Science

We love science at Eston Park School. We believe that science is crucial in providing the skills and understanding required for young people to be successful in today’s world. We want our students to achieve their best in science against challenging targets, but also to enjoy their science lessons and acquire skills that equip them for their future lives.

We are a very well-resourced department with 3 excellent science technicians, 9 fully-fitted laboratories and our own dedicated computer room. The science staff are passionate about their subject and are always on hand to offer help and advice during break times, after school and via email. We also run a very popular science club and animal club featuring rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and Slinky the corn snake.

Our Courses:

  • At key stage 3 all students have 4 hours of science lessons per week. We are fully equipped with resources from ‘Exploring Science’ and we like to emphasise the relevance of science with links to technology, the environment, industry and medicine. We believe that the focus should be on enjoying science and acquiring useful skills.
  • At key stage 4 we currently follow the OCR 21st Century Science course.
  • In year 10, all students take GCSE Science A. This course is assessed with module exams in January and May as well as 2 pieces of coursework (data analysis and case study), worth 33%
  • In year 11, some students take GCSE Additional Science and others take GCSE Additional Applied Science.
  • At A level we offer four very popular courses which are taught by highly qualified staff:
  • A level Applied Science (AQA)
  • A level Biology (OCR)
  • A level Chemistry (OCR)
  • A level Physics (OCR)

We like to provide many opportunities to encounter science outside the classroom and in the past year events and trips have included:

  • a visit to the Centre for Life at Newcastle (including ice skating)
  • year 12 visit to Flamingo Land Zoo
  • key stage 3 trip to ‘Horrible Science’ at Sunderland Empire
  • year 7 ‘Science Junkie’ presentation at Teesside University
  • science club trips to Saltholme Bird Sanctuary, over the top of the Transporter Bridge and Sunderland Glass Centre
  • Starchaser rocket event
  • Olympic architecture event
  • Build your own wind turbine event
  • Forensic Science competition
  • ‘Top of the Bench’ Chemistry competition (regional finalists)
  • Enterprise trip with English to the Alnwick Garden and Castle
  • Soap making