Science

Head of Department: Dr B Mitchell

Context

The science department consists of ten specialist teachers and one full time science technician. The department has six laboratories and two classrooms. The department has a united focus on students achieving their personal best and developing a love for learning.

Curriculum

Students in all year groups are working towards GCSE exams with the AQA exam board. These students will be assessed on the number grade 1-9 system. A linear curriculum is in place, where students study the new units each year in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (refer to the curriculum guides for additional information). There is still a strong focus on practical skills and students will be assessed on their knowledge of practical skills through their GCSE exam papers.

At KS4 some students work towards Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs) and some students work towards Combined Science worth 2 GCSEs. This choice is discussed with students through the options process and through our personalised Information and Guidance meetings between senior leaders, students and parents. All students wishing to work towards Triple Science are able to do so.

For curriculum guides for Science, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.

Learning Journey

Assessment

At KS3 students will complete a short assessment at the end of each topic. Students will also complete a 1-hour exam paper at the end of each term to assess their progress against all assessment objectives (demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply knowledge and understanding, analyse information and ideas).

At KS4 students will complete a 1-hour exam paper at the end of each term to assess their progress against all assessment objectives (demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply knowledge and understanding, analyse information and ideas). Additionally Year 11 students will set two sets of 'mock' examinations.

Homework

The expectation for homework is that students will complete a minimum of one homework activity per week.

Enrichment Opportunities

Competitions and special sessions will take place throughout the course of the academic year linked to key events, such as British Science Week.

For our 'Electives' we are running the Crest Award - Bronze and Small Animal Welfare. For further information, see below or visit the Electives Programme area of our website. 
 

Awards engage and inspire a wide range of students, and introduce them to the language and methods of project work. The flexible framework can be adapted for students of different ages and abilities. 

Bronze projects: 

  • Involve a minimum of 10 hours of work on one project area 

  • Use scientific and/or technical knowledge appropriate to students aged 11 to 14

  • Students share their project outcomes with their peers (e.g. display, assembly, poster) 

  • Have active support from an educator: guiding students but allowing them to make decisions for themselves, reviewing progress regularly and supporting planning to maintain the pace of progress.

This course introduces students to the care of a variety of domestic animals. The course begins with an introduction to values and animal welfare, progressing on to look at common pets on an individual basis. This is a course that could potentially hold some practical areas of study including nutrition, feeding, cleaning and handling animals, along with covering health/diseases and first aid for pets.