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Science

Miss B Smith BSc (Hons)
Lead Practitioner, Science (i/c of Year 7 and Year 8 Science)
bsmith@colfes.com

Dr G Zimmermann BSc, PhD
Head of Biology
gzimmermann@colfes.com

Mr J Fishwick BSc (Hons)
Head of Physics
jfishwick@colfes.com

Mr T Armstrong BSc
Head of Chemistry
tarmstrong@colfes.com

Dr J Lea PhD, BSc (Hons)
Head of Psychology
jlea@colfes.com

“We are awfully lucky to be here – and by ‘we’ I mean every living thing. To attain any kind of life in this universe of ours appears to be quite an achievement. As humans we are doubly lucky, of course: We enjoy not only the privilege of existence but also the singular ability to appreciate it and even, in a multitude of ways, to make it better. It is a talent we have only barely begun to grasp.”
Bill Bryson

The Science department has 13 full time teachers supported by four technicians. Facilities include nine dedicated laboratories with access to notebook computers, so that ICT skills can be used to complement the learning of Science. All of the laboratories have multimedia projectors and interactive whiteboards, supported by a wide range of science software. Psychology is introduced in the Sixth Form and comes under the Science umbrella.

These generous, modern facilities allow you to learn about the world around you through Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology. You won’t just learn the answer, you learn how to pose the question. We work together to analyse why things happen; experiment to find out how they happen; predict what will happen next time – and discuss how we can make best use of this knowledge. This is science at Colfe’s. It is clear and rational; it is exciting and intriguing.

Pupils in Year 7 and 8 currently study Science with one teacher. From Year 9 onward, you are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At A-level the sciences are thriving and expanding with excellent results and significant numbers of pupils continuing to further study at prestigious Russell Group universities.

A-level course details:

Art & Photography

The Art & Photography department at Colfe’s is an exciting, creative space that values imagination and intuitive responses, group and individual work.

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Classics

The Classics Department provides three ways in to this ancient past. Latin is offered throughout the school for Years 7-13, Classical Greek is an option in Year 9 and off-timetable in Year 10, and Classical Civilisation is available at both GCSE and A-level.

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Computer Science

Computer Science and IT at Colfe’s allows you to learn the principles of information and computation thinking, understand how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through a range of programming languages.

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Design & Technology

Design & Technology at Colfe’s prepares pupils to take part in a rapidly changing world; learning to think creatively, become problem solvers and innovators, and design products to fulfil needs and wants not yet realised.

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Drama

Our aim is to help you learn how to express yourself, to explore your unique creativity and ultimately to become a confident performer.

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Economics

In Economics and Business the emphasis in the classroom is on developing analytical abilities, encouraging argument from different standpoints and critical examination of data.

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English

English teaching at Colfe’s is focused on developing pupils’ engagement with literature, introducing them to a range of writers and texts, and encouraging them to become independent, proficient readers.

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Eudaimonia

Eudaimonia at Colfe’s is the teaching of the activity of wellbeing. Broadly based on the virtue ethics of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, the word Eudaimonia itself is most commonly translated as ‘flourishing’ by practising virtuous behaviour and engaging with what it means to be human.

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Geography

Our planet is a dynamic, complex and beautiful place. As far as we know it is unique. Studying Geography can help you to understand it, but studying Geography at Colfe’s can help you thrive in it.

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History

The History syllabus at Colfe’s studies some of the most significant events and people in British and World History over the past 2,000 years and aims to inspire a passion for the past.

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Learning Support

Learning Support is based in the heart of the Senior School in a well-equipped classroom with computers, ipads, an interactive whiteboard and an abundance of learning resources and educational games.

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Library

The Library is very much at the centre of the school, and is extremely busy at break and lunch times, and before and after the school day.

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Mathematics

Mathematics is the keystone to the modern technological world in which we live. It enables us to understand our physical environment through sophisticated modelling techniques and is the ultimate language of strategical reasoning.

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Media Studies

Media Studies is about understanding how our world is constructed and how we are encouraged to perceive it. If you understand how the media works, you understand how the world works.

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Modern Languages

Our carefully planned Modern Languages programmes of study will lead you to communicate in modern, real-life situations, using real contemporary language.

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Music

The importance of studying music can’t be overstated; it enables pupils to build confidence through performance, nurture creativity through composition and develop critical enquiry through musical appraisal.

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Physical Education

Through the Physical Education and Sport programme, our pupils experience opportunities to develop skills, which enable them to make informed lifestyle choices in adulthood and a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.

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Religion & Philosophy

Giving pupils an opportunity to engage with the rich history of philosophical and theological thought contributes to their personal growth and ethical development.

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Science

The Science facilities at Colfe's include nine dedicated laboratories with access to notebook computers, so that ICT skills can be used to complement learning.

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How to apply

Find out more about how to apply for Colfe's School. Our main entry points are at ages 3, 4, 11 and 16.