Science
Head of Department - Mrs B Drabble
Lower School
Outline of Subject
Science involves questioning the world around us and we very much try to ensure that students are operating and thinking as scientists. This has led to the development of a science curriculum which stimulates interest and provides opportunities for students to develop their enquiry and problem-solving skills, as well as focusing on the key scientific knowledge. The Year 7 to 9 course lays the foundations required for success at GCSE.
Learning Content
Topic Title
|
Year |
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
Cells Particles Forces |
Reproduction Energy Atoms, Elements & Compunds |
Electricity Separating Mixtures Ecology |
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|
8 |
Chemical reactions Digestion, Nutrition and Light |
Space Heating Electricity & Magnetism |
Photosynthesis Acids and Bases Human machine |
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|
9 |
Motion Staying Alive Metals |
Genetics Fuels Powering the Modern World |
B1 Cells and Transport C1 Fundamentals of Chemistry P1 Energy and Energy Resources |
|
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Skill Development
In science lessons, we use a wide variety of activities to stimulate and encourage students to demonstrate both the scientific content and the enquiry skills they have learnt. This involves group and individual, investigations, problem solving, writing conclusions and explanations, making presentations to other groups in the class and numerical work to develop familiarity and skill in handling data.
Assessment Styles
The students produce a variety of work throughout each term which we use to assess their progress. Tests will be given at the end of a short series of units to assess their knowledge of the key concepts in science. The students will also be assessed via assessment questions in each topic as well as being assessed throughout the year on their development of science skills, for example enquiry and investigative skills. We take all of this in account when giving an end of term grade for science.
Additional Information
Some home learning exercises require students to learn about a concept by watching a media clip and then coming to the next lesson prepared to apply their acquired knowledge to different situations. Other home learning exercises will include revision tasks to reinforce learning that has taken place in the lesson.
Upper School
Outline of Subject
Our lessons are developed and produced by our own staff, with the aim of incorporating scientific skills and knowledge into lessons; so that students are fully prepared for their exams at the end of year 11. All students will study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics regardless of whether they study combined science or triple science GCSEs. Students will study; the Biology of flora and fauna, the Chemistry of reactions and material structures, the Physics of Energy, Forces and Motion, as well as further topics across all three disciplines.
Course Content
| Year | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 |
B2 Organisation P4 Radioactivity C2 Bonding, Structures & Properties C3 Quantitative Chemistry P3 Particle Model of Matter |
P2 Circuit Electriity B4 Bioenergetics B3 Infection and Response C8 Chemical Analysis/C10 Water Analysis C4 Chemical Changes/C10 Metals P2 Mains Electricity |
C9 Chemistry of the Atmosphere C10 Life Cycle Assessments P5 Forces B7 Ecology Trial Exams |
| 1. Ecology 2.Waves | |||
| 11 |
B5 Homeostasis C5 Energy Changes P6 Waves C7 Organic Chemistry |
B6 Inheritance, Variation and Evolution C6 Rates of Chemical Change C4 Electrolysis P7 Electromagnetism P8 Space (Triple Only) |
Revision |
Skill Development
Over the two years the science course covers a wide variety of skills including but not limited to the following; Using scientific vocabulary, terminology and definitions. Applying the cycle of collecting, presenting and analysing data. Using a variety of models to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts. Using scientific theories and explanations to develop hypotheses. Planning experiments to make observations, test hypotheses, check data and explore phenomena. Carrying out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
Assessment
At the end of each topic students will complete an assessment question designed to challenge their understanding in that topic. They will also complete half term tests in exam conditions to help prepare them for the final exams. They will complete Year 10 trial exams in science, with the same structure of assessment in year 11. All students will complete 6 externally marked exams at the end of year 11 which will form 100% of their final grade.
Additional Information
Please visit http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464 for the trilogy specification and exam board information.
Visit http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse and chose 8461,8462 and 8463 for triple science specifications.