Science and Technology
Science and Technology Faculty
Meet the Team
Our Science and Technology Faculty is a dynamic and forward-thinking team committed to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our students. We are proud to introduce our staff:
Stephen Mannion – Head of Faculty
Dan Eames – Second in Faculty, Science
Dee Evans – Second in Faculty, Design Technology
Elizabeth Thomas – ICT Teacher
Holly Phillips – Science Teacher
Claire Foulkes – Science Teacher
Daniel Nwoko – Science Teacher
Together, we provide a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world.
Science
Introduction to the Subject
Science seeks to explain the world around us, addressing big questions about living things, chemical reactions, and the fundamental properties of matter and the universe. Students explore these questions while developing skills in scientific enquiry, analysis, and evaluation of scientific data.
Key Stage 3
At KS3, students follow a balanced Science course based on the Exploring Science resources. This course incorporates the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Pupils develop fundamental scientific skills and have opportunities to conduct investigations in the laboratory. Their work is continually assessed in line with the current National Curriculum and the Skills Framework for Wales.
Useful Links for KS3
Key Stage 4
At KS4, all students study Science. They may take the GCSE Science Double Award, resulting in two GCSEs, or choose Separate Science as a GCSE option, earning separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The KS4 curriculum is updated to align with the new WJEC Science specifications, ensuring students are well-prepared for their examinations and future studies.
Useful Links for KS4
Reading Material
*My Revision Notes - WJEC GCSE Science Double Award *
Design and Technology (Product Design)
Introduction to the Subject
Product Design is a Technology subject taught across both Key Stages. It enables pupils to use design skills and technical knowledge to improve existing products or create new ones. Pupils use drawings, 3-D models, and computer designs to express ideas, understand new technologies, production methods, and materials, and develop skills to meet deadlines and budgets.
Throughout the course, pupils develop real-life skills to prepare them for life beyond school and understand the technological world.
Key Stage 3
Pupils engage in a variety of projects to develop design and manufacturing skills using different materials. All practical work follows the design process: Understanding, Research, Designing, Making, and Evaluation. Formal assessments occur every half term based on theory content.
Projects Include:
Year 7 – Acrylic Photo Frame and Funky Storage
Year 8 – Chocolate Mould and Tea Light Holder
Year 9 – Pewter Jewellery and Portable Speaker
Useful Links for KS3
Key Stage 4
Year 10 pupils complete projects to gain skills needed for their Year 11 project, working with a range of materials and processes required at GCSE. Projects include testing and iterative design as per WJEC requirements. Theory content is covered in preparation for the Year 11 exam.
Year 11 lessons are split 50/50 between theory and coursework. Pupils choose a WJEC brief to produce a product meeting the requirements, completing a sketchbook, presentation sheets, prototype, and final product. The exam is a 2-hour paper covering all theory.
Projects Include:
Year 10 – Phone Desk Tidy and Mini NEA (Non-Exam Assessment)
Year 11 – GCSE NEA
Useful Links for KS4
Extra-Curricular
Break and dinner catch-up sessions (KS3 and KS4)
Compulsory after-school revision (Year 11)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Introduction to the Subject
At KS3, learners develop ICT skills by finding, creating, and presenting information using a wide range of equipment and software. They plan activities, consider audience needs, and solve problems using ICT. Learners communicate information in various formats and use mathematical data handling in software.
Key Stage 3
Modules include:
E-safety
Spreadsheet Design
Data Handling
Email
Video Editing
Creating Sound
Animation
Digital Literacy
Useful Links for KS3
Key Stage 4
We offer the WJEC GCSE ICT qualification (A*-G), building on KS3 knowledge. The course includes:
Unit 1: Understanding ICT (40 UMS) – Exam on functional ICT in home and school contexts.
Unit 2: Solving Problems with ICT (60 UMS) – Controlled assessment portfolio demonstrating practical ICT skills.
Unit 3: ICT in Organisations (40 UMS) – Exam on ICT applications in business and industry.
Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions (60 UMS) – Controlled assessment developing multimedia software solutions.
The course encourages creativity, independence, and problem-solving through designing ICT systems in various contexts.
Useful Links for KS4
Reading Material
Essential GCSE ICT for WJEC (Stephen Doyle) ISBN: 978-1850085416
My Revision Notes: WJEC ICT for GCSE 2nd Edition (Ian Paget) ISBN: 9781510454941
Extra-Curricular Activities
Science: Annual Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge
ICT:
Computing/Coding Club (Year 9) – Wednesdays 1:20–2:00 pm and 3:00–4:00 pm with Mrs Davies
Cyber Discover Club – A government initiative to train future cyber-security experts for students aged 13–18.
More information about Cyber Discover can be found at joincyberdiscovery.com and via this video.
For further information about the Science and Technology Faculty or our curriculum, please contact the school office.