Science Faculty
Photo: A Level Physics pupil carries out experiment
Biology
Biology is a very popular subject at the College with large numbers opting to study it at AS and A2. The high intake at A Level also reflects the range of careers that can be followed with Biology A Level, particularly in the medical profession.
Science and technology are an integral part of all of our lives. Biological issues that crop up include; from seeking to understand the behaviour of pets and fellow human beings, choosing food and drink from the supermarket and picking up a prescription, to discussing the ethics of transplant surgery or embryo experimentation.
Pupils who study Biology at St Edward's develop skills in areas such as written and oral communication, collaboration and self organisation. Observing and designing Biology fieldwork in Year 12 and many other practical activities including the Nuffield Project, promote in pupils the ability to translate practical results into theoretical ideas.
Pupils who study A Level Biology go on to follow many university courses and careers including veterinary science, medicine, dentistry, nursing, laboratory work, food manufacturing and genetic engineering.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a very popular subject at the College with large numbers opting to study it at AS and A2 level. This reflects the relevance to real life, as well as the usefulness for many possible areas of employment. Not to mention the enjoyment of practicals!
Pupils enjoy learning how science works, whether making concrete or mayonnaise one day, or testing the iron content of tablets another. Experiments carried out reflect the changing world we live in. Facilities are excellent, with a string of technical support staff to help with experiments. The College has excellent resources including traditional text books or ICT based material; an area in which there has been significant investment in recent years.
Pupils have the opportunity to enter local competitions, such as the Science Olympics or RSC Analyst of the year (at the University of Liverpool). They travel further afield to take part in Salters' Summer Camps. Considerable success was enjoyed in 2008/2009, with College pupils regularly being placed and winning awards.
Significant numbers of pupils go on to study in areas traditionally associated with the subject; such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Veterinary Science. Others go into areas such as Teaching and Accountancy. Old Edwardians regularly visit to talk about how Chemistry has helped them in their chosen career. We would love to hear from you if you feel you could contribute in this way.
St Edward's enthuses pupils about Chemistry by demonstrating that Chemistry is all around us and that 'not all Chemists wear white coats!' (a recent poster campaign throughout the laboratories). We succeed in nurturing this enthusiasm and encouraging pupils to enjoy the learning process with us.
Physics
Physics at St Edward’s is like a journey through the hows and whys of our world and beyond.
At Key Stage Three, the students are introduced to material which enables them to appreciate the rules which govern phenomena; why certain objects feel cold, whereas others feel warm; why the colour of objects can change and why inhabitants of a certain planet will never have birthdays.
At Key Stage Four, the emphasis moves towards application of these rules – How Science Works. For example, with the energy crisis looming, students are encouraged to develop their own views as to how to solve the problem. What are better, Nuclear power stations (and their long-term problems) or wind and water (with the destruction of idyllic landscapes)?
A significant number of pupils go on to study Physics at A level where students discover the origins of the rules which govern our Universe; from the tiny world of particles, to the unimaginable destructive force of black holes.
Why study Physics at St Edward’s? In recent years pupils studying Physics have gone on to study Medicine, Engineering, Maths and Physics at University. They have gone on to do research, to work in industry, to work in the city, to become millionaires and to fly 737’s!
KS3 Science
Key Stage Three Science at St Edward’s College introduces pupils to the fascinating world of science and all its applications. Through the study of different science topics in each year group, pupils are encouraged, through practical work and investigations, to learn about science and how it shapes our daily lives.
Pupils look at aspects of how different types of scientists collaborate and work in teams to develop new scientific ideas into real everyday applications that benefit society. The pupils are enthused and have plenty of opportunities to make links between the science they are learning and their experiences in the world. This year we have introduced a Forensic Science unit as an introduction to new Year Seven pupils with crime scenarios they have to solve.
At St Edward’s College pupils are encouraged in their science lessons to be independent learners and to develop their natural curiosity of how things work; from atoms and cells to the Solar System. In June 2009 Miss Greenland organised for the Bug Man to visit school to further Year Seven pupils' understanding of ‘classification of living things’. All Year Seven pupils were really excited and they got the chance to see lots of different creepy crawlies and to learn all about their diverse characteristics. Some brave pupils and teachers even touched some of the creepy crawlies brought along by the Bug Man. The department hopes to repeat this in 2010 and organise other events to encourage pupils’ interest and enjoyment of science. The department is collaborating on a field trip with the Geography department, planning to take Year Eight pupils to Hilbre Island to look at ecosystems in the forthcoming summer term.
Staff also run Science clubs where pupils can try all sorts of different experiments they might not have the opportunity to do in lessons. A firm favourite is bouncing custard balls! For gifted and talented Year Eight pupils, the department is introducing the Crest Award bronze program.