Science

Why is Science important?

In Science pupils learn about how scientists work to develop theories, present data and the ways scientists communicate.  Our team of specialist teachers deliver Biology, Chemistry and Physics in a wide range of theoretical and practical learning opportunities.  We believe Science should generate awe and wonder and stimulate a desire to explore the world around us in exciting and creative ways. As well as increasing subject knowledge, pupils develop their confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills by designing and carrying out investigations.

Teachers

Ms M Akkoc

Mr S Barnes - Lead Practitioner, Physics

Mrs M Confino - Head of Department

Ms H Elmi

Ms W Greer

Ms J Lee

Mr M K Mohanty - Science Technician

Dr F Nourbaksh

Ms D Robertson

Mr D Saunders

Mr A Williams

Mr J Zhang

  

Curriculum Map

Science Curriculum Map

KS3

Key Skills Required

Pupils follow the new Programme of Study at KS3 with a greater emphasis on How Science Works (HSW), the relevance of Science, and how Science can impact on everyday life.

HSW develops skills and lays the foundation for success at KS4. It has five key elements, and across a range of contexts and practical situations pupils will be:

• Thinking: using ideas and models to explain the world around them.
• Understanding: explaining the economic, ethical, social and cultural implications of science 
• Communicating: presenting scientific ideas and understanding how scientists communicate. 
• Investigating: planning, carrying out and gathering evidence from a wide range of experiments. 
• Using: gathering information from a variety of sources, taking into account errors or bias, to explain their ideas.

Topics Covered

Number of lessons per week: 3

• Working Scientifically
• Cells
• Particles and their Behaviour
• Forces
• Structure and function of a body system
• Elements, atoms and compounds
• Sound
• Reproduction
• Reaction
• Light
• Acids and Alkali
• Space
• Health and Lifestyle
• The Periodic Table
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Ecosystem Processes
• Separation Techniques
• Energy
• Adaptation and Inheritance
• Metals and Acids
• Motion and Pressure
• The Earth

Homework

Pupils are set homework twice a week.

Assessment Details

Pupils complete topical assessments for which they are given feedback by their class teacher. There are three summative assessments in the year. The last assessment is an end of year assessment which encompasses the content taught within the year. 

Revision Support

• Collins KS3 Science Revision Guide.
• www.samlearning.com 
• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ 
• Textbook: Oxford KS3 Science. Activate 1 ( ISBN: 9780198392569)

Key Tips for Success

1. Create a revision timetable.

2. Practising past papers will help you get familiar with exam format, question style and time pressure and help you retrieve information quickly.

3. Use mind maps to connect ideas.

How can a parent help their child succeed in this course?

Creating a revision timetable is a great way to help your child organise their study time, plus it also helps boost motivation to revise for exams. Recognising a need for a revision timetable means that you have already made a great start to combat exam stress.

KS4

Curriculum Overview

GCSE (9–1) Gateway Science specification is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible way of learning. The department offers two different routes through their GCSEs in the traditional sciences which cover a broad spectrum of scientific concepts. Combined Science or Triple Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) if offered.

Combined Science 1 hour 10 minutes	Biology-Paper 1 60 mark written paper	Biology-Paper 2 60 mark written paper	Chemistry-Paper 1 60 mark written paper	Chemistry-Paper 2 60 mark written paper	Physics-Paper 1 60 mark written paper	Physics-Paper 2 60 mark written paper
Triple Science 1 hour 45 minutes	Biology-Paper 1 90 mark written paper	Biology-Paper 2 90 mark written paper	Chemistry-Paper 1 90 mark written paper	Chemistry-Paper 2 90 mark written paper	Physics-Paper 1 90 mark written paper	Physics-Paper 2 90 mark written paper

Expectations for homework & revision

Students receive homework twice a week. Science is best learned through constant practice and repetition and students get plenty of opportunity to do so. Exam packs are produced containing every single past paper question so students will never run out of practice questions.

Extra-Curricular activities

Revision support sessions and coursework clinics are available. Trips to events such as ‘Thinktank’ are organised on a regular basis. After school clubs include 'STEM' and 'Science Club'.

KS5

Biology (A Level)

Course outline

• Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (Exam)
• Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology (Exam)
• General and Practical Principles in Biology (Exam)
• Science Practical Endorsement (Internally assessed)

What type of student succeeds at Biology A Level?

This course will appeal to students who:

• have an interest in the study of living organisms.
• enjoy carrying out investigations.
• are interested in developments in the “new” biology topics, such as genetic engineering, and their impact on society.
• are looking towards careers in the health related professions, biotechnology or ecology and the environment.
• may want to use Biology to support other qualifications.

Subject requirements at GCSE

This course builds on the knowledge and understanding of GCSE Double Science or GCSE Triple Science Biology.   It is expected that you will have achieved a GCSE Grade 6 or above in one of those subjects.  During the course you will need to be able to communicate effectively and to be able to research information from a variety of sources.  During the course you will also be expected to handle and interpret data, so it would be helpful for you to have gained a Grade 6 or higher in Maths GCSE.

Complementary subjects

Biology is well paired with the other sciences, Physics and Chemistry, as well as Maths.

Homework

Students receive homework every single day. Biology is best learned through constant practice and repetition and students get plenty of opportunity to do so. Exam packs are produced containing every single past paper question so students will never run out of practice questions.

Future Directions

Which university courses require Biology A Level?

Biology degrees require Biology A Level. Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Environmental Science and Physiology as well as careers in more broadly related areas, such as the food industry.

Which university courses look favourably on Biology A Level?

Biology A Level is favourable for careers in the health related professions, biotechnology or ecology and the environment.

What are the entry requirements to study Biology at university?

Biology entry requirements are high. Anywhere between CCC and A*A*A.

Which careers could Biology  A Level lead to?

Biology is particularly valued when supporting applications for degree courses in subjects such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Sports Studies.

Chemistry (A Level)

Course outline

• Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (Exam)
• Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry (Exam)
• General and Practical Principles in Chemistry (Exam)
• Science Practical Endorsement (Internally assessed)

What type of student succeeds at Chemistry A Level?

Chemistry at AS and A Level will help you develop transferable skills such as communication, problem solving and analytical thinking. Potential employers value the analytical and conceptual skills that are developed during the study of Chemistry. Such skills, coupled with the ability to work in a meticulous and accurate manner, enable Chemistry students to pursue careers within, or outside, the vast area of Science.

Subject requirements at GCSE

This course builds on the knowledge and understanding of GCSE Double Science or GCSE Triple Science Chemistry.   It is expected that you will have achieved a GCSE Grade 6 or above in one of those subjects.  During the course you will need to be able to communicate effectively and to be able to research information from a variety of sources.  During the course you will also need to be expected to handle and interpret data so it would be helpful for you to have gained a Grade 6 or higher in Maths GCSE and a grade 6 or higher at English Language GCSE.

Complementary subjects

Chemistry occupies a pivotal position in the Sciences as it is often referred to as a central Science because it joins together Biology, Physics and Mathematics.

Homework

Students receive homework every single day. Chemistry is best learned through constant practice and repetition and students get plenty of opportunity to do so. Exam packs are produced containing every single past paper question so students will never run out of practice questions.

Future Directions

Which university courses require Chemistry  A Level?

Chemistry degrees require Chemistry A Level. Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Environmental Science and Engineering as well as careers in more broadly related areas, such as the Chemical industry.

Which university courses look favourably on Chemistry A Level?

Chemistry A Level is favourable for careers in the health related professions, biotechnology or engineering.

What are the entry requirements to study Chemistry at university?

Chemistry entry requirements are high. Anywhere between BBB and A*A*A.

Which careers could Chemistry A Level lead to?

Innumerable career prospects include: anatomy, agricultural science, beauty therapy, biochemistry, biology, physics, engineering, chemistry, dentistry, food science, forestry, medicine, pathology, polymer science, veterinary science.

Physics (A Level)

Course outline

All A Level students will also be entered for the AS examination. This will not contribute towards their final grade, however it is a more robust means of assessing students.

AS Physics– Mechanics, Materials, D.C. Electricity, Waves, Nature of Light (Quantum Physics)

A Level Physics– Further Mechanics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Particle Physics, Oscillations, Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology

What type of student succeeds at Physics A Level?

Physics a demanding A Level. It requires determination, resilience and a willingness to work through problems independently as well as being able to explain your thinking. A love of reflecting on abstract concepts, numbers and a sense of enjoyment from working on and completing difficult problems is a must.

Subject requirements at GCSE

A minimum of a Grade 6 at Physics/Science GCSE and a Grade 6 at Maths GCSE is required in order to study Physics at A Level. In addition, all students must sit an entrance exam based on holiday homework. The course requires a strong understanding of Grade A and A* work right from the outset.

Complementary subjects

Physics is well paired with Maths, and any of the other sciences or social science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Economics, Sociology and Psychology.

Homework

Students receive homework several times a week. Physics is best learned through constant practice and repetition, but also on reflecting on the lesson learned from each “practice session”. Exam packs are given out with past paper questions so students never run out of practice questions, and have plenty of opportunity to test themselves.

Future Directions

Which university courses require Physics A Level?

Physics degrees usually require Physics or Maths A Level. Engineering and Architecture degrees often ask for Physics too.

Which university courses look favourably on Physics A Level?

Physics A Level is favourable for any degree which requires logical thought.

What are the entry requirements to study Physics at university?

Physics entry requirements are high; anywhere between BBB and A*A*A.

Some universities require additional exams (TSA/PAT)

Which careers could Physics A Level lead to?

Engineering, Finance, Architecture, Accounting, Law, Journalism, Aviation, Medicine, Teaching, Computer Engineering, Research, to name just a few.

I have enjoyed studying Physics at A Level. As long as you don’t underestimate the step up from GCSE and work hard, you will do well! I have chosen to study it at university too so I am hoping to get an A*!