Our Key Mission – to learn, and love Science! |
| The vision of the Science Department is that all students will engage with Science in a practical and active way. This will lead to an increase in their confidence, and develop their ability to evaluate their learning needs. As staff, we have the expertise, skills and commitment to work with students and their carers/parents, to provide appropriate challenge and varied learning activities to meet those needs.
Science should be practical-based, and enjoyable. Whilst this may not always mean that students do something practical themselves every lesson, it is our Department Policy that 75% of lessons have a practical component. Students learn by doing. Science is for everyone, and should be fun! This learning environment can only be achieved by students and staff working alongside each other in a purposeful way. The effective working relationships developed between staff and students are what make it possible to deliver real learning opportunities in practical Science.
Staff are always on hand in the Science Department (Leonardo Block, Top 2 floors) to help after school with homework, coursework or answer questions on Wednesday (Science Club) and Thursday (Homework Club). |
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Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & 8) |
In Year 7 & 8, students are taught Science using the National Curriculum Programme of Study which has been carefully compacted into 2 years. This has been done by taking greater account of prior learning at Key Stage 2, and using tailor-made units to deliver an active and practical curriculum. A range of topics in 3 teaching Blocks: one ending in December, the next ending in March and the next ending in June. Some examples of Year 7 Topics are: Acids and Alkalis, Simple Chemical Reactions, Cells and Reproduction, Rock Cycle and Weathering, Particles and Solutions, Electricity and Energy, Forces, Solar System, Heating and Cooling, Ecological relationships and Variation. Some Examples of Year 8 Topics are: Atoms, Elements & Compounds; Fit for Life; Light & Sound; Looking for Patterns; Plants, Photosynthesis & Food; More about Physics; Gravity & Space; Respiration; Digestion & Microbes; Heat Transfer.
Scheme of Work and Textbooks: The Scheme of Work used to deliver the curriculum is based on the QCA recommended scheme for delivery of the curriculum. However, this is continually being updates with new resources and there is differentiation for the needs of a range of abilities including those requiring support and those who are Gifted and Able in Science.
The textbooks used in conjunction with Key Stage 3 teaching are:
Exploring Science 7 (0582 53572 7)
Exploring Science 8 (0582 53571 9)
Exploring Science 9 (0582 53570 0)
Published by Pearson Education. |
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Key Stage 4 (Year 9 & 10) |
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| Students select Options in Year 8. In Science, this means they will have chosen one of 2 routes:
Route 1
Core Science (Year 9)
Additional Science (Year 10)
Leading to 2 separate graded GCSEs
This is the necessary route, if a student wants to select the Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or Astronomy in Year 11; or if he expects to progress to any AS science-based course in Year 11 or Year 12.
Most students should select this Option as this is the one that is recommended.
Route 2
However, for a small number of students, who might have more vocational paths ahead of them, for example, there is a different pathway.
Core Science over 2 years (Single Science NOT Separate Sciences) 1 GCSE over 2 years.
It is very important to note that most students should take the first route as the second route severely limits Course Options in Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13.
Scheme of Work and Textbooks
Core Science GCSE is delivered using OCR Gateway Science B specification. The students who have taken the first year of this course in 2006-7, have really enjoyed the practical nature of the course. The way Science is delivered is using current modern real Science issues and it is an excellent forum for students to develop their knowledge and skills.
The textbooks used in conjunction with Key Stage 4 teaching are:
Core Science (Year 9 or Year 9 & 10): OCR Gateway Science for OCR GCSE Science B (0 00 721447 2)
Additional Science (Year 10): OCR Gateway Science for OCR GCSE Additional B (0 00 721635 1)
Separate Sciences (Year 11): OCR Gateway Science for OCR GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics (0 00721636 X)
Published by Collins Education
Key Stage 4 (Year 11)
There are a number of exciting opportunities for students of all abilities and interests to take Science into their Year 11 curriculum:
GCSE Courses Applied Science; Astronomy; Environmental and Land-Based Science; Separate Sciences – Biology, Physics, Chemistry.
Other Courses (eg. BTEC or ECM) Forensic Science; Environmental Science; History of Science.
AS Courses : Applied Science; Public Understanding of Science; Environmental Science.
Key Stage 5 (Year 12 & 13)
AS Courses: Applied Science; Biology (with Mammalian Physiology OR Environmental Science option); Chemistry; Physics; Public Understanding of Science; Environmental Science. |
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