Departments
Science
At Brandeston Hall we offer a science course which develops our pupils’ enthusiasm, enjoyment and curiosity whilst at the same time allowing each pupil to progress, with conviction, and reach his or her own potential.
Science is taught throughout the school and starts with their own classroom teacher up to Year 4. Teaching then takes place in a fully-equipped laboratory taught by a science specialist, assisted by a laboratory technician. Our focus is to take the best from the National Curriculum and then enrich it. Science becomes specialised into Biology, Physics and Chemistry in Years 7 and 8 and we follow the ISEB Common Entrance syllabus. There is the opportunity to apply for the Porter Science Scholarship at 13 plus, for further study to GCSE level, and beyond.
Strategies for teaching science focus on skills and processes, developing children’s confidence and building on earlier experiences. Topics are designed so that pupils can learn by practical work. The extensive school grounds which include the river Deben, woodland, grassland and ponds provide varied habitats to study field work. The main aim is to extend children’s natural curiosity about the world in which they live.
Each year we hold a Science Week which incorporates a plethora of activities with cross-curricular links to art, maths, geography, DT and ICT. Previous activities have included a visit by a forensic policeman, a local beekeeper, Suffolk Country Council Recyclers, a giant inflatable planetarium and the infamous ‘bug man’. Trips out have been to the Natural History and Science Museum, the RSPB reserve at Minsmere, Colchester Zoo and Jimmy’s farm.
