CONTACT VIRTUAL OPEN DAY BOX OFFICE PORTALS Phone Email Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Menu HOME | ABOUT BALLARD | BALLARD STEM | SCIENCE SCIENCE Science is about understanding and modelling the world in which we live and putting this knowledge to good use through invention and technology. At Ballard, pupils benefit from hands-on practical work in small classes in fully resourced labs with a dedicated lab technician. Subject specialists encourage a questioning approach and develop strong reasoning skills within pupils. Pupils are encouraged to feel part of a team as they undertake greater responsibility for their own learning. The Science Department is fully integrated into the ethos of the school and endeavours to develop cross-curricular links with other Departments, especially within STEM subjects. We are privileged to have extremely well-qualified staff with subject-specific degrees, who also have experience working in industry. The Science Department also plays a unique role in supporting the PSHE programme at Ballard, covering the ‘Science’ in such areas as diet, smoking, reproduction, and drugs, as well as many of the moral and ethical issues raised. “The Scientist is not the person who gives the right answer, they are the one who asks the right question.” Claude Levi Strauss PRE-PREP Ballard pupils are a curious bunch, and we fully support the hands-on approach to learning. Whether it’s in the classroom, the Science laboratories or out and about in our expansive grounds and varied habitats, we give them every opportunity to feed their inquisitiveness. They really do start their scientific journey from an early age here at Ballard. We love children who ask why, and we enjoy seeing the delight on their faces when they work out answers for themselves. Whether it is measuring liquids, identifying trees, or hunting for insects in the bluebell woods, our pupils love their Science lessons. LOWER PREP Science is taught with a strong emphasis on investigative work and scientific enquiry providing the pupils with solid foundations for the Science they will develop further up the School. We strongly believe in a hands-on approach to science at this age, enabling the children to experience awe and wonder in the subject and to capture their natural curiosity about the world as they experience it. Our team of teachers, chosen for their passion and knowledge of Science, present the subject in a stimulating and lively way with each class having access to a specialist Science laboratory as well as a considerable wealth of resources, specialist equipment and apparatus. Whether it’s becoming part of a food chain or working out which solids melt, our pupils’ imaginations are constantly engaged, and their enquiring minds filled with skills, which will prepare them for the future. Ballard is also lucky to have such extensive grounds, including meadows, woodlands, and a beautiful water garden, which are frequently used for studying the local ecology. This has inspired a group of Lower Prep pupils to not only investigate the outside world but also to try and protect it through the formation of an extra-curricular ‘Eco-Committee’. They have been successful at implementing change across the school on a wide variety of topics and having won the Silver Eco Award. Ballard is also lucky to have such extensive grounds, including meadows, woodlands and a beautiful water garden, which are frequently used for studying the local ecology. This has inspired a group of Lower Prep pupils to not only investigate the outside world but also to try and protect it through the formation of an extra-curricular ‘Eco-Committee’. They have been successful at implementing change across the School on a wide variety of topics and, having won the Silver Eco Award this year, are currently working towards the prestigious Green Flag Award. UPPER PREP In Year 6 pupils remain in forms and study the ‘Science Bug’ scheme of work. This is designed to spark the imagination and curiosity of pupils by providing them with fun, interactive and educational programmes that instil a clear understanding of what science is and how it affects their world. They also take part in the national ‘CREST Discovery Awards’, where pupils collaborate on a STEM project in self-managed groups, record and reflect on their work before presenting their findings. In Years 7 and 8 the pupils follow the ‘Activate’ scheme of work and they have access to online materials and textbooks on the ‘Kerboodle’ website. Pupils have three lessons a week which have an emphasis on practical work. Whether it is exploring different types of energy using wind-up toys and a pendulum or making their own sparklers, our pupils love participating and gaining confidence alongside learning. The integrated Science course lays important foundations for study at GCSE level and develops key skills; during Year 8, they take their CREST Bronze Award, which provides a real-life experience of ‘being a specialist’. This award allows pupils to experience the project process, improving their enquiry, problem-solving and communication skills, which are important tools for all aspects of life, not just Science. Ballard pupils start their Science GCSE in Year 9 following the AQA combined Trilogy course. At the end of Year 9, pupils get the chance to choose whether they wish to study for the separate Sciences and get three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or remain with combined Science, where they will achieve two GCSEs. At GCSE, the pupils will have three separate specialist teachers for each of the three disciplines. Both routes have no controlled assessment, but the pupils will have to undertake a number of compulsory required practical activities which they are assessed on at the end of the course by terminal exams. Pupils have access to online materials and a digital textbook on the ‘Kerboodle’ website but, again, we also like to engage their minds in creative ways. One class recently created DNA in their lesson using sweets. We have had many stories of Alumni who have carried on their studies in Science to further education and beyond. Recently we learnt of one who is currently in her fourth year studying medicine at Cardiff University. Another alumnus is studying radiography at Portsmouth University, and he has returned to school to talk to pupils in their PSHE lesson about his studies and a career in radiography. NEWS school 27/10/21 Ballard Pupils Speak Up About Climate Change STEM 07/05/21 STEAM Challenge Success for Ballard Pupils arts 02/06/20 ballard@home – our School’s community forms a virtual choir to stay connected with each other next OPEN MORNINGS STORIES & TESTIMONIALS PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY VISIT OUR VIRTUAL OPEN DAY next Ballard School Fernhill Lane, New Milton, BH25 5SU Tel: 01425 626900 Email: admissions@ballardschool.co.uk This page can't load Google Maps correctly. Do you own this website? OK View larger map © 2021 Ballard School School Website Design : innermedia.co.uk High Visibility | Sitemap | Privacy Policy We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Cookie Settings Reject All Accept All