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Key Stage 3

The principal focus of science teaching in key stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. Examples of these big ideas are the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions. Pupils are encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.

Over the course of Year 7 and 8, students study the following topics in Science:

Year 7

Topic Overview:

Cells & Organisms

Organ Systems

Matter & Separating Mixtures

YEAR 8

TOPIC OVERVIEW:

Atoms, Elements & Compounds

Reactions

Matter & Heating

Electricy & Electromagnets

Variation, Evolution & Biodiversity

YEAR 9

TOPIC OVERVIEW:

Cell Biology

Organisation

Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table

Bonding & Structure

Energy

Atomic Structure

Key Stage 4

Combined Science GCSE

Awarding Body: AQA

Subject Contact: Mr D Cooper

Teaching in the sciences in key stage 4 continues with the process of building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate the achievements of science in showing how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are inter-linked, and which are of universal application. These key ideas include:

the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
that change is driven by interactions between different objects and systems
that many such interactions occur over a distance and over time
that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry

Students are entered for Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs) or Triple Science (3 separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics). All students cover the material in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics units, however those taking Triple Science will study these in further depths and have extra topics.

Course Outline

Biology units include;

1. Cell biology / 2. Organisation / 3. Infection and response / 4. Bioenergetics / 5. Homeostasis and response / 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution / 7. Ecology

Chemistry units include;

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table / 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter / 3. Quantitative chemistry / 4. Chemical changes / 5. Energy changes / 6. The rate and extent of chemical change / 7. Organic chemistry / 8. Chemical analysis / 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere / 10. Using resources

Physics units include;

1. Energy / 2. Electricity / 3. Particle model of matter / 4. Atomic structure / 5. Forces / 6. Waves / 7. Magnetism and electromagnetism

Assessment

For each of the three subjects, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics there will be two exams:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 15 mins: Worth 50% of total exam

Paper 2 – 1 hour 15 mins: Worth 50% of total exam

You will also carry out Required Practicals over the 3 years. There will be questions linked to the practical work in the final exam papers.

Career Progression

There are many jobs related to Science. This GCSE will give the ability to move toward A-Level or vocational courses in Science which could lead to University degrees and training courses.

Some examples of jobs linked to Science include; Astronomer; Audio and Video Equipment Technician; Aviation Inspector; Chemical Technician; Chemist; Electrician; Film and Video Editor; Food Scientist or Technologist; Forensic Science Technician; Nuclear Power Reactor Operator; Physicist; Pilot; Power Plant Operator; Ship & Boat Captain; Sound Engineering Technician.

For further information regarding the specifications and example exams please follow the link: http://www.aqa.org.uk

GCSE Triple Science - Biology, Chemistry & Physics

Triple Science

Awarding Body: AQA

Subject Contact: Mr D Cooper

Course Outline

For the Biology GCSE the units are;

1. Cell biology / 2. Organisation / 3. Infection and response / 4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response / 6. Inheritance, variation and evolutions / 7. Ecology

For the Chemistry GCSE the units are;

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table / 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter /
3. Quantitative chemistry / 4. Chemical changes / 5. Energy changes 6. The rate and extent of chemical change / 7. Organic chemistry / 8. Chemical analysis / 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere / 10. Using resources

For the Physics GCSE the units are;

1. Energy / 2. Electricity / 3. Particle model of matter /4. Atomic structure / 5. Forces / 6. Waves
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism / 8. Space physics

Assessment

For each of the three subjects, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics there will be two exams:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 45 mins: Worth 50% of total exam

Paper 2 – 1 hour 45 mins: Worth 50% of total exam

You will also carry out Required Practicals over the 3 years. There will be questions linked to the practical work in the final exam papers.

Career Progression

The course enables student to lead toward Science A-Levels and potential careers in scientific fields.

There are many jobs that related to Science. This GCSE will give the ability to move toward A-Level or
vocational courses in Science which could lead to University degrees and training courses.

A few examples of jobs linked to Science include:

Biology - Scientific company sales representative or technical service representative; Laboratory technician; Food, dairy, brewery production; Animal technician; Greenhouse/garden curator; Environmental technician, consultant.

Chemistry - Analytical chemist; Chemical engineer; Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry; Forensic
scientist; Pharmacologist; Research scientist; Toxicologist.

Physics - Geophysicist/field seismologist; Higher education lecturer; Metallurgist; Radiation protection
practitioner; Research scientist (physical sciences); Seismic interpreter.

Key Stage 5

Our AS and A-level science qualifications build on the concepts and skills developed at GCSE, and focus on inspiring and relevant content that paves the way for the scientists of tomorrow.

Biology A Level

Course Content

Lessons will include a mixture of whole class teaching using active learning techniques to help develop the student’s synoptic skills, as well as practical investigations, class or group discussion/debates about the issues surrounding modern biology.

There are five theory units in biology

Foundations in biology
Exchange and Transport
Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Communication, homeostasis and energy
Genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

Learning Methods and Assessment

Unit 1 Examination 2 hour 15 minutes 37% A Level

Unit 2 Examination 2 hour 15 minutes 37% A Level

Unit 3 Examination 1 hour 30 minutes 26% A Level

There is also a practical endorsement in biology. This is a portfolio of practical work conducted during the course. This is pass/fail with application questions in assessments testing the skills developed.

Expectations of Students

To complete a minimum of five hours homework a week and one to two hours of revision per hour spent in class. To sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Biology. Read scientific journals including New Scientist and The Biologist to increase their enjoyment of Biology. To attend the Biology Residential Field Trip in Year 12 to fulfil part of the practical aspect of the course. Actively engage in super-curricular activities such as the Biology Olympiad, the departmental Beyond Biology Awards, intervention sessions, and any other opportunities made available.

Careers Prospects

Biology A Level can open the door to many careers. Some, such as medicine and veterinary science, are fairly obvious options but there are now many exciting new opportunities in fields such as scientific journalism,
genetic and sports science. Given the wide array of transferable skills that Biology A-Level provides, completion of the course is valued highly in both academic and professional environments with some of our students going on to do Business Degrees and apprenticeships in various fields.

Biology is often a good ‘link’ subject between Arts and Sciences and may fit in well with non-Science subjects, such as Psychology and Geography, for those who wish to follow a broad curriculum in preparation for degree level study.

For more information contact Miss M Gallego

Awarding Body: OCR

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology or Grade 7/7 in GCSE Combine Science
& Grade 6 in GCSE Maths. APS 6

Chemistry A Level

Course Content

Physical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Learning Methods and Assessment

Lessons will include a mixture of whole class teaching using active learning techniques to help develop the student’s synoptic skills, practical investigations using data-logging equipment, class or group discussion/debates about the issues surrounding modern Chemistry.

A Level Exams

Paper 1 Inorganic & Physical Chemistry 2 hours 35% of A Level

Paper 2 Organic & Physical Chemistry 2 hours 35% of A Level

Paper 3 Synoptic and Practical Content 2 hours 30% of A Level

A series of practical assessments will take place during the year and students will be awarded a pass or fail. Students will be required to compile a lab book which will be moderated during the two years by an external verifier.

Practical work aims to develop competencies and independence. During the second year, students will be expected to take a lead in creating practical methods to carry out. Skills are staggered over two years in an aim to progressively develop their skills.

Expectations of Students

To perform at their best at all times. To complete a minimum of five hours homework/research a week.

To develop their practical skills and ability to evaluate experimental data. To sustain and develop their
enjoyment of, and interest in, Chemistry.

Actively engage in extra-curricular activities such as the Chemistry Olympiad and mentoring.

Careers Prospects

Agriculture, Biochemistry, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Food Industry, Management,
Law, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science.

For more information contact Mr D Cooper

Awarding Body : AQA

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry or Grade 7/7 in GCSE Combine Science
& Grade 6 in GCSE Maths. APS 6+

Physics A Level

Course Content

Measurements and their errors

1 Particles and radiation	2 Waves	3 Mechanics and materials
4 Electricity	5 Further mechanics & thermal physics	6 Fields and their consequences
7 Nuclear physics

Options

Astrophysics Medical physics	Engineering physics	Turning points in physics
Electronics	Medical physics

Learning Methods and Assessment

Group work, discussion, problem solving, practical investigations, reading and comprehension, note taking, presentations, exam questions.

Paper 1 2 Hours 34% of A-level

Short & long answer questions and multiple choice questions on sections 1-6.1

Paper 2 2 Hours 34% of A-level

Short & long answer questions and multiple choice questions on sections 6.2-8

Paper 3 2 Hours 32% of A-level

Section A Short & long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.

Section B Short & long answer questions on one optional topic 9-13

Practical Assessment

All students will complete 12 compulsory practicals in order to gain the skills required to competently answer the practical assessment questions in the written examinations. These twelve practicals will not be an exhaustive list of practicals carried out throughout the course. Students will be assessed against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) and a pass will represent a practical skills endorsement.

Expectations of Students

Three hours of homework per week plus independent learning tasks such as regular reading of the scientific publications and creative projects. Students will also be expected to present work to the class.

Careers Prospects

Physics is, in one way or another, the basis of so many new technologies and advancements. Here are just a few careers that studying Physics can lead to – Mechanical engineer, architect, coastal scientist, renewable energy manager, solicitor, particle physicist, ice scientist, pyrotechnician, sound engineer, missile engineer, tunnel engineer, astrophysicist, radiographer, medical physicist, military pilot.

For more information contact Mr J Adu

Awarding Body: AQA

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Physics or Grade7/7 in GCSE Combine Science
and Grade 6 in GCSE Maths. APS 6+.

BTEC Applied Science

Course Content

Please note that this course is available as an Extended Certificate, equivalent to one A-Level

This course is designed to help you continue to study Science in a broad sense. There will be units of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. It is designed to support your study of Science to progress into more of a specific field of Science.

What the course involves:

There is 4 mandatory units and two optional units that must be covered. Three of the units will be external examinations with three units conducted as controlled assessments.

Learning Methods and Assessment

Mandatory Units - students must complete and achieve all units:

Unit Number	Unit Title	GLH (Guided Learning Hours)	Type	How Assessed
1	Principles and Applications of Biology	60	Mandatory	External
2	Principles and Applications of Chemistry	60	Mandatory	External
3	Principles and Applications of Physics	60	Mandatory	External
4	Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques	60	Mandatory	External

Careers Prospects

Students develop the ability to practically apply scientific concepts, which is beneficial to the analytical approach of related careers such as medicine, pharmaceutical, research and development, construction, food, aero-industry, armed forces, engineering and bio-chemistry.

For more information contact Mr D Cooper

Awarding Body: Pearson

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 or above in GCSE Combined Science or Physics/Chemistry/Biology. APS: 4+