Specialist science status

Specialist Science Status at Weydon – What does it mean?

We gained Science status in July 2003 and we recently redesignated in September 2007. When you designate as a Science college you have to provide an exciting & innovative program for Science, Maths & ICT and promote these areas within the community. The community should consist of the wider community, primary feeders and a secondary partner, which for us is the Abbey School. Designation as a Science college as made a real impact in the following way:-

School Results

Since redesignation the whole school 5 A*-C results have risen a massive 23% from 64 to 87% 5 A*-C.

In Double Science the overall rise is 19% from 66% to 91%, In Biology results have risen from 96% A*-C to 100%, Chemistry is 89% to 100% and Physics is 91% A*-C to 100%.

In Maths the overall rise is 10% from 75% to 85% A*-C. Obviously the results portray a very healthy picture.

Science

• Interactive whiteboard in every lab
• Suite of computers for the sole use of Science
• More courses including AS Science, OCR National Level 2 in Science
• Additional Applied and Triple Science
• More trips – one for every year group
• More staffing to reduce class sizes
• An HLTA who only works in Science
• More technical support
• Better equipment
• Science clubs
• Good links with local post 16 colleges and universities
• Science shows

Maths

• Interactive whiteboard in every room
• Graphic calculators
• More courses including AS Maths and Statistics
• More staffing to reduce class sizes
• An HLTA who only works in Maths
• More clubs

Whole School

• Science day – whole school participates in a themed cross-curricular project
• Cross- curricular Science projects
• Becoming an eco-school
• Developing international links

Feeder Schools and Secondary Partner

• Y6 Crest Science club
• Y5 Master classes
• Primary Outreach Teacher
• Competitions
• Science Shows
• Science bus
• Funds for equipment
• Easter holiday project
• Using Weydon’s Science facilities

Wider Community

• ICT courses for returners to work
• ICT courses for single parents
• ICT courses for the silver surfers
• Termly Free Science lecture

As you can see the list is extensive and has been really positive for Weydon. Not only has it impacted on results and facilities but it has also brought opportunities to have fun, celebrate success and develop links with our wider community.

Any queries please contact Miss J Frost – Director of Science Status