The Sciences

In the 21st century a great deal of scientific research takes place at the interface between the traditional scientific disciplines: Biochemistry, Environmental sciences, Material sciences, Bioinformatics are such examples. Scientists at King’s are given the opportunity to be involved in current scientific research projects. Working in collaboration with Universities, research projects are developed that enable students, who might be considering a scientific discipline at University, to engage with genuine investigative science.

Recent projects undertaken include:

• Monitoring changes in chemical species in a fresh water lake system with Dr. Martin Johnson (UEA dept of Environmental Sciences).
• Investigating the Genome of the Trinidadian chevron spider with Drs. Lee Byrne and Kris Leslie (CCCU dept of Biological sciences).

Students who sign up for these projects will encounter the real ups and downs of scientific research: ambiguous results, failed experiments and other such frustrations provide a realistic insight into what it is to be a research scientist. Students from King’s applying for a science at university do so with their eyes opened!

The prestigious Michael Foale Award, named after the former pupil and astronaut, is made to an outstanding Sixth Form scientist.

Head of Science: Miss Louise Comber 
sciencedept@kings-school.co.uk 

Biology

Biology occupies seven spacious laboratories in The Mint Yard.

The most famous former pupil, after whom the laboratories are named, is William Harvey who demonstrated the circulation of the blood. More recently, Christopher Graham (KS 1954-60) was Professor of Animal Development, and Sarah Gurr (KS 1974-76) is Professor of Plant Pathology, both at Oxford University.

All pupils study Biology to IGCSE. This leads to Double Award Science or Triple Science. Biology continues to be a very popular subject at AS and A2 level.

Pupils are required to participate in field trips as part of their course. The department has organised expeditions to a variety of locations across the globe, including the Amazon rainforest, Nepal and Costa Rica.

Head of Department:
Mrs Helen Vaughan
biologydept@kings-school.co.uk

Chemistry

King’s boasts six well equipped laboratories located in the school’s historic Mint Yard.

All pupils study Chemistry up to IGCSE which leads to a Double Award Science or Triple Science Award.

The A Level course places an emphasis on research and the pupils participate regularly in The Royal Society of Chemistry’s competitions and in The International Olympiad. Strong links exist with Kent and Christchurch Universities. The Harvey Society, founded in 1892, hosts a wealth of visiting speakers.

Head of Department:
Dr Stewart Hayes
chemistrydept@kings-school.co.uk

Geology

Geology is the branch of science concerned with the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the Earth. The subject explores the exploitation of mineral and energy resources as well as climate change, using the past to understand mankind’s impact upon our planet: topical issues include volcanology, earthquakes and the associated hazard and mitigation scenarios.

Notable former pupils include Richard West (KS 1940-44) Professor of Palaeoecology at Cambridge, and William West (KS 1912-20) Director of the Geological Survey of India.

A Level Geology builds upon the knowledge, understanding, and skills acquired during the IGCSE science courses. Residential field trips are an integral part of the course: 6b pupils examine the rocks and structures of the Dorset ‘Jurassic Coast’, while those in the 6a year spend a full week on the Island of Tenerife in addition to undertaking fieldwork along the Kent coastline.

Head of Department:
Mr Michael Mawby
geologydept@kings-school.co.uk

Physics

Physics is taught in purpose built laboratories and the department will be moving to new facilities in summer 2023, occupying the newest section of the science school complex.

Distinguished physicists from King’s include astronomer Lawrence Rooke (KS 1634-35) a founder member of The Royal Society; Hayne Constant (KS 1920) a mechanical and aeronautical engineer who developed jet engines during World War II, and astronaut Michael Foale (KS 1970-74).

All pupils study Physics to IGCSE, with some pupils following the Double Award route but the majority studying Triple Award. Astronomy GCSE is also available for selected Fifth Form pupils and we have two department telescopes, including an H-alpha telescope that enables solar viewings. At A-level, we follow the Eduqas physics course which sits alongside the practical endorsement qualification.  

Enrichment activities include The Harvey Society, founded in 1892, which hosts a wealth of visiting speakers and with our new auditorium, we are hoping to expand this further. Pupils can also get involved with activities such as Physics Olympiad competitions and the European Space Agency CanSat project.

Head of Department:
Miss Louise Comber
physicsdept@kings-school.co.uk