Science - Curriculum Information
Curriculum Intent
Information about the Science Department
Curriculum Sequencing
Aims of the science department
- To inspire students to take Science further to college and university.
- To ensure all students develop sound practical skills.
- To encourage students to enthusiastically explore and question the world around them.
- To encourage every student to fulfil or exceed their potential in a supportive environment.
Departmental Staff
- Mr A Kent - AHT Leader of Science
- Mr C Brown - Second in Science, KS4 lead
- Miss T Miah - KS3 lead
- Ms H Schuler (PSHE Lead)
- Ms S Green
- Ms J Petrie (Year 11 Assistant progress leader)
- Ms C Farrell
- Mr S Swift (Deputy Headteacher)
- Miss R Meachin
- Mr N Robinson
- Miss S Downham
- Science Technicians – Mrs H Doyle, Miss R Spirovski, Mrs A Lucchetta
Facilities
- 7 specialist Science Laboratories
- 4 mobile fume cupboards
- Department nature pond
- 2 Prep rooms
Our Philosophy
Anything can be achieved if you work hard, with enthusiasm and resilience. We aim to promote a keen interest in the Scientific world around us. Constantly question why and how?
KS3 (Year 7 & 8)
Students at KS3 are following modules of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will carry out practical work and will sit formative assessment, during the terms as well as summative topic tests at the end of each half term.
We run a popular Science club on Tuesday after school investigating and developing experimental techniques and extending students understanding and knowledge of Science. Students participating in Science club also work towards attaining CREST awards for Science (additional national qualification, see http://www.crestawards.org/ for more info).
KS4 (Year 10 and 11)
At KS4 all students will be completing the AQA triple (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) or combined trilogy GCSEs. The courses are graded by students taking 6 exams (2 of each discipline) at the end of year 11. 100% of the final grade is based on these exams.
Over the course of their GCSEs students will take a number of end of topic tests with mock exams being given at the end of year 10 and periodically over year 11.
For further information, please see the AQA website links below:
Combined Science Trilogy: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Biology: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Chemistry: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
Physics: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
Students in year 7 and 8 will alternate their independent learning between completing a project for a half term or being set appropriate online activities on Educake.
Students in year 9 and 10 will be set a base level of independent learning on Educake and will be given additional activities where appropriate for revision and further development.
Students in year 11 will follow the Tassomai course designed to provide a differentiated individual guide through GSCE Science. In addition, class teachers will also set assignments where and when appropriate.
We expect all students in all years to spend time revising and preparing for exams. We will publish specific resources on google classrooms but other useful websites are:
BBC Bitesize: www.bbc.com/education/subjects/z7nygk7
For all sciences: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/
Save my exams: https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/gcse/#AQA