Students in Key Stage 3 Study Science for Three Hours a Week. in Years 7 and 8 Follow The

Science

KS3

Students in Key Stage 3 study science for three hours a week. In years 7 and 8 follow the science national curriculum as set out by government in 2014, using a modified version of the Collins schemes of learning. Year 9 students follow a hybrid curriculum, using aspects of the new Collins merged with the old national curriculum to ensure any gaps in knowledge from the overlapping of curriculum changes at KS2 are addressed.

Year 7

Autumn Term – up to February Half Term

An introduction to science and base line assessment.
Biology 1 – The building blocks of life
Chemistry 1 – Mixing, dissolving and separating.
Physics 1 – Forces and their effects.

February Half Term – May Half Term

Biology 2 – Diet, digestion and breathing.
Chemistry 2 – Elements, compounds and reactions.
Physics 2 – Energy transfers and sounds.

May Half Term – End of term.

End of year examination preparation and exam.
Start Biology 3 – Getting Energy for your body.
Start Chemistry 3 – Explaining physical changes.

Year 8

Autumn Term

Finish Biology 3 – Getting energy for your body
Finish Chemistry 3 – explaining physical changes
Physics 3- Exploring contact and non-contact forces

Spring Term

Biology 4 – Plants and the ecosystem
Chemistry 4 – Explaining Chemical changes
Physics 4 – Magnetism and electricity

Summer Term

Biology 5 – Variation for survival
Chemistry 5 – Obtaining useful materials
Physics 5 – Motion on Earth and in space
End of year examination preparation and exam.

Year 9

Autumn Term

Biology 6 – Our health and the environment
Chemistry 6 – Using our earth sustainably
Physics 6 – Motion on earth and in space

Spring Term - Summer Term

Practical Skills Chemistry, Biology and Physics
End of year/KS3 examination preparation and exam.

Preparation for GCSE

KS4

AQA COMBINED SCIENCE GCSE(Double Award equivalent to 2 GCSEs)

Combined Science forms the new core national curriculum and provides the essential knowledge for students to understand scientific concepts about the world they live in and how it works. The AQA Trilogy version of the Combined Science course is equivalent to two GCSEs and covers much of the same content as the old Core and Additional Sciences that many people are familiar with. This course is suitable for the vast majority of students of all abilities and prior attainment, however we recommend that students who have been consistently working beyond age expectation consider the Triple/Separate Science option to stretch them beyond the Combined Science curriculum.

What will you learn?

From September 2016 students will start the new reformed GCSEs in Science. There have been lots of changes to the way the course content will be assessed, but the general content has not changed much.

Within the Combined Science course students will cover the main basic concepts of the three Science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This gives students a good solid understanding of these concepts:

Biology section: Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics, homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation, evolution and ecology.

Chemistry section: Atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, structure of chemicals, properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere and using the earths’ resources.

Physics section: Forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, particle model of matter and atomic structure.

Within the new curriculum there is a significant proportion of new mathematical skills. These include scientific equations that will need to be memorised and manipulated.

You will also have to how to carry out practical experiments to test hypotheses developed through understanding of scientific theory. You will have to complete a minimum of 16 required practicals.

How will the course be assessed?

From September 2016 all new GCSEs will be assessed using the new 9-1 grading system, replacing the A*-G. All exams are taken at the end of Year 11 through a linear examination system. Since Combined Science is a double award GCSE, students will obtain two grades scaled on a 17-point system, from 9-9. 9-8 through to 2-1 and 1-1.

All new Science GCSEs will have a foundation tier that will cover grades 1–5 and a higher tier, grades 4-9.

There are no formal controlled assessments in the new Science qualification however, students will have their practical skills tested throughout the course and must complete 16 compulsory practical assessments. These will not count towards their final mark, but will they will be awarded a pass or fail for this component. This will show on their certificate, and a pass will be needed for acceptance on most Science Key Stage 5 A level courses.

At the end of the course there will be six exam papers (1 hour and 15 minutes long), worth 70 marks each, or 16.6% of their final mark.

Two exams will cover the biology sections, two will cover the chemistry sections and two will cover the physics sections. Each will assess different topics, via a variety of multiple choice, structured, closed, short and open response questions. These questions will assess their contextual subject knowledge, practical skills and use of mathematical skills. (Mathematical skills will make up 15% of the assessments).

AQA TRIPLE / SEPARATE SCIENCES:GCSE BIOLOGY, GCSE CHEMISTRY, GCSE PHYSICS

Students will obtain three separate GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each of which will be a separate GCSE. Triple Science comprises modules which assess understanding of the scientific practical skills, harder mathematical applications and deeper scientific concepts. It is recommended for students whose teacher’s assessment shows they have been working consistently beyond age expectation in both Science and Maths should consider Triple Science. However, any student who is passionate about science and is willing to take on the extra work, could consider this course. Students who wish to apply should discuss this with their teacher as their teacher’s recommendation will be needed to ensure suitability for the course.

These GCSEs provide the best preparation of those students considering studying Science at A Level.

What will you learn?

Separate Sciences provide a wider range of content and leads into A Level Sciences. The following is covered:

GCSE Biology: The same as Combined Science - cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bio-energetics, homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation, evolution and ecology.

Extra content – culturing microorganisms, monoclonal antibodies, plant disease, the brain, the eye, thermoregulation, plant hormones and considerably more.

GCSE Chemistry: The same as Combined Science - atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, structure of chemicals, properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere and using the Earths’ resources.

Extra content – amongst many other things, transition metals, nanoparticles, yield and atomic economy, concentrations of solutions and gas volumes.

GCSE Physics: The same as Combined Science - forces, Energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, particle model of matter and atomic structure.

Extra content – moments and gears, pressure in fluids, interpreting speed graphs, momentum, changes in velocity and frequency of wave lengths, refraction of waves, sound waves, and a great deal more.

Within the new curriculum there is a significant proportion of new mathematical skills. These include scientific equations that will need to be memorised and manipulated.

You will also have to how to carry out practical experiments to test hypotheses developed through understanding of scientific theory. You will have to complete a minimum of 8 required practicals per GCSE.

How will the course be assessed?

From September 2016 all new GCSEs will be assessed using the new 9-1 grading system, replacing A*-G. The foundation tiers will cover grades 1–5 and the higher, grades 4-9.

There are no formal controlled assessments in the new science qualification however, students will have their practical skills tested throughout the course and must complete 8 per GCSE (8 for Biology, 8 for Chemistry and 8 for Physics) compulsory practical assessments. These will not provide any weighting towards their final mark, but will they will be awarded a pass or fail for this component. This will show on their certificate, and a pass will be needed for acceptance on most Science A Level courses.

At the end of the course there will be two exam papers per GCSE (1 hour and 45 minutes long), worth 100 marks each, or 50% of their final mark. Therefore, there will be six examinations in total across the three Science GCSEs. Questions will assess their contextual subject knowledge, practical skills and use of mathematical skills. (Mathematical skills will make up 10% of the assessment in Biology, 20% in Chemistry and 30% in Physics).

KS5

A Level Biology

A Level Content Overview

Content is split into six teaching modules;

Module 1 - Development of Practical Skills in

Biology

Module 2 - Foundations in Biology

Module 3 - Exchange andTransport

Module 4 - Biodiversity,Evolution and Disease

Module 5 - Communication,Homeostasis and

Energy

A Level Assessment Overview

Module 6 - Genetics, Evolution and

Ecosystems

Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.

Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6).

Biological Processes (01) 100 marks; 37% of total A level Written paper – 2 hours 15 minutes
Biological Diversity (02)100 marks 37% of total A level Written paper – 2 hours 15 minutes
Unified Biology (03) 70 marks 26% of total A level

Written paper -1 hour 30 minutes

Practical Endorsement in Biology (04) (non-exam assessment

The course seeks to:-

Develop an essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Biology and how these areas relate to each other.
Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical mathematical and problem solving skills.
Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Develop an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

OCR A Level Chemistry

Target Group

This is a course for students with an interest in the subject, or who are interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, or a science based industry. In particular please note, that if you wish to study Medicine or Veterinary Science in the future, you MUST have studied A Level Chemistry.

The course seeks to:

Develop an essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and how these areas relate to each other.
Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
Develop a competence and confidence in a variety of practical mathematical and problem solving skills.
Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Develop an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

A Level Physics

Exam Board – OCR

Target Group

The course is aimed at students keen to develop knowledge gained at GCSE to a greater level. Physics A level is a demanding, but rewarding course. Students achieving a grade C or above in

A level Physics will have a wide choice of universities and courses.

Content is split into six teaching modules
Module 1 - Development of Practical Skills in
Physics.
Module 2 - Foundations of Physics.
Module 3 - Forces and Motion.
Module 4 - Electrons, Waves and Photons.
Module 5 - Newtonian World and Astrophysics.
Module 6 - Particles and Medical Physics. /

Modelling Physics (01) assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. 100 marks; 37% of total A level.

Written paper – 2 hours 15 minutes

Exploring Physics (02) assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. 100marks;

37% of total A level.
Written paper – 2 hours 15 minutes

Unified Physics (03) assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). 70 marks

26% of total A level
Written paper -1hour 30 minutes

Practical Endorsement in Physics (04) (non-exam assessment)

The course seeks to:-

Develop an essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Physics and how these areas relate to each other.
Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
Develop a competence and confidence in a variety of practical mathematical and problem solving skills.
Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Develop an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

A level qualifications are graded on the scale: A*, A, B, C, D, E, where A* is the highest.

BTEC Level 3 Applied Science–Extended Certificate

This course consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit, adding up to 360 guided learning hours. Students must complete both years in order to gain a qualification which is graded Distinction * - Pass.

Course Content:-

Units covered over the two years
Compulsory Units Optional Unit – chosen from

Principles and Applications of Science 1 (90 GLH) – External written examination

/ There are 9 units to choose from. For example:-

Physiology of Human Body Systems.
Human Regulation and Reproduction.
Biological Molecules and Biological Pathways.
Genetics and Genetic Engineering.
Diseases and Infection.
Applications of Inorganic Chemistry.
Applications of Organic Chemistry.
Electrical Circuits and their Applications.

These units are all internally assessed in the form of coursework assignments.

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (90 GLH) – Internally assessed coursework assignments

Scientific Investigation Skills (120 GLH) – Task set by exam board to complete in lessons and be externally marked

Assessment:

Assignments for some units are set and marked by the centre. Students will complete a series of tasks set in a work-related scenario which is tailored to the needs of the school.
Some units have tasks set by Pearson (the exam board). These are completed under controlled conditions, including a practical task that will tackle an everyday challenge and draw on pre-released information and taught content.
Finally students will sit an examination which is 1hr and 30 minutes long under high control examination conditions.

Assessment of this course focuses on application of skills in a work environment. Not only does this prepare candidates well for the world of work, but universities are also increasingly praising the additional skills it equips students with. Assessments are performed under controlled conditions and require students to apply their learning to unfamiliar scenarios allowing them to provide evidence to demonstrate their understanding.

Progression Routes:

A BTEC in Applied Science could lead to pupils becoming Drug Researchers, Scene of Crime Officers, Technicians, Analysts, Police Officers, Nurses or Clinical Scientists.

Many students who have taken this course are now at university.