Science

The Dragon boasts a thriving Science Department. There are six, modern, fantastically equipped laboratories. Each lab is fitted with a comprehensive range of school scientific equipment as well as a video, a computer and a digital projector.

The use of these allows the department to use digital cameras, as well as being able to access a huge range of educational websites and scientific programmes. One of the laboratories is dedicated solely to Year 4, while the other five are used by the rest of the school.
Aided by two qualified laboratory technicians, the children are able to participate in an extensive amount of practical work, which we see as a crucial part of this department. This also enables us to run a number of extra activities like Science Club and the Pet Society. We teach towards the 13+ Common Entrance Syllabus, while the top sets are also prepared for the scholarship examinations of a wide range of senior schools. The three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are covered extensively.

Lectures and Trips

Throughout the year the Science Department organises a number of lectures and a series of visits to local areas of interest. These visits, like the lectures, are an integral part of our teaching of Science. Visits can include Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxford Natural History Museum and the Oxford Botanic Gardens.

Science linked with Design and Technology

The Design and Technology Department is run by Angus Nicholson. In Year 4 this course is part of the Science curriculum and allows the children to study technology within a scientific context. The children can design and execute a variety of projects throughout the year. These include a model toy construction and simple electronic circuits. These classes provide an important crosscircular link between Science and Design.

Clubs

We encourage the children to extend their knowledge and interest in Science by making available a number of clubs, some of which, include:

ClubsPet Soc - This club enables a limited number of boarders to bring in their pets and look after them in school. The pets can be quite varied and have included hamsters, gerbils, frogs, snakes, lizards, finches and a praying mantis.

Science Club - A mix-and-match of exciting experiments and activities. It is available to Years 7 & 8. It usually involves making smelly gases or things that go bang!

For more information contact:
Kate Kettlewell
Head of Science