Science
A specialist science school
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls is a specialist science school. We aim to encourage all students to take a full part in scientific activities, both within their lessons and through the many enrichment activities we provide. We want all students to have an appreciation of the importance of science in society and we hope that many of them will become the scientists of the future. The science area of this website contains more information on our specialist science activities.
Teaching and Learning
Science is the study of the world around us through observation, experimentation and theoretical explanations and at MGGS we strive to promote an understanding of all of these in our students. Practical work forms a key part of Science lessons; we want students to discover things themselves and the best way to do this is through investigations. All Science courses are taught by integrating investigation with the requirements of the National Curriculum. The applications of science to everyday life and industry are also stressed. ICT as both a teaching and a learning tool is increasingly important.
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls has an excellent reputation for Science resulting in many students continuing to study Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics at AS and A2 level.
In Year 7 and 8, lessons are timetabled as 'Science' resulting in a more holistic view of topics. From Year 9 onwards, the Sciences are taught separately allowing excellent and in depth preparation for KS4. We also teach an additional Science lesson in year 9 to allow students to gain the skills they need for GCSE and beyond.
At GCSE, there is the option of following the Science / Additional Science courses or Separate Sciences (Biology / Chemistry / Physics). Some students do an additional GCSE in Astronomy.
AS and A2 levels are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Human Biology and all are successful both in terms of results and as preparation for university. Each year students go on to read a variety of science and science-related subjects at University, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering and other pure and applied science subjects.
Enrichment
In addition to lessons, there are several out of class activities. Each year we run a number of events in connection with Science, Engineering and Technology Week. Recently, this has included the Astrodome, The Big Bug Show, a careers evening and a trip to Port Lympne wild animal park.
Science club and PATCH club run weekly and are available to all students.
We often invite speakers into school to extend our lessons e.g. blood transfusion nurses, guitar physics lecture, university outreach activities.
Staff and Facilities
The Science Department is fully staffed with experienced, specialist teaching staff, some of whom have additional responsibilities in a wider school context. There are ten laboratories, a dedicated ICT suite and five preparation rooms, with good facilities available. We are most ably supported by five technical staff. In recent years, several of our laboratories have been refurbished and the programme of refurbishment is on-going.
We have invested heavily in the facilities required for a science classroom in the 21st century including interactive whiteboards, subject-related software, the ability to give students both course and revision materials on CD, and cameras for student use in coursework, experiments and educational visits. While our vision of ICT within Science is strong we do not forget that in essence Science is a practical subject and ICT will always be, as it should be, a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
The Science Department is both innovative and successful leading to our position as a science specialist school. Over many years we have achieved an excellent set of public examination results both at GCSE and A-level for all three sciences.
Mrs C Binks
Head of Science / Head of Biology