.  So does chemistry have anything to recommend it, apart from teaching you how to make bad smells, loud bangs, and bright flashes?  Of course it does.  It touches every aspect of your daily life; can you honestly think of a moment in your life when you have not been in physical contact with something which chemists have had a hand in?  (Bet you can’t – and if you think you can, you have never appreciated the part that chemistry and chemists play in modern life.) 

Here at Bromsgrove the Chemistry Department team is enthusiastic and committed to helping our pupils gain the sort of good chemistry qualifications that are highly valued by almost all employers because they appreciate the high level thinking and analytical skills which chemists bring with them.  And does our enthusiasm and commitment pay off?  Just look at our A level results!

Physics
During physics lessons pupils develop the ability to work independently, understand the fundamentals of physics, and to have an awareness of physics in a wider context. In practical work they develop the ability to devise and plan safe experiments, and to communicate the results clearly and logically. Physics can offer a great deal of variety, from skilful experimenting to careful mathematical deduction; from designing new devices of practical use to inventing new ways to describe the world; from accounting for simple phenomena of everyday life to making sense of things never seen.

During the Fourth and Fifth forms all pupils are taught by specialist physicists. Pupils sit separate physics examinations each year: their results contribute to a double science GCSE award in Science. In the Sixth form AQA Physics B specification B is studied by large numbers of pupils both at AS and A level. We often enter a select group of sixth formers for the British Physics Olympiad competition, this year one of our students gained one of the top fifteen scores nationally (actual positions being unpublished).