Science

The Science Department is committed to providing an exciting and engaging experience, with a view to gaining qualifications at the level that suits each pupil. We aim to create a safe environment where every opinion is valid. Boys are encouraged to apply the knowledge they have gained to real life situations. Science is delivered by subject specialists. The Department has a purpose built laboratory, access to IT facilities and pupils are supported in lessons by Teaching Assistants.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 programme is mainly delivered by Ed McDonald. Ed is a Physics specialist and brings the KS3 curriculum to life with a huge range of exciting practical experiences. The National Curriculum is followed with a view to preparing boys for the KS4 curriculum. Performance at KS3 is used to determine the relevant course at KS4.

Key Stage 4

The KS4 programme is mainly delivered by Jane Crosbie. Jane is a Biology specialist and aims to deliver a KS4 programme which suits and stretches the academic ability of each pupil. The programme is designed to nurture creative thinking and problem solving, with application to real life situations. Where applicable, the course is used to also develop pupils understanding of personal care and safety.  There is the opportunity to study all three GCSE sciences at GCSE.

AQA Entry Level Certificate - Science (5960)

For those pupils who are not yet ready for the demands of the GCSE course, the ELC is offered.

The Entry Level Science course covers many aspects of all three sciences. The topics are taught alongside any relevant practicals. Achievement is then assessed using both a Teacher Devised Assignment (practical) and an Externally Set Assignment (theory). The marks for all assignments are then collated and an overall grade allocated. This can be EL1, EL2 or EL3.

The areas covered are

Biology – cells, specialised cells, microscopes, heart, digestion, breathing, excretory system, reproduction and contraception, skeleton, healthy diet and exercise, healthy lifestyle, infection, response, defence, vaccines and the nervous system.

Chemistry - atoms, elements, mixtures, compounds, separating mixtures, chromatography, solids, liquids, and gases, diamond and graphite, making compounds, naming compounds, metals from ores, iron and steel, plastics.

Physics – electricity, electrical safety, complete circuits, wiring a plug, fuses, magnetism, electromagnets, waves, electromagnetic spectrum.

During the course students will be tasked with completing relevant AQA Unit Awards. This will help cement their learning whilst also providing a back-up should the examinations prove too challenging.

AQA Unit Awards

The AQA Unit Award Scheme is a scheme of work where students can study smaller units and create a portfolio of awards to demonstrate the skills achieved. In science the awards cover a range of topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics that follows the KS4 Programme of Study. Areas covered include Classification, States of Matter, Environment, The Heart and Homeostasis.

AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

The GCSE Biology course is offered, as it is accessible to a wider range of pupils. The course covers many areas of Biology including; Human, plant, environmental and genetics. Assessment is via two exam papers at the end of year 11, each 90 minutes. The results from these two papers will create the final overall grade. The course has been designed to allow time to cover the content, apply in practical situations and also learn about exam technique. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in practical lessons. These cover a variety of topics including enzymes, photosynthesis and microorganisms. Results from these experiments will be used in data handling exercises to develop the skills necessary for the final exams. Students have the opportunity in every lesson to attempt GCSE style questions - all the time looking to reduce anxiety in the exam situation. Pupils will also gain experience of the exam situation by participating in mock exams throughout the course.

Gifted and Talented

For those pupils who are gifted and talented in science, and show an interest, the opportunity to study for further qualifications is also offered.

AQA GCSE Physics (8463)