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Independent Co-Educational Day & Boarding School for Ages 2 - 18. The Best of British Boarding by the Sea.

Science

The Science department at Saint Felix believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world.

Science has changed our lives and is important to the world’s future prosperity. We consider that all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

The study of science should reflect the importance of spoken language in pupils’ development; cognitively, socially and linguistically. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are key factors in developing their scientific vocabulary and developing an ability to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely.

 

  • pre-prep

    • The aim of the science curriculum in KS1 is to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of the world through observation, investigation and exploration.

      The beautiful outdoor environment at Saint Felix plays a key role in the delivery of science lessons and we make the most of this safe, natural resource. Class teachers deliver lessons through topics designed to stimulate and enhance the children’s enjoyment of this subject. Pupils are encouraged to observe and ask questions about living things, materials and phenomena. They learn to evaluate what they see and communicate their thoughts using scientific language, drawings, diagrams, charts and tables.

  • preparatory

    • In key stage 2, the focus is to enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas.

      Pupils do this through exploring and talking about their ideas; asking their own questions about scientific phenomena; and analysing functions, relationships and interactions more systematically. Gradually, they encounter more abstract ideas and begin to recognise how these ideas help them to understand and predict how the world operates.

  • senior

    • The focus in key stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the specific subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, whilst stimulating and maintaining the enthusiasm of the pupils.

      They should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. We use a course which gives a solid foundation of knowledge in all three science areas as well as emphasizing investigative and experimental skills.

      In KS4 the Edexcel separate science GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taught. Throughout the GCSE course, pupils are in small groups taught by specialist teachers. We aim to develop in the pupils a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods, whilst they acquire the specific scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning.

  • sixth form

    • The full A level consists of three external examinations; two each of 105 minutes and a third of 150 minutes.

      In addition there is an assessment of practical skills. This is partly assessed by completion of Core Practical tasks, and partly by assessment of practical skills within the written papers.

      Biology:
      A-level Biology is a dynamic, inspiring and demanding subject. With its mixture of scientific method, problem solving, practical skills and socially relevant content it offers students the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills to enable them to respond with confidence to the demands of undergraduate study at university. Biology also offers a wide range of potential career options and opportunities within the biosciences, life sciences and beyond. The specification we use for Biology at A-level is the Pearson Edexcel Biology B course.

      Physics:
      The specification chosen for the study of physics at A level is the Edexcel specification (9PH0). It is a blend of theory and practical work. The A-level physics course, in common with biology and chemistry, aims especially to foster imaginative and critical thinking and incorporate a number of themes. Physics A level study is a requirement for many professions – including architecture, all engineering disciplines and many medical branches – particularly radiography. As the most general of the sciences, Physics is a useful contrasting subject for students intending to study mainly the humanities or the performing arts.

      Chemistry:
      The course offered at Saint Felix is Edexcel A level Chemistry (9CHO)

      Its aims are to encourage candidates to:

      • develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry;
      • appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society;
      • demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works;
      • gain essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry

       

  • STEM

    • STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. STEM education integrates concepts that are usually taught as separate subjects in different classes and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-life situations.

      A STEM activity is typically based around finding a solution to a real-world problem and tends to emphasize collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, where students with a skill in one area help others to develop the same skill. By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related ideas, the intention is that many will develop a feel for it and consider pursuing a job in a STEM field. Click the link to go to the Saint Felix STEM page.

      Find out more about STEM