Science faculty

Teaching Staff:

Mrs L C Lloyd B.Sc. Hons. P.G.C.E. - Head of Faculty
Mr D Barlow B Sc Hons PGCE - Deputy Head of Faculty and Examinations Officer
Mr R Thomas B Sc Hons PGCE
Mr T Breen Smith B Sc Hons PGCE
Mrs J Owen B Sc Hons PGCE
Mr M Williams B Sc Hons PGCE
Mrs. E. Evans B Sc
Mrs S Davies B Sc PGCE - Headteacher

Laboratory Assistant:

Ms N. Farrugia B Sc Hons.

Science is a deservedly popular subject in Builth with pupils being taught by our team of highly- qualified specialist science teachers, ably assisted by colleagues from the Learning Support Unit and laboratory assistant.

Y6 pupils from feeder primary schools visit the school for the transition week during the summer term and enjoy taster lessons.

Pupils in Key Stage 3 study Science based on the National Curriculum Programme of Study: Scientific Enquiry; Interdependence of Organisms; The Sustainable Earth and How Things Work for 3 lessons weekly in Y7, 8 and 9. Each pupil is regularly assessed when performing activities including practical enquiries which contribute towards a portfolio. Emphasis is placed on developing skills. In Enquiry, these are Planning, Developing and Reflecting, in addition to Application of Number, Communication, Improving Own Learning and Progress, Problem Solving and Working with Others. In the Summer term of Year 9, teachers make an overall judgement of a pupil's performance based on his/her portfolio awarding a National Curriculum level which is reported to parents/carers.

In Year 7, pupils study Science in mixed ability groups, while in Years 8 and 9 they are placed in sets according to performance in written tests conducted at regular intervals during the year.

Pupils in both Year 7 and 8 study 3 modules of Science based on the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 Programme of Study begun in Year 7. The topics studied include Acids and Alkalis; the Periodic Table; Health; the Environment; Forces and Energy.

Pupils in Year 9 continue to study 3 modules of Science based on the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 Programme of Study begun in Year 7 and also carry out several extended Enquiries based on the topics they have studied.

All students study Core Science for 3 periods per week to obtain a GCSE qualification. One lesson of Biology, Chemistry and Physics is taken each week, with examinations at the end of year 11.

Students may also opt to study Additional Science. This will involve another one lesson per week for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, giving six Science lessons per week in total. The Science and Additional Science examinations will be taken at the end of year 11. Additional Science is suitable for students who have a general interest in science and is necessary for the majority of technically-based Post-16 courses as well as those who are considering taking any branch of Science at A Level.

Coursework accounts for 25% of both courses and comprises practical assessments during lessons throughout the course.

A small number of students may be advised to study Entry Level Science, in which 6 modules are studied in 3 lessons weekly. Continuous assessment is conducted throughout the course, reducing the emphasis on examinations.

This course may be followed through the medium of Welsh for those students currently in 9C.

During Key Stage 4, all pupils study WJEC GCSE Core Science for 3 lessons weekly in Y10 and 11. Many pupils also opt to study the WJEC GCSE Additional Science course in Y10 and Y11. Pupils are awarded grades according to performance in written examinations (for which pupils are entered for either the Foundation or Higher papers) and assessed practical tasks conducted during lesson time.

Throughout Y7-11, pupils are taught either through the medium of Welsh (one form per year group) by our Welsh- speaking scientist or in English (all other forms). A bilingual approach is encouraged in line with school policy and further development is in progress.

Lessons incorporate a wide range of activities, such as discussion, comprehension, video, IT, experimentation and fieldwork in order to enable pupils to develop through different learning styles.

In Builth Science is very popular in the 6th form and every year about one third of our pupils choose to study at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Physics for AS and A2 and Electronics to AS level. Many of our students go on to study at the leading universities.

The examination results at all Key Stages are consistently good, exceeding the average for Powys and Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much homework will I get?
A: In accordance with school policy you will have about 30 minutes homework weekly in Y7,8 and 9 , about 90 minutes weekly in Y10 to 11 while Y12 and 13 should study for about 4 hours. Homework should be completed by the date your teacher has set so you keep up. You are supplied with a homework diary to aid your planning. It is designed to complement your lessons and may involve reading, questions, writing and research on the internet or in the media.

Q: Why should I study Science?
A: The government requires all pupils in Y7 to 11 to study Science to prepare you to live in a rapidly changing world- you need GCSE or Entry Level Science for most courses you will take post-16. Anyway, it’s interesting to find out about the world around you, what stuff is made of, your health, how things work and…we could go on!

Q: Will I do experiments?
A: Yes! You will do a wide variety of practical tasks such as making hydrogen, testing acids with red cabbage juice, burning magnesium, calculating the speed of sound and of your reactions and your heart rate.

Q: Will I dissect animals?
A: No. You will examine organs such as kidneys, hearts and lungs from the butcher.

Q: I find school work difficult- how will I cope?
A: Your lessons will be tailored to suit you and will involve a wide range of activities. From Y8 to 11 you will be in classes of pupils with broadly similar abilities. Your teachers are highly qualified and experienced and know that everyone is different. Ask if you need help. Many classes will also have a skilled Learning Support Assistant to help you, too. Of course, you are expected to do your bit by always doing your best to complete the work set.

Q: What equipment will I need?
A: You will need a black or blue pen, pencil, sharpener, ruler, rubber and some colouring pens or pencils. You will find a revision guide very useful, too: available from booksellers and on the internet.

Q: What if I miss a lesson ?
A: Every lesson is important as you are studying the material you need for a Science qualification so if you are away you are responsible for catching up what you missed. Ask a friend and/ or your teacher what you need to do.

Science Department Photo Gallery

Further information

Biology

Chemistry

Physics