Specialist Science College

West Hill School became a Specialist Science College in September 2004.

As a Specialist Science College, an extensive programme of events takes place within the school and the wider community.

Specialist College at West Hill

Within the Specialist Subjects, Science and Mathematics, opportunities are provided for pupils to broaden their learning:

• GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics for Y10 and Y11 pupils wishing to study Science at ‘A’ level and beyond

• GCSE Additional Applied Science for Y11 pupils wishing to follow a more vocational course

• GCSE Astronomy for Y10 and Y11 pupils

• GCSE Statistics for Y8 and Y9 pupils

• AS level Maths for Y10 and Y11 pupils

• ‘Breakfast with the Science Department’ - GCSE revision Saturdays for Y10 and Y11 pupils

• Science Booster Saturday - SATs revision for Y9 pupils

• Science intervention classes for Y9 pupils

• Maths master classes / revision classes for Y9, Y10 and Y11 pupils

• BA Science Bronze CREST Award for Y8 pupils

• Entry level qualification: Health and Safety at Work for Y9 pupils - post SATs in Science

Numerous enrichment opportunities are also provided by the Specialist Subjects:

• National Science and Technology Week is celebrated annually in March with events for every pupil.

• Jeans for Genes Day – an annual non-uniform day for all pupils to raise funds for children with genetic disorders

• Pupil Science Technicians – Y9 pupils work with West Hill Science Technicians before school and at lunch time  

• Maths Challenge Days for West Hill pupils and partner school pupils

• Guest speakers / Royal Institute lecturers / SETPOINT tutors / NHS professionals

• Trips / College visits / University events / Industrial site tours

• Science and Maths competitions

Specialist College links with Primary Partners

Within the wider community, West Hill Science department is working with our primary partners, offering the use of West Hill's laboratories and scientific equipment to develop investigative skills amongst the primary pupils. West Hill also provides annual Science activity days for primary pupils.

Tameside primary Science Coordinators attend termly network meetings and are invited to primary Science conferences which are hosted at West Hill.  

Specialist College links with Secondary Partners

West Hill's Mathematics department is working with secondary partners - 2 local secondary schools sharing good practice. The department also organises the Tameside Maths Challenge for local secondary schools.

West Hill’s Science department hosts events for local secondary schools. These include:

• A Science Careers Fair for Y11 pupils – involving local colleges and businesses

• The Manchester Science Festival for Y9 pupils - showcasing the region’s innovative science research and practice, incorporating Science, Maths, Psychology and Technology.

• A DNA day funded by the RSC for Y9 pupils. 

Specialist College links with Universities and Colleges

West Hill has links with local Colleges and Universities.

Ashton Sixth Form College provides a number of opportunities through the Specialist College link for West Hill Pupils:

• AS level Critical Thinking for gifted and talented Y11 pupils

• Forensic Science Competition for Y10 pupils

• Science and Technology Day for Y10 pupils

• Medical Careers Day at Keele University for Y11 pupils.

Good links are also established with Manchester University:

• ITT Science and Maths student placements provided by West Hill

• Associate Science and Maths student placements provided by West Hill

• Salters' Chemistry Festival at the University

• Science and Maths showcase / fun day event at the University.

Specialist College links with Local Business

West Hill School has established close links with local businesses, particularly with our main business partner, Total Petrochemicals UK Ltd - who contributed £25,000 to our Specialist Bid. Total also sponsor trips, events and an annual science prize.

Specialist College provision for the wider community

The Science department offers an annual adult training course - 'Starting out as a School Technician'. The course suits people with a basic interest in Science and who want to work in a school environment.

The Maths department is currently providing a GCSE Maths course for adults.

Specialist College links with other organisations

West Hill Science department has very strong links with SETPOINT (an organisation supported by STEMNET: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network). A tutor from SETPOINT delivers the ‘Starting out as a School Technician’ course and several SETPOINT tutors provide a range of activities during National Science and Technology week and for the Y5 and Y6 primary activity days. SETPOINT also use West Hill to host a range of courses and events offered to both staff and pupils throughout the North West.

Currently 2 members of the Science staff are working on a project funded by the SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) to share good practice across the region. 

Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this web site, and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. West Hill School and Tameside MBC will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages.

Copyright © West Hill School 2007