Science

Teaching Staff and Responsibilities

Biology

Mr B Austin: Head of Science, Head of Biology [email protected]

Ms H Munday: Biology teacher, Head of Year 7

Mrs A Jerome: Biology teacher, Head of Year 12

Miss V Ramm: Biology technician

Chemistry

Mrs S. Williams: Head of Chemistry, Head of Year 13 [email protected]

Miss F Joyce: Chemistry teacher, Head of Year 10

Mrs C Gunn: Chemistry teacher, Assistant Head of Science

Mrs S Williams: Chemistry technician

Physics

Mrs C Raper:  Head of Physics [email protected]

Mrs F Alkazemi: Physics teacher

Mr R Felix: Physics teacher

Mr K Khan: Physics Technician

KS3 (Years 7-9)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS3?

Year 7, 8 & Year 9 are taught in five sets

(For more detail please see Science Department Setting Policy.)

What are our aims at KS3?

Our aim is to turn our students into S.K.I.P.S (Skilful, Knowledgeable, Independent, Practical Scientists). Our course is written in-house using the experience and expertise of the staff whilst also preparing the students with the skills they require to progress with their science through GCSE and, for many, A level. The lessons within the topics are consistently reviewed and evaluated in order to add current scientific developments to make science relatable to everyday life. We firmly believe that all students should have the same scientific experience in lessons and equal opportunity to progress. We have adopted the aims of the National Curriculum below:

  •  develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
  • develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
  • are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

How does this subject develop over KS3?

In Year 7 and Year 8 the students are taught Science in topics which are designed to, not only match and follow the National Curriculum, but to also extend the students in areas of interest beyond the National Curriculum. The students’ progress with their understanding from Year 7 to year 8 as common concepts are continually revisited throughout a topic and between topics. In Year 9 pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate standalone units. Each unit is designed to help students build on the skills, knowledge, independence and practical skills they have acquired lower down the School.

The KS3 Scheme of Work is heavily orientated around practical work particularly investigative skills. Most topics have an investigation towards the end when the students have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. The students are taught the investigative skills of predictions, variables, methodology and analysis early on in Year 7 and are handed more independence as the course progresses. For example, we would provide the students with results tables at the start of the course but we would expect students to be able to formulate their own results table with correct column headings and units at a later stage of the course. Similarly, we would instruct students on graph drawing skills at the start of the course but we would expect students to select the most appropriate graph at a later stage.

What will my daughter learn at KS3?

Year 7

Introduction to Science skills

Particles and Solutions

Energy and Forces

Life Processes

Chemical Reactions

Electricity and Magnetism

Scientific Skills

Year 8

Interdependence

Earth and Space

Healthy living

Elements and Compounds

Sound and Light

Rocks and Weathering

Microbes

Scientific Skills

Year 9

Biology

Producers and Ecosystem

Transition Topic:

Ecology

Chemistry

Chemical Concepts

Transition Topic:

Earth’s Atmosphere and Earth’s Resource

Physics

Forces and Movement

Transition Topic:

Conservation and dissipation of energy

Energy transfer by heating

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p

https://www.s-cool.co.uk/

https://www.educationquizzes.com/ks3/science/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

KS4/GCSE (Years 10-11)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS4?

Each year group is divided into five teaching groups with classes ranging from 14 – 28 students. Each group is taught (predominantly) by three specialist teachers of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and all the groups are set according to ability. The majority of students complete the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy course. There is a guided option for 28 students “working above” or “working well above” at KS3 to apply to complete the separate science GCSE courses.

Which GCSE specification do we prepare pupils for?

Combined Science Trilogy

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Biology (Separate Science)

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

Chemistry (Separate Science)

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

Physics (Separate Science)

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

What will my daughter learn at KS4?

Year 10

Biology

Homeostasis and response

Inheritance, variation and evolution

Cell biology

Chemistry

Atoms

Bonding and Moles

Chemical Reactions and Energy Changes

Physics

Energy

Electricity

Particle model of matter

Atomic structure

Year 11

Biology

Organisation

Infection and response

Bioenergetics

Chemistry

Rates

Equilibrium

Organic Chemistry and Analysis

Physics

Forces

Waves

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Space physics (physics only)

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Biology KS5/A Level (Y12-13)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS5?

Mixed ability groups

Which A Level specification do we prepare pupils for?

We have chosen AQA A level Biology Specification

Year 12

1 Biological molecules

2 Cells

3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13

Energy transfers in and between organisms

6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8 The control of gene expression

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

www.kerboodle.com

https://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

https://www.newscientist.com/

Future pathways/careers

You’ll need biology for most degrees in medicine, biology, biomedical sciences, dentistry, dietetics, physiotherapy, orthoptics and veterinary medicine.  Biology is usually required or recommended for courses in biochemistry, environmental science, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, sports science, physiology and speech therapy.

Studying A-level Biology offers an infinite number of amazing career opportunities including: Nursing, Doctor, Pharmacist, Biochemist, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Zoology, Botanist, Forensic Scientist, Ecology, Physiotherapist, Biological Engineer, Environmental Engineer and Biomedical Engineer

Chemistry KS5/A Level (Y12-13)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS5?

Mixed ability groups

Which A Level specification do we prepare pupils for?

We have chosen AQA A level Chemistry Specification. Chemical concepts are introduced within a relevant context, the course being written as a series of teaching modules based on contemporary issues in chemistry. Students study the chemistry in a spiral way so that chemical ideas, introduced in an early topic, are reinforced later. The ‘drip-feed’ approach to teaching and learning chemical principles allows candidates to revisit a particular topic several times during the course, each time taking their knowledge and understanding a step further. Practical work done to support teaching of the content will serve to cover the requirements of the practical skills module (Module 1), which is assessed in written examinations and through the Practical Endorsement. Suitable supporting practical work is cross-referenced from appropriate learning outcomes throughout the specification. Additionally, cross-references are included to the mathematical criteria that are embedded in the assessment.

Year 12

1 Elements of Life

2 Developing Fuels

3 Elements from the Sea

4 The Ozone Story

5 What’s in a Medicine

Year 13

6 The Chemical Industry

7 Polymers and Life

8 Oceans

9 Developing metals

10 Colour by Design.

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

Future pathways/careers

Chemistry is essential for degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, pharmacology, biochemistry, chemistry and chemical engineering. It is also recommended for forensics, environmental science and materials science.

Studying A-level Chemistry offers an infinite number of amazing career opportunities including: Doctor, Pharmacist, Biochemist, Pharmacologist, Chemist, Chemical engineer, Forensic Scientist, Environmental Engineer and Biomedical Engineer. Many students with Chemistry degrees also go on to have careers in law, accountancy, teaching and IT to name but a few.

Physics KS5/A Level (Y12-13)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS5?

Mixed ability groups

Which A Level specification do we prepare pupils for?

We have chosen AQA Physics Specification

Year 12

Particles, Mechanics and Materials, Waves and Electricity

Year 13

Further Mechanics, Thermal physics, Fields and Nuclear Physics; plus, an optional topic, usually Astrophysics or Medical Physics but this depends on the wishes of the particular cohort.

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

  • www.aqa.org.uk
  • www.kerboole.com
  • www.hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
  • www.antonine-education.co.uk/Pages/Syllabus/AQA/Entry.htm
  • www.physbot.co.uk/
  • https://animatedscience.co.uk/
  • https://phet.colorado.edu/
  • www.alevelphysicsonline.com/
  • www.cyberphysics.co.uk/
  • www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics
  • https://isaacphysics.org/
  • www.physicsandmathstutor.com/a-level-physics-papers/http://www.particleadventure.org/
  • www.diamond.ac.uk/Home.html
  • https://home.cern/
  • www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA
  • www.nasa.gov
  • www.iop.org.uk

Future pathways/careers

Past students have studied a variety of University subjects such as Physics, Astrophysics, Natural Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Music Technology, Civil Engineering, Medicine and Aeronautics. The analytical skills gained in this course are also useful in many non-scientific careers e.g. Law, Accountancy.

According to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in Physics are:

Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Economics and Business.

Studying A-level Physics offers an infinite number of amazing career opportunities including:

Geophysicist/field seismologist, Healthcare scientist, medical physics, Higher education lecturer, Radiation protection practitioner, Research scientist (physical sciences), Scientific laboratory technician, Secondary school teacher, Meteorologist, Structural engineer, Acoustic engineer, Product/process development scientist, Systems developer and Technical author.

You can also move into engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, nanotechnology, renewable energy and more, the opportunities are endless.

Applied Science KS5 (Y12-13)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS5?

Mixed ability groups

Which A Level specification do we prepare pupils for?

We have chosen AQA Applied General Science

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/applied-general/science

Year 12

All units are equally weighted

Unit 1 – Key concepts in science – examined unit

Biology– Cell structure, Transport mechanisms, The heart, Homeostasis,  Breathing and cellular respiration, Photosynthesis and food chain productivity

Chemistry– Atomic structure, The Periodic Table, Amount of substance, Bonding and structure, Enthalpy changes,

Physics – Energy and Efficiency, Electricity, Dynamics

Unit 2 – Applied experimental techniques – coursework unit

Applied Experimental Techniques

Unit 3 – Science in the modern world – examined unit based upon pre-release case study

Year 13

Unit 4 – The human body – examined unit

The digestive system and diet

The musculoskeletal system and movement

How oxygen is transported in the blood and how physiological measurements can be applied

The structure and function of the nervous system and brain

Nerve impulses

Unit 5 – Investigating science – coursework unit

Prepare for a scientific investigation.

Carry out the investigation and record results.

Analyse results, draw conclusions and evaluate the investigation.

Present the findings of the investigation to a suitable audience.

 

Unit 6a – Microbiology – coursework unit

Identify the main groups of microorganisms in terms of their structure.

Use aseptic techniques to safely cultivate microorganisms.

Use practical techniques to investigate factors that affect the growth of microorganisms.

Identify the use of microorganisms in biotechnological industries.

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

Future pathways/careers

Past students have gone into careers including Paramedic, Midwifery, Nursing, Primary School Teaching, Forensic Science.

The qualification is supported by the following higher education institutions:

  • Aberystwyth University
  • Birmingham City University
  • University of Bolton
  • Edge Hill University
  • Staffordshire University
  • University of South Wales
  • Southampton University
  • University of Sunderland
  • Teesside University
  • University of Wolverhampton
  • York St John University.

The qualification has also been supported by:

  • Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WiSET) wiset.org.uk
  • University of York Science Education Group uyseg.org
  • The Association for Science Education ase.org.uk