STEM at Varndean

Through our STEM teaching, we encourage students to move on to higher level STEM courses and into a STEM career. These students will hopefully go on to work on some of the biggest developments of the 21st Century. STEM subjects are the foundations of the industrial and corporate world and the students who study these subjects will gain a diverse and comprehensive skill set. As such, these subjects present a high currency for universities and are also sought after by a wide range of employers. STEM skills are essential and not only contribute to the UK’s manufacturing and research output, but they also offer exciting opportunities in emerging technologies. The promotion of these subjects is intended to “help empower future generations through science, technology, engineering and mathematics to grow a dynamic, innovative economy.” Varndean College is particularly keen to encourage a greater involvement in STEM by all students and, in particular, we want to see more female students studying and working in this area. Students and staff can now benefit from our new expansive two-storey centre; housing four huge impressive science labs, six teaching rooms, generously sized prep rooms, a fabulous central atrium, as well as accessible facilities for students with disabilities. We offer a range of STEM subjects: A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as Level 3 BTEC Diplomas in Applied Biology, Engineering and Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation. The rigorous academic framework of these subjects, combined with the requisite technical and practical skills developed during the course of study, make them ideal choices for those with enquiring minds and are the foundation stones for a number of important career routes. Varndean also offers the Level 3 Carbon Literacy Qualification for those students who wish to enhance their CV or university application. This nationally recognised, self-study, short course designed in partnership with the Manchester Metropolitan University, enables students to gain a complete overview of the science of climate change and understand the actions required of the Government, organisations and individuals.