Woodlands Community College was officially opened as a Specialist School for Science and Engineering by David Miliband MP on 14th September 2004.

What's so Special About Woodlands?

Firstly, we are one of only small number of schools in the country that has joint specialist status in Science and Engineering. These areas were chosen as they represented a range of strengths within specific curriculum subjects in the college.

Many curriculum areas now focus directly or indirectly on scientific or engineering concepts and, at the same time, retain their own identity and enthusiasm for their individual subject.

As a specialist college we are proud of our extensive curriculum entitlement … even though we promote science and engineering, other subjects are encouraged to offer opportunities for our students. Successes in, for example, Rock Challenge, drama productions, art displays, etc really do give students opportunities for a balanced curriculum.

The heart of our curriculum though is literacy. This a vital part of the curriculum and therefore sufficient curriculum time is allocated to ensure that students can then access the rest of their studies.

The three trinity subjects within Science and Engineering are Mathematics, Science and Design Engineering Technology. Two of these are core national curriculum subjects.

The specialist school status has enabled us to add ‘high technology’ resources to our new college. Most classrooms now have interactive whiteboards. Science, Maths and DET have their own suite of computers / laptops. This is in addition to three computer suites and a well resourced Learning Resource Centre. The additional monies from the specialist school bid have also enabled us to purchase expensive (but well used) CAD / CAM equipment, specifically a laser cutter and router.

We believe that continuity of high quality teaching and learning is important. Since opening as a specialist college we have utilised our staff from a variety of curriculum areas (including Science, DET and Maths) to work with KS1 and KS2 students. These links has been very successful and this year we have added Art and Dance to the programme.

Other Science and Engineering related activities that were undertaken since opening as a specialist college:

• We have had a number of students following the Young Apprentice scheme (at SETA)
• Six Y9 girls are attending the EXCITE project at IBM. They are currently working on an ‘enterprise’ project. So far they have learnt that a good business needs to make profit (their profit so far is approx £85!). They regularly meet to work with their individual e-mentor (from IBM) to work on a range of Science/Engineering/ICT related projects. We have successfully applied to be part of this scheme for 2006 – 07
• The GCSE Engineering class has worked with the Physics and Astronomy department at Southampton University. The focus on was on holograms (encouraging knowledge from their science and engineering studies). This work is now on display in the foyer, Learning Resource Centre and some college offices. It is also in the main reception in the Physics dept at Southampton University
• At the end of last term we had Science and Engineering days that encouraged cross curricular work. The focus was on Genetic engineering and it was a great success. There are some really good displays showing the students achievements around the college
• We continue to have good links with Ford Motor Co. The Art department are currently working with Ford on a joint ‘Art mural’ for outside the training centre – we are hoping that the GCSE Art students will see one of their designs actually made and displayed. Furthermore, we have regularly used the training centre and taken students on trips inside the factory
• One initiative that is now being incorporated by other schools at Fords is the Production Line Simulator. Our students were one of the first schools to trial this very successful project