Our first round of Year 11 students have been settling into their Senior Science Subjects. Our Aquatic Practices students are learning the complexities of keeping aquariums and the requirements of aquatic species, whilst our Science in Practice Students have been developing their skills in various food preservation techniques, and the science behind them, including conditions affecting microbial growth. In Chemistry, students have been examining the properties and structure of atoms, materials and various types of chemical reactions through theory and practicals including purification techniques for polluted water and percentage yield of products during a reaction. Physics students are exploring heating processes and ionising radiation whilst conducting experiments examining specific heat capacity (amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by a particular amount) and heat effects on gas expansion. In Psychology, students are investigating the role of the brain and cognitive development, through examining early and more recent brain investigation techniques, the structure of the nervous system and main areas of the brain and brain development as well as sensitive and critical periods during development and the role of enriched environments. Biology students have been further refining their microscope techniques whilst examining requirements for cell survival as well as animal and plant processes, including enzymes and the digestive system. Students have conducted experiments examining the effects of surface area on nutrient intake of cells, effects of temperature on digestive enzymes and investigating the digestive system and cellular respiration.

Year 10 Science students are investigating genetics and the inheritance of particular traits, including isolating DNA from strawberries and examining the inheritance of their own traits, as well as comparing theories of evolution utilising examples such as the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. Year 9 students have been undertaking an investigation exploring their own bodies’ recovery after exercise, with a particular focus on the importance of the circulatory system in maintaining homeostasis, including performing a heart dissection. They are now examining ecosystems and how organisms interact with their environment, and how all matter is conserved regardless of whatever form it changes into via various experiments. Year 8 Physical World topics this term have included investigating different body systems including making model lungs and examining dissected organs, reporting on possible causes and treatments for infertility and researching significant, historical individuals of the Medieval Ages with an opportunity to participate in an incursion to learn more about Medieval life and try their hand at archery and other medieval games. Our Year 7s have been enthusiastic learners grasping opportunities to explore how the ancient Egyptians may have overcome forces to help build the pyramids, exploring these concepts during their investigative projects. We are pleased with how they are developing their scientific techniques in the laboratory whilst exploring forces through different experiments, look forward to them all obtaining their Bunsen burner licences before the end of this term.