Science

What are the key features of the programmes of study?
The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Through scientific enquiry, Science aims to develop students’ ability to question and explain the changing world around them, providing them with an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science. The course aims to provide students with the foundation needed to excel at GCSE.

What will my child study in Year 7?
In Year 7, the Biology topics covered are Cells, Body Systems and Reproduction. In Chemistry, the topics are Particles, Elements, Acids and Alkalis and Chemical Reactions. In Physics, the topics include Space, Forces, Sound and Light. All topics also include numerous opportunities for students to develop essential practical science skills and problem solving. Health Topics are also delivered through Science in Year 7 and include a range of topics from the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) Curriculum, including Personal Hygiene.

What will my child study in Year 8?
In Year 8, the Biology topics covered are Lifestyle, Inheritance and Ecosystems. In Chemistry, the topics are Separating Techniques, Periodic Table, Metals and Acids and Earth. In Physics, the topics include Electricity and Magnetism, Motion and Pressure and Energy. As in every year, most of these topics will involve opportunities for students to develop their practical science skills. Health Topics are also delivered through Science in Year 8 and include a range of topics from the PSHE Curriculum including Internet Safety.

What will my child study in Year 9?
In Year 9, students will follow a specially designed course, which aims to consolidate and extend the scientific knowledge and understanding acquired throughout Years 7 and 8, while equipping them with the skills needed for success at Key Stage 4. In each scientific discipline, students are introduced to the core concepts required for GCSE. In Biology this includes Microscopes and Enzymes. In Chemistry, this includes Atomic Structure and Bonding. In Physics, this includes Waves and Electricity. These are taught to GCSE level, with a focus on mastering these foundation concepts and applying them to GCSE level exam questions to start embedding good exam technique. Health Topics are also delivered through Science in Year 9 and include a range of topics from the PSHCE Curriculum including Contraception and Drug Awareness.

How is my child assessed?
Students’ progress will be formally assessed at the end of each half term with a formative test that is designed to facilitate progress towards GCSE examinations. In Year 9, tests will include questions that have been taken from past GCSE papers, and students will be assessed using GCSE criteria. Class teachers will give feedback on results and focus effort on areas of weakness for individual students. The data provided by these assessments will enable us to track the progress of every child and provide support where necessary to ensure all students achieve their potential.

What equipment is needed?
It is vital that students always come to their Science lessons prepared with the following equipment: pen, pencil, purple pen, ruler, eraser, calculator and a hair tie for hair to be tied back in practical sessions.

GCSE SEPARATE SCIENCES

Examination Course: AQA Course Code:   Biology 8461, Chemistry 8462, Physics 8463

What is the course about?
This course is taken by students with a particular interest in Science and provides the very best preparation for the study of Science at A-Level and beyond. In this course Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately by experts in their field and upon completion; students will receive three GCSEs (one for each subject).

What skills and ideas will I learn?
In GCSE Separate Sciences students study all the material covered in Combined Science but in greater depth to extend their knowledge and understanding. This provides an excellent preparation for the study of sciences in Year 12.  

How is the course assessed?

Students will obtain a separate grade for each subject (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

Biology 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

Chemistry 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

Physics 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

All careers require the discipline of scientific study, rigorous investigative skills and carefully considered evaluation. This course will provide the ideal route into A-level sciences, which are required for medical, engineering, environmental, educational and forensic careers.

How is the course assessed?

GCSE Separate Sciences: Students will obtain a separate grade for each subject (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

Biology 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

Chemistry 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

Physics 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams each contributing 50% to the GCSE

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

GCSE Science Triple Award: All careers require the discipline of scientific study, rigorous investigative skills and carefully considered evaluation. This course will provide the ideal route into A-Level sciences which are required for medical, engineering, environmental, educational and forensic careers.

GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE

What is the course about?

Combined Science is taken by the majority of our students and offers an excellent grounding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Upon completion students will receive two GCSE grades in science.

The course is structured as follows:

1. One unit of Biology, one of Chemistry and one of Physics in Year 10.

2. One further unit of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in Year 11.

Successful completion of Combined Science to a good standard (Grade 5 or above) will enable you to study A Level Sciences.

What skills and ideas will I learn?

Combined Science is delivered in the following units:

Year 10

Biology 1:         Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics

Chemistry 1:  Atomic structure and the Periodic table, Bonding, Structure, the
                           Properties of Matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes

Physics 1:        Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure

Year 11

Biology 2:        Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, Ecology

Chemistry 2: The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using resources

Physics 2:       Forces, Waves, Magnetism and Electromagnetism

In all subjects there will be a greater emphasis on the acquisition and development of Scientific, Investigative and Analytical skills than in previous years. 

N.B. All combined Science GCSE exams will take place at the end of Year 11, and there is no longer a coursework component as skills relating to practicals will be assessed in the terminal exams.

GCSE Separate Sciences is an option for students with a particular interest in science and requires them to use one of their option choices. It provides the very best preparation for the study of science at A-Level and beyond. In this course, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately by experts in their field and upon completion students will receive 3 GCSEs (one for each subject). 

How is the course assessed?

Combined Science: 6 x 75 minute terminal exams each contributing 16.7% of the course grades.

Question Types: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

Combined Science: Science affects all areas of life and it allows you to make informed decisions. Scientific skills are highly regarded by employers and are essential for many A-Level courses.

AQA ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE IN SCIENCE
Exam Board: AQA   Course Number: 5960

Entry Level in Science is specifically designed to meet the needs of students for whom GCSE Science is not appropriate. Students will complete the double award, which covers the KS4 programme of study, and comprises units of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and links closely to the new GCSEs. A select number of students may then be entered for AQA GCSE Science in Year 11. This decision will be reached in consultation with parents/carers and the students’ teachers.

This course covers the KS4 Science Programme of Study and contains the following two units of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

1. Component 1- Biology: The human body
2. Component 2 - Biology: Environment, evolution and inheritance
Chemistry

3. Component 3 - Chemistry: Elements, mixtures and compounds
4. Component 4 - Chemistry: Chemistry in our world
Physics

5. Component 5 - Physics: Energy, forces and the structure of matter
6. Component 6 - Physics: Electricity, magnetism and waves

How is the course assessed?

AQA ELC contains two different assessments:

Students need to submit six externally-set assignments (ESAs) which consist of a short written test, as well as six teacher-devised assignments (TDAs) which consist of a short piece of practical work. Students are graded from Entry 1 up to Entry 3. Some students may also be entered for the Combined Science GCSE at the end of Year 11.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?

The Entry Level Certificate develops scientific theory and practical skills to Level 1. The course covers the same content as GCSE Combined Science but is internally assessed. Students then have the option of sitting the GCSE Exams in Year 11. 

Homework

Homework is set in Science every Tuesday and handed in the following Tuesday. The online platform, Educake, is used where students are assigned quizzes by their class teachers based on the content they are currently studying. There will also be a working scientifically, numeracy or literacy element added to the quiz. The quizzes are self marking so students are able to see their performance once the quiz is completed. All homework is logged on ClassCharts so students are aware of homework submission dates. 

Enrichment Opportunities

Wide varieties of extra-curricular activities are available for students to take part in all year round, including a number of trips to Goodwood Festival of Speed , Legoland and many more. The Science Department organise regular internal competitions whilst also taking part in county and national competitions, such as the Big Bang Fair, and the BP STEM Challenge (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). We also have a number of organisations who visit the school throughout the course of the year to provide enrichment activities, including workshops, talks and shows. In the summer term, we hold our Science Fair for our Year 7 students. Students investigate a project of their choice, and display and discuss their work once it is completed. This is an opportunity for families to come into the Science Department, celebrate the work that has been produced by students, and share in their successes.