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Science

We are all passionate scientists who believe that understanding scientific thinking is fundamental to making decisions in society that could affect ourselves and others and it enables us to broaden our mind to make informed decisions about all aspects of our lives.

We are passionate about the subject as a way of understanding the universe and the excitement and enjoyment it can bring to how we view the world around us. We encourage the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics equally and separately but recognise the common skills required by all three.

We believe the study of Science give students the skills they need that are useful to them for later learning and decision making whatever subjects they study in the future. The study of Science also paves the way to a vast array of careers and job opportunities whether they require pure scientific knowledge or an application of the skills and understanding gained through the study of the subjects.

Fundamental skills essential for Science include analysis of data, communication of ideas through speech and writing, application of knowledge to explain natural phenomena and make predictions, use of evidence to come to conclusions and the use of practical skills to carry out experiments.

We love our subjects and our aim is to spread this enthusiasm to ensure the next generation of scientists are as prepared as they possibly can be for the world that awaits them.

KS3 SCIENCE

KS3 SCIENCE

Science is taught through six periods per fortnight in Year 7 and six periods per fortnight in Years 8 and 9.

Year groups are taught in mixed ability groups.

Course Description

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of science and how science works.

Scientific thinking

Using scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and developing them creatively to generate and test theories.

Critically analysing and evaluating evidence from observations and experiments.

Applications and implications of science

Exploring how the creative application of scientific ideas can bring about technological developments and consequent changes in the way people think and behave.

Examining the ethical and moral implications of using and applying science.

Cultural understanding

Recognising that modern science has its roots in many different societies and cultures, and draws on a variety of valid approaches to scientific practice.

Collaboration

Sharing developments and common understanding across disciplines and boundaries

Key Processes

These are the essential skills and processes in science that students need to learn to make progress.

Practical and Enquiry skills

Students should be able to:

  • use a range of scientific methods and techniques to develop and test ideas and explanations
  • assess risk and work safely in the laboratory, field and workplace
  • plan and carry out practical and investigative activities, both individually and in small groups

Critical Understanding of evidence

Students should be able to:

  • obtain, record and analyse data from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including ICT sources, and use their findings to provide evidence for scientific explanations
  • evaluate scientific evidence and working methods

Communication

Students should be able to use appropriate methods, including ICT, to communicate scientific information and contribute to presentations and discussions about scientific issues

What will you learn about?

  • Energy, electricity and forces
  • Chemical and material behaviour
  • Organisms, behaviour and health
  • The environment, earth and universe

Assessment

Key Stage 3 students will be assessed using formative and summative in-class assessments on a three weekly basis.

Homework/Extended Learning

Students are set one piece of extended learning per week on which they should spend approximately 30-45 minutes. Extended learning tasks are available on Google Classroom. These may be tasks set to consolidate learning completed in lessons or wider reading and research tasks in order to develop student engagement and begin to link ideas and develop a greater understanding of Scientific ideas and developments.

KS4 Science (GCSE Combined Science)

KS4 Science (GCSE Combined Science)

Students follow the OCR (J260) syllabus.

Course Content

OCR 21st Century Combined Science B:

  • Provides opportunities to link Science to issues relevant to students as citizens, and to the cultural aspects of science that are of value and interest to all.
  • Develops understanding of concepts and models that scientists use to explain natural phenomena.
  • Plays to the strengths of students – It recognises the diversity of interests and future intentions of the students who take a science qualification at GCSE.

The course will enhance students’ ability to plan and carry out practical investigations and their understanding of the role of experimental work.

To Be Successful In This Subject Students Will Need To Be Good At And Enjoy:

Students who succeed in science are those who are curious about the world around them and enjoy a practical and investigative approach to learning. Students will need to be able to plan a course of experiments, record observations and evaluate their findings and methods.

Progression Routes & Career Opportunities

By the end of Year 11, students will have completed two GCSE’s in Science. Most colleges and sixth forms require a minimum of 2 Grade 6’s to study Sciences at GCE A level or a Level 3 equivalent course.

Additional Information

The GCSE course will require students to carry out a minimum of sixteen practical activities between Year 9-11.

Assessment

Students will sit four examinations in the Summer term of Year 11:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Combined Science
KS4 Science (Triple)

Triple Science

KS4 SCIENCE (GCSE Separate SCIENCEs)

Students follow the following syllabuses:

OCR 21st Century Biology J257
OCR 21st Century Chemistry J258
OCR 21st Century Physics J259

Course Content

OCR 21st Century Separate Sciences

  • Allows students to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects, leading to three distinct qualifications.
  • Provides opportunities to link Science to issues relevant to students as citizens, and to the cultural aspects of science that are of value and interest to all.
  • Develops understanding of concepts and models that scientists use to explain natural phenomena.
  • Plays to the strengths of students – It recognises the diversity of interests and future intentions of the students who take a science qualification at GCSE.

Studying the courses above enhance students’ ability to plan and carry out practical investigations and their understanding of the role of experimental work.

To Be Successful In This Subject Students Will Need To Be Good At And Enjoy:

Students who succeed in science are those who are curious about the world around them and enjoy a practical and investigative approach to learning. Students will need to be able to plan a course of experiments, record observations and evaluate their findings and methods. Students study the separate science across 10 hours per fortnight, broadening their knowledge and application.

Progression Routes & Career Opportunities

By the end of Year 11, students will have completed three GCSE’s; one in each of the Science disciplines. Most colleges and sixth forms require a minimum of a grade 6 in each of the Science disciplines to study Sciences at GCE A level or a Level 3 equivalent course. With the UK facing a skills shortage in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in STEM.

Additional Information

The Separate Science courses will require students to carry out a minimum of eight practical activities over the three years of study for each of the Science disciplines. The skills, knowledge and understanding of application of these practical activities may be examined in the Summer Examination series.

Students will sit six exams in the Summer term of Year 11 (two for each Science subject).

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