It is our philosophy that all Dixie students should have both a well rounded understanding and an enthusiasm for science. To fulfill this ambition all students study the three separate sciences Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 7 to Year 11. Teaching is by subject specialists in a dedicated science block.
A strong emphasis is put on teaching through practical work. This is started in Year 6 where the general science course lays down strong foundations, and is built on into the GCSE years where most students take either a dual science or three separate sciences.
When the students get to choose which subjects they study for A-level over three quarters opt for at least one science and over 40% of all the A-levels taught are science. Many then go on to have science based careers with a particular bias towards medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology and veterinary science. We also very proud to have two ex-students working for the European Space Agency.
Ever heard of Stephen Hawking or Sir Alec Jeffreys? What about George Gray or Rosalind Franklin and Sir David Attenborough? We named our laboratories after famous British scientists and communicators to interest and inspire our students. We have been highly flattered that both Professor George Gray and and Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys have taken time out of their busy schedule's to visit the School to meet students and staff.
Other prestigious speakers have included Professor Sir Peter Mansfield FRC, Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine 2003, who explained how he came to invent the MRI scanner and Professor Jeff Hoffman, the astronaut who 'fixed' the Hubble telescope.
The School also hosts a bi-annual Science Week focusing on a different theme. In previous years this has involved bringing a full size ‘Starchaser’ rocket into School; producing giant DNA spirals out of willow; setting up our own CSI unit to solve a variety of murders and abandoning our school uniform for 'clothes for a purpose'.
We strongly believe in the renaissance ideal; that everyone should have an equal understanding and appreciation of what we now separate into science and art, and therefore encourage cross curricula links wherever possible. If you look around our department you will see examples of students’ art inspired by scientific themes.
We look forward to meeting you.
If you require any further information please contact Mr J Kirkwood, Head of Science.