Faculty of Science
Cyfadran Wyddoniaeth
Faculty Leader: Mr G Sinkowski
Deputy Faculty Leaders: Mrs M Atkinson, Mr J Le Boeuf
The aim of the Faculty is to build on the expertise within individual subject areas to ensure that Monmouth Comprehensive School is a beacon for STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) on a national level.
STEM subjects are integral to the UK’s success, yet have been taught independent of each other for generations. Our vision is that students’ learning at Monmouth Comprehensive School will benefit hugely from a collaboration of subject areas and that this will prepare many of them for rich and varied career pathways within STEM subjects. Our students will have the STEM knowledge and skills they need to be an informed citizen in an increasingly scientific and technological society.
With a team of 15 highly qualified specialist teachers supported by two lab technicians, we are a well resourced Department with access to a number of computers and all laboratories and classrooms are fitted with computer projectors.
Our varied curriculum across the Department allows students to follow science pathways which suit their aptitudes, interests and aspirations. We allow students to discover new ideas and concepts themselves through practical experience, discussion or research. We aim to create a lifelong interest in all things scientific and allow our young people to be able to access scientific debate and understand how science affects their everyday lives.
Skills are developed which not only produce scientists of the future but will be useful in all walks of life and further study.
KEY STAGE 3
Science at Key Stage 3 is designed to cover all aspects of the National Curriculum as well as to promote the thinking and investigative skills that will be essential later in life. Schemes of Work are designed to be hands-on and encourage discovery with students engaging in a wide variety of activities to support their learning. In Years 7 and 8, students are taught in broad ability groups. Students will be developing many key learning skills through relevant, thought-provoking scientific contexts. In Year 9, students are taught the core Science concepts and skills by one teacher, ensuring they are developed and honed, ready for the demands of GCSE study.
Science Club is a popular after-school activity during which students can work towards their Crest and STEM Science Awards, as well as having lots of fun.
KEY STAGE 4
We have a number of Science pathways at KS4, catering for the needs of citizens of the 21st Century. Students follow the WJEC double science pathway at KS4. Many of our students will study a GCSE Science course that teaches the core scientific principles and skills needed to understand the world around them and to engage in public debate about future scientific innovations. All students will study GCSE courses from the WJEC Science Suite of qualifications. They will be graded on the A*-G scale.
IN THE SIXTH FORM
We have highly qualified specialist teachers in all three A Level Science subjects attracting a large number of students year-on-year. Our triple award GCSE courses provide excellent preparation for the AS study and many students take more than one Science subject and go on to study further at University.