Key Stage 3
In the First Form Science classes are taught in their form groups. Pupils follow a stimulating and exciting course, designed to make the subject interesting and relevant.
Each Science Class is taught by one teacher which allows the development of scientific principles and skills to be imparted in a consistent way whilst maintaining the study of the three science subjects to a high level. The modules studied are clearly identifiable by the teacher as either Physics, (forces, energy, electricity, light and sound), Chemistry (materials, matter, acids and alkalis) or Biology (living things, growing up and environment).
Lessons are hands-on and interactive and generally include a large element of practical work. Pupils are taught the skills of scientific investigation and are encouraged to develop a sense of enquiry and curiosity. Each module is assessed by a short end of topic test and teachers use a variety of methods to assess pupils' progress. There are also educational visits, talks and competitions organised to enhance their learning experience.
Key Stage 4
The vast majority of our pupils study two or three separate science subjects at GCSE, chosen from Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
A single core science GCSE qualification is also available, combining the core aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
All Science GCSE subjects are examined on a modular basis, with the first units being taken in the March of Y10.
Biology
There are three teaching units on life and living processes. These study areas such as the 'human body', 'health', 'ecology', 'the environment', and 'genetics and inheritance'. Recent technological advances and their applications never fail to captivate the pupils' imaginations. If a pupil is thinking of continuing with Biology to AS level then a G.C.S.E. Chemistry is also required.
Chemistry
There are three teaching units. The first deals with natural resources including rocks, metal ores and products from oil. The second focuses on Acids and Alkalis, energy in reactions and chemical economics. The final unit looks at trends in the periodic table, the transition metals and introduces analytical chemistry. Throughout the course students are given the opportunity to see how the chemistry that they are studying is relevant to their everyday lives including consideration of social, economical and environmental implications.
Chemistry is a required subject at A level for reading a number of degree subjects including Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science at higher education. A minimum of a B grade in GCSE Chemistry is required for anyone considering study of Chemistry or Biology at AS level.
Physics
There are three teaching units which include topics such as 'energy', 'electricity and magnetism', 'waves', 'the universe', 'momentum' and 'radiation'. The practical impact of Physics in industry and technology is stressed and reference to the applications of the principles in everyday life situations makes the subject very accessible.
Core Science
A science course covering the first units from each of the separate science courses. This will result in one G.C.S.E. in Science. This course may be followed by a pupil who intends to specialise in areas outside of science in the future. It would not prepare a pupil sufficiently to continue with a science subject in the Sixth Form.
The Centre-Assessed Unit (CAU) of each Science G.C.S.E. comes from an Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA), which takes the form of a written test, based around a recent practical investigation and accounts for 25% of the overall G.C.S.E. mark. There are several opportunities for these during the course.