Science at TGGS

Current Teaching Staff:
Mrs K Bumby (Head of Biology)
Mr J Castillo (Head of Physics)
Dr T Sweet (Head of Chemistry)
Mr R Baker, Dr J Cattell, Mrs H Greenaway, Dr D Halliday, Mrs A Isaaks, Mrs J Kittow, Mrs N Leflaive, Mr A Walker.

Examination board and syllabus: AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Science is an ever-changing subject; not a day goes by without some scientific discovery or issue being reported in the news. We try to incorporate this important aspect of the subject into our teaching, and in doing so inform and encourage the next generation of scientists.

We want our students to be adept at applying their understanding in different contexts and our excellent facilities ensure that they also have opportunity to develop their practical and investigative skills. We are supported by four experienced technicians who ensure the smooth running of eight well-equipped laboratories and five preparation rooms.

The Science Department offer a range of activities to extend our students’ access to and enjoyment of Science. Some of the projects we are involved in are discussed below, more opportunities are always popping up and are advertised via the student notices, the website and newsletters.

If there is anything else you would like us to offer, please contact us to discuss.

British Science Week:
This is a celebration of the best of British Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths featuring fascinating, entertaining and engaging events that take place across the UK. TGGS hold a number of events to celebrate British Science Week, including lunchtime activities such as colourful chemistry, pond dipping, space science culminating in the big fat science quiz at the end of the week.

Trips and Visits:
Each year group will have a minimum of one science trip per year. Year 7 visit Paignton Zoo in the summer term, looking at sustainable food. They even get the chance to eat lot of critters!. Year 8 travel to We the Curious science museum in Bristol, to focus on digestion, space, DNA and more colourful chemistry (plus anything else we can squeeze in).

STEM Club:
KS3 STEM Club complete CREST awards over the course of the year by completing projects that they have designed. This ranges from automobile dynamics through to green house design, the students choose!

Fortnightly Quizzes:
Our 6th Form Ambassadors run competitions and quizzes throughout the year, ranging from posters on Marine Biology through to fortnightly chemistry quizzes. Plus they are all worth house points which adds that competitive element.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught by specialist teachers at all levels (click subject links to see more).