Science and Technology

The Science Department

The Colchester High School Science department is constantly seeking to position itself at the cutting edge of Science.  The department currently boasts specialist teachers in the three main scientific disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Pupils are given the opportunity of studying Science at key stages 3 and 4 within newly refurbished scientific laboratory facilities, equipped with leading edge technology.  Health and safety issues within Science lessons are taken very seriously by departmental staff, fortunately, facilities and class sizes (in conjunction with the sensible behaviour of pupils) enable the department to incorporate practical work wherever possible with the aim of encouraging and developing pupils' independent investigative skills.  In addition, the inclusion of practical work helps the department to cater for all learning styles as well as making the learning process as fun an experience as possible.

The Technology Department

Design & Technology is primarily about being creative, developing imagination and above all making things. The department has two workshops which are well equipped. Electronics is the general theme of the department but pupils will work in wood and plastic. As pupils progress through the school ICT becomes a major tool in the production and manufacture of the children's projects, from vinyl cutting, production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB's) and computer programming.

Year 5 pupils are taught Design & Technology in a purpose built workshop as opposed to normal classrooms. Junior pupils follow a D&T course that introduces pupils to the machines and tools that are found in workshops. The pupils experience making artifacts in wood and plastics with some electrical work.

When pupils enter the senior school they will be expected to work on a number of exciting projects. These projects are linked to many of the principles taught in science. In year 7 the projects are electrically based around electromagnetism; the appliance of science. In year 8 pupils construct more micro-electronics based projects rather than electrical themed tasks. Year 9 pupil are set a design & make problem based around a MP3 amplifier. Yr 10 & 11 pupils follow a GCSE Electronic syllabus and are expected to undertake a major practical assignment where pupils make an electronic artifact.

The department is proud of the pupils who have shown creativity and entered local and national competitions. We have had a pupil who won a regional final for Young Engineer of Britain and another who went on to the national final and won his class.