Science

Science is taught by over 25 teachers working within a purpose-designed new science building, The Laboratory, housing 18 fully equipped laboratories, three preparation rooms and the James Caird Hall, an exhibition space and home to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lifeboat, the James Caird. The teaching staff is supported by eight technicians.

These generous facilities and resources allow us to realise our belief that science is an experimental subject and that the best way to learn is by practical experience; at every level almost all lessons involve an element of practical work.  

Each class from Year 4 to Year 8 is taught in laboratories specially designed to meet the needs of younger boys supported by their own full time technician. From Year 9, Biology, Physics and Chemistry are taught separately; every boy is taught all three subjects by specialists. Many pupils take IGCSE in all three sciences, whilst some take Double Award Science. A significant proportion of IGCSE students choose to continue with one or more sciences at A level.

There are many opportunities to attend a wide variety of outside lectures and visits. All A level biologists take part in a residential field course at a centre staffed by specialists. Most boys who study Science A level courses go on to university to read medicine, dentistry, one of the branches of engineering or computer science.  

We encourage boys to try for places in Olympiad teams which represent the UK against teams from other nations. Many gain awards: Dulwich provided no less than half the UK team for a Chemistry Olympiad on one occasion, and has been well represented in Physics, regularly gaining gold medals and representing the UK team.