Improved and expanded facilities for Science
Science teaching at Benenden continues to go from strength to strength. With growing demand for Science subjects at A Level, as well as a full teaching programme in the Lower School, Science has never been more popular.
The Science Department continues to pioneer A Level Courses, with excellent group and individual results each year. At GCSE the students of single-science courses far exceed those undertaking Dual Award Science.
The Leelands Science centre is no longer able to provide the space and facilities necessary to maintain and further develop specialist science teaching.
Benenden's scientists deserve a centre which allows them space for experimentation, and practical work; laboratories equipped with the most modern equipment to support individual project work at A Level; specialist microbiology and environmental science rooms; larger laboratories for GCSE and Junior Science teaching and a lecture theatre for whole group demonstrations.
We propose, if funds allow, a brand new science centre. The proposed new Science facilities will include:
| |
New Science Centre (£3.5m) |
| A new Physics department: including 2 Physics laboratories, Physics preparation and staff areas |
£700,000 |
| A Junior Science Centre |
£500,000 |
| Specialist 100-seat Science lecture and demonstration facility |
£250,000 |
| Two upgraded Chemistry laboratories |
£150,000 |
| For GCSE and A Level teaching |
£150,000 |
| Chemistry A Level project laboratory |
£100,000 |
| Two upgraded Biology laboratories |
£150,000 |
| For GCSE and A Level teaching |
£150,000 |
| Biology A Level project laboratory |
£100,000 |
| Environmental Science laboratory |
£100,000 |
| Microbiology laboratory |
£100,000 |
"Science is essential for the growth of the British economy in a competitive world. Scientific method is also important for all citizens if they are to make good choices in an increasingly complex and information heavy environment. Benenden students can make a difference in our future.
The School's pursuit of excellence in all its activities would be well served by attracting the best teachers by offering them an attractive, dynamic and stimulating working environment and the necessary infrastructure to make an impact."
Consuelo Brooke, Trustee, Benenden Senior, Hemsted 1964
"My Chemistry project work was an investigation into the Briggs-Rauscher oscillating reaction, using colorimetry to determine the effect of varying the concentrations of the reactants on the oscillating period. For Biology, my experiment was an investigation into the inhibitory effect of boric acid on the activity of urease. New and extended laboratories would contribute enormously to improving the success of our individual projects."
Emily Cornish, A Level Biology and Chemistry Student, June 2008
Studying Medicine at Queens College, Oxford, Choral Scholarship
"The Benenden Science department was key to my future. I did Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Levels, all excellently taught (and arguably harder work than finals!) and went on to read Chemistry with Industrial Experience at Bristol University."
Helena (de Chair) Rees-Mogg, Senior, G/Beeches 1990-1996
"Science uptake for all three sciences is gaining in popularity and goes against the national trends, this has created acute problems in terms of lab spaces."
Jane Hall, Head of Science
"Our microbiology projects are an example of excellence...students comment how they are at first year degree level and find this experience invaluable for their future studies in science."
Sue Perry, Biology Department and Sixth Form Housemistress