Our Science Department has just announced some exciting developments to the schools’ science provision: a brand new Astronomy GCSE for future stargazers, coupled with a newly refurbished Lab fit for any budding scientist.  

Newly appointed Head of Science and Cambridge PGCE student, Mr Andrew Martin, joined St John’s in September, and since then has been working to update facilities for students to widen their horizons in the field of science, and to better prepare them for university.

The Astronomy GCSE course will begin in September 2012. Students who show a good understanding of and interest in Physics will be able to study the new GCSE in addition to their three IGCSEs. Students will have the opportunity to visit observatories and telescopes to enhance their learning experience. Use of the newly refurbished Lab 7 computer and data logging systems will give students the experience of using real time data collection and computer simulations in their studies.

Frankie, 14, has been at St John’s for two years and first gained an interest in the solar system when Frankie’s Dad introduced stargazing to her brother. “I’ve been into the country a number of times with my Dad and brother to look at stars - there is little light pollution in the country so you see lots more. We saw Mars once. The GCSE Astronomy is a great opportunity for students – the school has equipped the lab especially for this course.   I would like to do a science-based degree so the course will be especially helpful to me.”

Mr Graham Wilce will teach the new GCSE at t John’s. “This course is an excellent opportunity to observe and study the night sky and the universe, utilising remote viewing and control of real telescopes around the UK and the world. The computers will allow students to access many web-based resources and real probes/telescopes orbiting the solar system.”

In addition to this exciting new course, the school has made investment in improving teaching facilities. Lab 7 – the refurbished science suite for GCSE and A Level students, now has six new workstations comprising a PC, water and gas connections, and is of a similar standard to that of a University science lab.  

Mr Andrew Martin, Head of Science, comments. “All our students will benefit from the newly refurbished Lab 7. GCSE students will be able to conduct experiments using data logging equipment to simulate real time experiments such as rates of reaction, photosynthesis and velocity and/or time graphs. A Level students will use the data logging facilities to investigate a large variety of topics and produce lab reports in a style similar to that expected at university - preparing them for science at university as well as enhancing their A Level experience. Our Gifted and Talented programme, and A Level PE students will also make use of the new equipment - especially in their physiology course. In addition, our sixth form students conducting research for their EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) will be supported by this Lab.”

Science at St John's