Science
At St Augustine’s Priory Science is an extremely popular and well-resourced department.
Situated in our own purpose-built laboratory block we engender a sense of independence and love of learning that our pupils take forward to all aspects of their lives; many of our pupils go on to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Engineering and other highly competitive courses. With our outstanding results we prepare pupils for their futures.
The Science Department aims to stimulate curiosity so that pupils explore areas they become passionate about. Students develop critical skills such as investigation, evaluation and application of information, which are relevant not only in Science but in everyday life; this engenders a sense of independence that is unique to our school.
At St Augustine’s Priory we enrich the students’ experience of Science by offering visits targeted to the individual Year groups. Annually we send the Priory Sixth students to the Institute of Education to hear a series of lectures which are at the cutting edge of all three disciplines.
Science is a core subject of the National Curriculum. The study of Science helps pupils to understand the world around them, to explain natural phenomena, to predict how things will behave, and to develop their natural curiosity. Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding are developed through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer scientific questions and to understand the nature, processes and methods of Science. These ‘Working Scientifically’ skills are embedded in the study of the content and are developed throughout the Prep and Junior school, preparing them well for the study of Science in the Senior school.
Pupils are encouraged to ask questions and to evaluate and extend their learning in Science as far as possible.
The Department delivers a two-year programme of study in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, aligned with the National Curriculum. The course is designed to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in preparation for GCSE study.
GCSE Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE Science course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which builds on the foundations taught in Key Stage 3. The course consolidates core knowledge in Year 10 before progressing to more advanced concepts in Year 11, providing a strong foundation for A Level study. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a range of Science challenges to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
A-Level Science (Biology Chemistry and Physics)
Pupils may choose to study OCR A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each course develops a deep understanding of scientific principles while fostering advanced skills in practical investigation, data analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving. Students learn to apply mathematical techniques in scientific contexts, design and evaluate experiments with precision, and communicate their ideas with clarity. These courses provide an excellent foundation for further study in Science-related disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering and the Natural Sciences, and equip pupils with the knowledge, resilience and transferable skills needed for success at university and beyond.