On September 1st 2003 Aldridge School received science college status as part of the Specialist Schools' Programme.
The Specialist Schools' Programme is designed to help raise standards by setting and meeting demanding targets, and by providing increased resources.
The general vision for a Science College is:
- that standards of achievement in Science and Mathematics will improve and lead to whole school improvement
- designated schools will be active in the community in striving to create a learning society
- the creation of an educational culture which is scientific, technological, enterprising and vocational
- that the Colleges will work closely in collaboration with partner schools and the community to foster positive approaches to lifelong learning.
Our school's particular approach to achieving this is captured in our own Science College Mission Statement.
Aldridge Science College
Lighting a spark
Science College status will provide a centre of scientific and mathematical excellence for all members of our Partner Schools, Community, University and Business Partners, which will:
- give our young people the opportunity to "stand on the shoulder's of giants"
- improve the quality of teaching and learning in Science and Mathematics to motivate, inspire and raise aspirations
- increase the numbers of students and adults studying Science and Mathematics as a basis for life long learning.
- explain the complex issues of Science and Mathematics to make them accessible and relevant
- give access to modern facilities and equipment
- give a lead to raising standards in Science and Mathematics teaching within the Excellence Cluster programme.
Our particular aims are:
- To raise standards of achievement in each specialist subject through the increased quality of teaching and learning.
- To extend curricular opportunities in the specialist subjects, including subject enrichment areas, out of hours learning, industry/business links and the relationship between specialist subjects.
- To increase take-up and interest in specialist subject courses, particularly post 16.
- Provide high quality learning opportunities in the specialist subjects and higher standards through sharing specialist facilities and resources with partner schools and developing and disseminating good practice.
- Provide high quality learning opportunities through the specialist subjects for members of, and groups within, the school's wider community, including local business.
To achieve these we are committed to:
- improving further the quality of teaching and learning
- increasing use of ICT
- introducing new courses e.g. applied science, statistics
- developing study skills for independent learning
- enrichment work e.g. science weeks, speakers, competitions, local and regional universities
- improving science facilities by building a new state of the art science block.
If you share our vision then, by joining Aldridge School, your children can both help us achieve our aims and be the most important beneficiaries of having a Science College education |