Science
The Science curriculum aims to equip students with the skills and understanding to make sense of the science they meet in everyday life. It considers modern science and future developments.
Through a wide range of activities students will be able to:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of scientific concepts and theories
- Understand the impact of science and technology
- Make informed personal decisions about scientific issues they hear about in the media.
Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7 and 8 follow a Key Stage 3 science course, based on the National Curriculum. This challenging course provides a solid foundation for GCSE science courses by introducing students to a wide variety of concepts in biology, chemistry and physics. It is designed to promote scientific enquiry, stimulate curiosity in the world around them and develop an understanding of how science works. The course will engage students in theory, practical work, written projects and research tasks using a variety of resources, all fully supported by help sheets and extension exercises. Students are assessed and tested regularly to provide a record of their progress across the year and there is a terminal examination towards the end of each year.
Key Stage 4
Students begin the GCSE course in Year 9. At the end of Year 9 the students have a choice of pathways through Years 10 and 11. The most common pathway is GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy, which will lead to a double award GCSE qualification. Students with an aptitude for the sciences are encouraged to follow the Single Science course leading to three GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The final grades for all pathways are based on exam results only at the end of the course and as for Key Stage 3, students are assessed and tested regularly to provide a detailed record of their progress.
Post 16
Six courses are currently offered at AS and A2.
- Biology specification code: H020/ H420
- Chemistry A specification code: H032/ H432
- Physics specification code: new spec for 8PHO/ 9PH0
- Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
- Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science
These courses allow students to specialise in their chosen area of study with regular assessments and testing allowing for a detailed record of their progress.
Biology
If students are looking to break into the world of Science, an A Level in Biology is a great start. Choosing Biology prepares students for further study and careers within the Life Sciences or related disciplines. It will help appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the Sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Students will cover a wide range of topics including the core principles of Biology, genes and genetic engineering and the effects on the environment. Students will learn to differentiate and assimilate detailed information, and to draw logical conclusions from scientific evidence.
The new A Level course is comprised of the following units:
- Module 1 - Development of practical skills.
- Module 2 - Foundations in Biology; covering concepts such as cell structure, biochemistry and cell division.
- Module 3 - Exchange and Transport; covering the lungs and transport systems in animals and plants.
- Module 4 - Biodiversity, evolution and disease.
- Module 5 - Communication, homeostasis and Energy
- Module 6 - Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
At the end of Year 13 there will be three exams
- Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and is worth 37% of the final A Level Grade
- Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and is worth 37% of the final A Level Grade
- Paper 3 assesses content from all Modules and is worth 26% of the final A Level Grade
There is also the ‘Practical endorsement in Biology’ which is reported as a Pass or Fail separately to the A Level qualification.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a challenging and stimulating subject. It has played a major role in improving living standards and is one of the most successful industries in the UK. In most cases, Chemistry is an essential subject for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and some Biological Sciences. If students enjoy finding out what happens when substances react and why, if they have enquiring mind and enjoy solving problems or if they enjoy practical work and want to improve their skills and accuracy then an AS or A Level in Chemistry could be the answer. From the moment you are born and throughout your life you are surrounded by Chemistry, in the air you breathe, the food you eat and the clothes you wear. How science works is also integrated throughout along with up to date topics.
The A Level course is comprised of the following units:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
- Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
- Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
- Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
At the end of Year 13 there will be three exams
- Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and is worth 37% of the final A Level Grade
- Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and is worth 37% of the final A Level Grade
- Paper 3 assesses content from all Modules and is worth 26% of the final A Level Grade
There is also the ‘Practical endorsement in Chemistry’ which is reported as a Pass or Fail separately to the A Level qualification.
Physics
If students have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge, and like solving problems, then they should consider studying Physics. From the smallest part of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, Physics helps us understand how our world works. The applications, like the career opportunities, are infinite. The course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the subject, its applications and skills. It aims to show the link between theory and experiment and how Mathematics can be used to explain physical principles.
Year 12
Five units will be taught in Year 12:
- Unit 1 – Working as a Physicist
- Unit 2 – Mechanics (motion, forces, energy and power).
- Unit 3 – Electrical circuits
- Unit 4 – Materials
- Unit 5 – Waves and the particle nature of light.
Year 13
During the second year of the course a further 8 units will be studied:
- Unit 6 - Further mechanics.
- Unit 7 - Electric and magnetic fields.
- Unit 8 - Particle physics.
- Unit 9 - Thermodynamics
- Unit 10 - Space
- Unit 11 - Nuclear Radiation
- Unit 12 - Gravitational Fields
- Unit 13 - Oscillations
Practical work is an essential component of the course. The Science Department is well resourced with equipment and the emphasis is on individual work. You will be expected to apply your understanding of Physics principles to the design of experiments, realistic interpretation of results and evaluation of the methods used. You will also be encouraged to develop your IT skills and to show initiative and self-reliance in your studies. There is a further science practical endorsement for A Level Physics. This qualification will assess students on their use of relevant apparatus and techniques to develop and demonstrate specific practical skills.
Year 12 and 13- Applied Science
Students can study the Extended Certificate (equivalent to one A Level) or the Foundation Diploma (equivalent to one and half A Level).
For the Extended Certificate they will study a minimum of 4 units over the 2 years of which units 1 to 3 below are mandatory with one other optional unit. The Foundation Diploma will include the four mandatory units below, plus the other two optional units.
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science
- Unit 2: Practical Scientific Techniques
- Unit 3: Science Investigation skills
- Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Applications in Industry
Students will take exams for Unit 1 and Unit 3. Unit 1 focuses on key topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, whilst Unit 3 focuses on Practical Skills across the three sciences. For units 2, 4 and the other two optional units, students will write an assignment for each Unit which well be assessed by their Science teachers and moderated by the exam board.
Resources
The department enjoys excellent facilities, large airy Science Laboratories and a wealth of equipment and resources.
Extra Curricular/ Enrichment
- Physics at Work Trip
- Science Live lectures
- Key Stage 3 Science and Lego Robotics Club
- Various Science competitions
- A-Level Science Olympiads
