The Science department at Pinewood is housed in two large, fully equipped laboratories, and an additional ‘dry lab,’ all with interactive whiteboards. This excellent facility is intensively used by the specialist Science teachers and their classes, ranging from Year 3 to Year 8, and they are ably supported by a full-time laboratory technician.
Yearly examinations are conducted and, in the interim, topic assessments provide an accurate indicator of pupil progress. ICT is deeply embedded in the curriculum and pupils have every opportunity to use it in their daily lessons, using the bank of computers available within the department. Internet research, data handling and logging, and projects are typical applications of this essential and effective tool. Independent and individualised learning is very much what we are about.
The school year is also punctuated by ‘WOW’ days, where normal lessons are replaced by a series of activities designed to broaden knowledge of the topics being covered. The Outdoor Classroom is also used to great effect throughout the seasons. The Pinewood grounds boast a healthy diversity of flora and fauna, and we have our own poly-tunnel, pond and environmental study area.
We are also committed to providing children time and opportunity to carry out STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) projects within the curriculum topics, as well as taking part in STEAM-related challenges outside of lesson time.
Starting in September 2026, our Upper School pupils (Years 7 & 8) will move away from following the traditional 13+ Common Entrance route in Science in favour of a new bespoke curriculum developed by our own Science Department. This new curriculum specifically allows us to focus on developing our pupils’ ‘working scientifically skills’ through comprehensive investigative work and analytical enquiry, while maintaining high levels of academic rigour. While the ISEB syllabus remains our foundation, this approach creates the necessary space to encourage Pinewood pupils to be curious, independent, creative, and confident scientists.
A highlight of our new curriculum will be the Year 8 Science Fair held during the Summer Term. This event will allow our pupils to showcase their research, communication, scientific, and analytical skills to the school community. We intend to invite Heads of Science and Academic Deputy Heads from senior schools to witness the high level of scientific enquiry achieved by our pupils.
