The science department is rightly proud of its successful record of accomplishment. Staffed by graduates from all scientific disciplines, the science department aspires to enthuse students by using practical experience, investigation and communication. We aim to help learners to appreciate and understand the physical, chemical, biological and geological processes and principles that embody the universe and recognise the impact we all have on the small blue planet we inhabit. 

​The science department is the biggest department in the school with 17 specialist teachers and 2 laboratory technicians based in 13 science laboratories, 1 of which has full ICT facilities.

​A new £2.4m dedicated science block of 6 large fully equipped and serviced laboratories began service September 2022 and has hugely enhanced our existing facilities as well as replacing a smaller number of our older existing laboratories.

A wide range of teaching and learning styles are used to ensure that students of all abilities enjoy and achieve in science.

At KS5 we offer the opportunity to study four sciences at A level and high numbers of John Kyrle science students go on to study sciences at university level.

 

Biology (Pearson: 8BIO AS and 9BIO A2)

A-Level Biology at John Kyrle High School brings the study of life to the forefront through exploration, discovery, and hands-on investigation. Students develop a deep understanding of how living systems function — from molecules and cells to ecosystems, genetics, and human physiology — while gaining the analytical and practical skills needed for further study and employment in science-based fields.

Teaching takes place in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, where modern laboratories, digital microscopes and data-logging equipment support both practical and theory lessons. Fieldwork is a vital part of the course: students attend a residential field trip to the Field Studies Council Centre at Orielton (Pembrokeshire), focusing on marine and seashore ecology and completing key activities required for the practical endorsement.

Biology students at JKHS consistently achieve excellent outcomes, with many progressing to degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biomedical Science, Environmental Science and more. Full course details can be found on our Biology page, including the curriculum overview, enrichment opportunities, entry requirements and links to the Edexcel Biology B specification.

 

Chemistry (AQA: 7404 AS and 7405 A2)

Core maths is needed if not doing A-Level Maths

Chemistry at John Kyrle High School is a dynamic and highly respected course that develops curiosity, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. As a central science, Chemistry opens pathways into medicine, engineering, biological sciences, environmental work, and countless other STEM careers. Our teachers know students as individuals and create a supportive yet academically challenging environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Students follow the AQA A Level Chemistry specification, studying key areas of Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry across the two years. Practical work is integrated throughout the course, with required practical activities contributing to the separate Practical Endorsement. Topics explored range from atomic structure, energetics and equilibria, to transition metals, DNA, polymers, organic synthesis and advanced instrumental analysis. Enrichment opportunities — such as university lab days, Chemistry in Action lectures and the UK Chemistry Olympiad — help students extend their learning beyond the classroom and explore future pathways.

There are no compulsory costs, and entry typically requires grade 5 or above in GCSE Combined Science, Mathematics and English. Students not taking A Level Maths will also study Core Maths to support the mathematical demands of the course. Full details, including assessment structure, topic breakdown and enrichment opportunities, can be found on our Chemistry page.

 

 

Physics (OCR: A H156 AS & H556 A2)

The dictionary definition of physics is “the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them”, but what that really means is that physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.

Physicists ask really big questions like:​

• How did the universe begin?
• How will the universe change in the future?
• How does the sun keep on shining?
• What are the basic building blocks of matter?

​If you think these questions are fascinating, then you’ll like physics.

Physics is the study of everything – from subatomic particles to the entire universe! It asks questions about how and why things behave as they do.

Physics is examined at AS level by two written papers:

• Breadth in physics (1 hour 30 minutes, assesses modules 1-4)
• Depth in physics (1 hour 30 minutes, assesses modules 1-4)

Physics is examined at A level by two written papers:​

• Modelling physics (2 hours 15 minutes, assesses modules 1,2,3,5)
• Exploring physics (2 hours 15 minutes, assesses modules 1,2,4,6)
• Unified physics (1 hour 30 minutes, assesses modules 1-6)

To pass physics at A level students must also pass the practical endorsement. This is a minimum of 12 practicals carried out and assessed by teachers during the two year A level course. It is reported separately on the A-level certificate as a pass/fail result.

​The full specification can be found via AS and A Level - Physics

 

Geology

​Geology is the study of the earth, the materials of which it is comprised, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them. It includes the study of organisms that have inhabited our planet in the past and the present. An important part of geology is the study of how Earth's materials, structures, processes and organisms have changed over time.

​What does a geologist do?  Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better we can understand Earth’s history, the better we can foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future.

Geology cannot be taught without real field experience. During Year 12 students  experience a five-day residential field course based in Pembrokeshire to gain experience of igneous and sedimentary rocks and structures in the field and as key preparation for component 2. The field course also provides opportunities to gain aspects of the practical endorsement. Another more advanced field course takes place in Y13 to fully complete the practical endorsement.

Year 12 – WJEC Eduqas GCE AS Level Geology

Component 1: Geological Enquires

• Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (40% of qualification)
• An investigation of the geology of an area shown on an accompanying simplified geological map.

 

The component involves:

• The interpretation of hand specimens and photographs of minerals, rocks and fossils
• The interpretation of a geological map
• The construction of a geological cross section
• The completion of data and stimulus response questions using, short, structured and extended answers

A mineral data sheet accompanies this assessment.

 

Component 2: Foundation Geology

• Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
• An assessment which covers all the AS Geology content.

 

This component involves:​

• Questions which require learners to respond to all aspects of geology shown in photographs, maps diagrams and graphs
• The completion of data and stimulus response questions using, short, structured and extended answers

A mineral data sheet may accompany this assessment on occasions.

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Year 13 – WJEC Eduqas GCE A Level Geology

​During Year 13 students  experience a four-day residential field course based in Dorset to gain further experience of isedimentary rocks and structures in the field and as key investigations and activities towards  gaining  the practical endorsement .

​

Component 1: Geological Investigations

​​​Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes - 35% of qualification

​​Section A: Two stimulus response questions requiring short and structured answers.

Section B: An investigation of the geology of an area shown on an accompanying simplified geological map, involving  the interpretation of hand specimens and photographs of minerals, rocks and Fossils,  map interpretation and cross-section construction,  the completion of questions using short, structured and extended answers.

 

​Component 2: Geological Principles and Processes

​​​Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 30% of qualification

​Six stimulus response questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.

​

Component 3: Geological Applications

​​​Written examination: 2 hours - 35% of qualification

​Section A: Geohazards. Two stimulus response questions requiring short and structured answers.

Section B: Geological map applications. An investigation of the geology of an area shown on a Geological Survey map extract using stimulus response questions requiring short, structured and extended answers.

Section C: Learners answer questions on one option from a choice of three. Each comprises three questions requiring short, structured and extended answers:

• ​Quaternary Geology
• Geological Evolution of Britain
• Geology of the Lithosphere

​Practical Endorsement — Non-exam assessment

Assessment of practical competency. Reported separately and not contributing to final grade.

The full specification can be found via AS and A Level Geology | Eduqas