Senior Department | Science
The philosophy of the Science Department is to generate excitement and enthusiasm in its pupils by satisfying their natural sense of curiosity while encouraging them to communicate and practise their thinking skills. Co-operation and creative ability is encouraged through varied practical investigative work. A cross-curricular approach is maintained and a transfer of knowledge for other subject areas is encouraged.
Science at Cranmore plays a pivotal role in promoting visual, audio and kinaesthetic learning. Science teachers genuinely understand how boys learn and the syllabus is packed with ‘hands on’ practical activities. Teachers are particularly pleased when we hear from ‘old boys’ that have entered careers in science, engineering or medicine.
Subject specialists teach the three sciences in the separate subjects of biology, chemistry and physics from the 4th form upwards. ICT is embedded within the syllabus and data logging is used regularly throughout the course. The department has three dedicated, spacious, well-equipped laboratories, each containing a Smart Board, video and Internet links and one of the laboratories contains a bank of eight computers and printing facilities. The latest simulation and applications software is continually being evaluated and used by the boys.
The department prides itself in promoting ‘science in action’ through developing links with local agencies & companies and it arranges lectures given by external speakers.
Mullard Space Science Labs regularly visit the school and enthral pupils about space and beyond. The department is actively developing a list of designated ‘Science Ambassadors’ who come in and relate science to the world of work.
Trips include visits to field centres for environmental studies, museums, science centres and the world-renowned glasshouse and learning centre RHS Wisley. The department runs a very popular Lego Technic Club for 3rd form boys and a Science Club for the 4th form. This develops collaborative and team building skills and, as a result, Cranmore competes in the Surrey Schools Science & Engineering Challenges.
Textbook and revision resources are excellent. In fact, the department has designed its own CE revision guide. Lessons are well planned and taught by enthusiastic specialist teachers. As a result Common Entrance and Scholarship science is taught to a high standard and boys do very well in the external examinations to their chosen senior schools.
