Science | Highcliffe School

Science

Subjects Offered

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geography
Health & Social Care
Psychology
Sociology

I chose Biology as I was interested in the human body, but now it is not just anatomy that excites me. Throughout the course I have developed my understanding of many aspects of Biology. This has encouraged me to go into the career of Physiotherapy, where I hope to develop further my passion for the subject. I enjoy the challenge that every lesson brings and the course has helped me become more independent and confident in all aspects of school life.
Jess Kydd-Coutts
Biology student

All the Science subjects offer the opportunity to pursue a variety of career pathways such as: Research, Healthcare, Environmental Conservation, Education, Veterinary Science, Medicine, Marine Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Food Science, Forensic Science, Astronomy/Space Industries, Computer Science, Dentistry, Electronics, Engineering, Materials Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy.

At Highcliffe there are eleven fully equipped and refurbished laboratories and an ICT laboratory with extra ICT for data logging and processing, digital microscopy, web browsing and interactive learning programmes via the school server.

All students are given on line access to textbooks relevant to their specification for the duration of their course in the Sixth Form and revision guides are also available. In addition there is a large amount of science resources available to students in the Learning Resource Centre, including scientific publications, which students can access for independent study. Science teachers have produced resources that can be accessed by students via the school’s resources bank. Support sessions are also provided during lunchtimes and after school. Access to all these resources encourages independence in learning in our students.

All Science subjects encourage students to problem solve and use higher order thinking to explain, analyse and evaluate data and information. All Highcliffe Science teachers are committed to developing these important life skills. Teachers do this by challenging students to develop a deeper understanding of the topics within their subject and also providing a well-resourced and stimulating learning environment. Recent Highcliffe student successes in Science include: studying Physics at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Biological Sciences at Oxford, Medicine at Oxford. Every year we have students who go on to study Medicine and a whole range of science related degree courses at top universities.


I chose Psychology because I was interested in learning about something completely new. The way the human mind works has always fascinated me. I have found every topic we have studied interesting and have increased my understanding of why we behave, feel and think in certain ways. Understanding Psychology has changed the way I relate to other people, stopped me making instant judgements, and has given me a lot of insight into the science of the mind. It has taught me about mental illnesses and conditions I didn’t even know existed. I would definitely recommend this subject; it is useful for any line of work you are thinking of going into, particularly if you have to relate to other people.
Victoria Nickson
Psychology student

Opportunities to extend and deepen learning

We offer a range of trips and visits to complement the Science courses including a residential field trip in the Purbecks, a visit to the Biomedical Imaging Unit at Southampton University Hospital, Institute of Physics lecture tours, Southampton University teatime lectures and Physics at Thorpe Park.

In addition we offer a range of extra-curricular activities including participating in the Engineering in Education Scheme in conjunction with the Royal Navy, entering the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads, Gold Crest Awards, and Nuffield Awards. We assist students in their applications for “A Year in Industry” placements and Headstart, Engineering based pre-university courses, provided by the Engineering Development Trust. We have also successfully placed students in Work Experience placements at Southampton Hospital.

For our Geography students, opportunities to extend learning outside the classroom is extensively provided for with many field work activities and experiences covering local, national and international sites. University lectures and visits are also organised as well as residential trips to near and further afield destinations. A trip to Iceland will be a particular highlight for our Geography and Biology students in 2017.

Sixth Form students are also involved in helping with Science and Eco-clubs in the lower school and promoting Science within the school, for example becoming involved as Science Mentors during Science Week.


Subject Information


    Owned by: SCN | Last Published: 21/07/2016 14:45:55 | Next Update: July 2017


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