Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 Science
Key stage 3 Science
Year 9 students are taught Science through Exploring Science scheme of work which matches that of the QCA. They will cover the following topics throughout the year:
- Inheritance and selection
- Fit and healthy
- Plants and photosynthesis
- Plants for food
- Reactions of metal and metal compounds
- Patterns of reactivity
- Environmental chemistry
- Using chemistry
- Energy and electricity
- Gravity and space
- Speeding up
- Pressure and moments
Students discover these topics through a range of learning activities including experimental, ICT, research and discussion work.
Students are encouraged to do their best, being regularly assessed and set realistic targets to improve their attainment.
Key stage 4 Science
Year 10 students will complete the AQA GCSE Core Science. Students are taught the three Sciences by separate teachers. In Biology students are studying topics Human Biology (B1a) and Evolution and environment (B1b). In Chemistry students will learn about Products from rocks (C1a) and Oils, earth and atmosphere (C1b). Physics will provide opportunities for students to find out about Energy and electricity (P1a) and Radiation and the universe (P1b).
All year 11 students will be studying Evolution and environment (B1b), Oils, earth and atmosphere (C1b) and Radiation and the universe (P1b) in completion of their AQA GCSE Core Science. Year 11 students who opted to AQA Additional Science will also study a biology, chemistry and physics topics in completing this qualification.
All year 11 students will sit a Science module test on 22nd November 2007. In addition, triple Science students in year 10 will also sit a Chemistry exam for C1a on this day.
Other exam dates for GCSE Core and Additional Science can be found on the school calendar for this academic year.
Year 11 students will complete their Science coursework during the mock exams in December and during the coursework week in February. Students in year 10 will complete their first piece of coursework during the year 10 exams in May.
Key stage 5 Science
Currently A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are offered by the Science Department. It is anticipated that next year BTEC Nationals in Science will also be offered.