The Science Department has 7 fully equipped laboratories and two preparation rooms. The Science teachers are supported by two well-qualified technicians.

There is a wealth of teaching experience at all Key Stages and this is reflected in the popularity of all three Sciences at A level. Where possible Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons are taught by subject specialists at all Key Stages.

In Years 7 and 8 our students study Science in three lessons per week: one lesson of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The girls follow programs which provide a solid foundations in terms of knowledge, understanding and practical skills to support the start of IGCSE Science in Year 9.

In Year 9 we commence Edexcel GCSE courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Previously we prepared students for the Edexcel IGCSE courses. The course is delivered in one lesson per week per subject. Students’ progress and achievement are monitored using assessment tasks and end of unit tests. At the end of Year 9 there is an internal examination in each Science.

In Years 10 and 11 the girls continue to study the separate Sciences. The course is delivered in two lessons per week per subject. At the end of Year 10 there is an internal examination in each subject covering the material studied in both Years 9 and 10.

In the summer of Year 11, students sit two external examination papers in each subject. There is no coursework element to the GCSE or IGCSE courses, but an understanding of practical procedures will be assessed within the external examinations.

At GCE we offer OCR A level Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The A levels are linear courses and students sit external examinations in June of Year 13.  Each course has a practical endorsement – achieved by the students as they demonstrate a range of skills over the two years.

Visiting speakers, trips and events support the learning experience and to help our students see the relevance of Science within the world.

Over the past years we have been on many local trips: to the zoo, the brewery, a distillery at the Lavender Farm, the water treatment works at Jersey Water and to the Opera House to see the theatre production ‘Horrible Science’.

We also offer opportunities for students to go off-island:

We have an annual visit to Bristol University’s School of Chemistry, where students undertake s series of practicals, attend lectures and see what resources are available to scientists at university.

We have taken students to the Eden Project where they have studied the symbiosis between different species of insects in the biomes and learned how these insects support the plant life there.

We have taken students to Munich to experience new uses for technology at the Science Museum, visit a nuclear fusion reactor and to explore the BMW assembly plant.

We have also been at the heart of successful school expeditions to South Africa, Madagascar, Mexico and Galapagos. Working with Operation Wallacea, students have taken part in conservation projects and cutting-edge research.