Introduction:
All pupils need to have a good grasp of Science, so that they can make sense of the technological world we live in. As Science impacts our everyday life the Department helps students to develop a questioning frame of mind in order to understand how science works.The courses taught are designed not only to aid an enquiring mind but also for pupils wishing to study Science at higher education and pursue a career in a science related subject.
Aims at KS3:
KS3 Science
Pupils study a range of Biology, Physics and Chemistry concepts during KS3, in preparation for their transition to undertake their Science GCSE’s. CASE is also taught as part of the KS3 syllabus this programme is designed to improve pupils thinking skills through science education. The Science Department also arranges many activities e.g. educational visits, theatre groups and competitions to enhance pupils’ enjoyment and learning.
Students say: “I like science a lot, it is very interesting because you find
out things you never knew before” Yr 9
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in year 7
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in year 8
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in year 9
Aims at KS4:
To support students to acquire a questioning, analytical and evaluative approach to scientific problems and issues which affect them in everyday life. Pupils can study GCSE Core Science, Additional Science, BTEC Applied Science and GCSE’s in the separate sciences. The Core, Additional and BTEC programmes of study comprises of general science, in which pupils study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and develop their practical investigative skills.
Students say: “Science is fun and I think I will pass with a good grade because the lessons are interesting and the staff are very helpful” Yr 10
The KS4 programme of study;
Year 10:
In year 10 pupils will undertake the Edexcel 360 Science syllabus. Pupils will study the following and at the end of year 10 attain 1 GCSE in science.
Term 1: Learning objects:
Environment:
• Animals and plants depend on each other
• All organisms are adapted to their environment
• There is often completion between organisms for resources
• Natural selection is a long process over many generations.
Year 11:
In Year 11 the pupils will have the opportunity to continue with their second Edexcel Science GCSE or opt to take the BTEC applied course or the separate sciences.
Term 1:
• The chemical reactions essential for life take place inside cells.
• Respiring cells require a supply of glucose and oxygen, producing carbon dioxide as a waste product.
• Genes are the template for protein synthesis inside cells.
• The digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems provide cells with the basic materials they need to carry out their functions.
Genes:
• Characteristics of organisms are dependant on their genes
• Sexual reproduction leads to variation.
• Genetic modifications are used for a range of purposes.
• There are many ethical considerations associated with advances in genetic modification.
Term 2:
Electrical and chemical signals:
• The body needs to be maintained in an optimum state.
• The central nervous system lets your body respond to changes in its surroundings.
• Hormones regulate the functions of cells and organs
• Artificial hormones can be used to control reproduction and alter body functions.
Use misuse and abuse:
• The Human body has three lines of defence against invading micro organisms.
• Immunisation and antibiotics are used against diseases caused by micro organisms.
• The use of misuse and substances can affect the normal functioning of the body systems , affecting mental and physical health.
• There are socio- economic reasons that contribute to ill health and ethical considerations for the development of treatments.
GCSE modular exam for Biology in November.
Term 3:
Patterns in properties:
• All chemical elements are made up of atoms which consist of Nuclei and electrons
• Different elements have different properties, related to their position in the periodic table.
• Atoms join together to form molecules and compounds.
• The names of simple chemical compounds can be predicted from their chemical formulae.
Making Changes:
• Similar elements and compounds react in similar ways.
• Predictions can be made about the products of reactions based on knowledge of similar situations.
• Addition of oxygen to a substance is oxidation and loss of oxygen is reduction.
• Extraction of metals depends on their reactivity.
Term 4:
Theirs one Earth:
• All substance are obtained or made form substances in the Earth’s crust, sea or atmosphere.
• Many natural resources are mixtures of substances.
• Products obtained form crude oil are essential to modern life.
• Production and disposal of substances have environmental impacts.
Designer products:
• Materials differ in their properties and are suitable for different purposes
• New materials are developed to meet specific requirements
• Useful substances are made by chemical reactions
• Chemical processes use energy and have environmental consequences.
GCSE modular exam for Chemistry in March.
Term 5:
Producing and measuring electricity:
• There is a variety of ways we can produce electricity.
• Electrical quantities ca be measured
• The voltage, current and resistance in a circuit are related.
• The change in resistance of electrical devices is used in a variety of applications.
Your in charge:
• The rate of transfer electrical energy and its efficiency can be calculated.
• A motor maybe controlled using electricity
• It is important to consider the economical costs and environmental effects of energy use.
• Safety issues must be fully considered when working with electricity.
Term 6:
Now you see it now you don’t:
• Different types of waves have similar properties
• Waves carry energy
• The reflections and absorptions of waves can be used for a variety of scanning applications.
• Wave energy can be a risk to health.
Space and its mysteries:
• Planets in our solar system have different characteristics
• The formation and evolution of the universe and its stars
• Requirements for travelling in space and taking a holiday on different planets
• How we explore the universe and the benefits this brings
GCSE modular exam for physics in June.
Term 2:
Divide and Develop
• Organisms grow by cell division, elongation and differentiation of cells.
• Plants and animals are different and this results in different patterns of growth and development.
• There is a variety of environmental factors that will influence the growth and distribution of plants.
• Human intervention can manipulate the outcome of reproduction.
Term 2:
Energy Flow:
• Plants provide energy for all other organisms.
• Plants and animals are interdependent due to their use and production of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Energy flows through the biosphere and elements are recycled within it.
• Human activities are often unsustainable and there are many associated ethical considerations.
Interdependence:
• Organisms compete with each other for resources.
• Organisms are interdependent which affects their distribution and population size.
• Organisms have evolved to survive in extreme environments.
• Human impacts on the environment and conservation measures need management.
GCSE modular Biology exams in November
Term 3:
Synthesis:
• Organic compounds contain the elements carbon and hydrogen and many originate from living things.
• Many new substances are made from oil.
• Polymers are large molecules which can be formed by the repeated joining of monomer molecules.
• Disposal of some polymers is an environmental problem.
• Raw materials are converted into new and useful substances by chemical reactions.
• The amount of reactant needed to form a desired quantity of product can be calculated, but the actual yield is lower than the theoretical yield and this has financial implications.
In Your Element
• The number of outer electrons in an element determines its position in the periodic table and its reactivity.
• The process of electrolysis.
• The existence of isotopes and their relationship to relative atomic mass.
• The importance of electrons in ionic and metallic bonding.
Term 4:
Chemical Structures
• Bonds result from the forces between the electrons and the nuclei of atoms.
• Atoms bond in different ways to form compounds.
• The structure and properties of substances are dependent on the nature of the bonding.
How Fast? How Furious?
• Different chemical reactions occur at different rates and these rates can be changed.
• Some reactions give out energy while others take in energy.
• Chemical reactions involve breaking bonds and forming bonds.
• Reactions are reversible.
GCSE Chemistry modular exams in March
Term 5:
As Fast as You Can!
Learning objectives
The motion of moving objects can be measured.
Forces can affect the motion of an object.
The speed of falling objects usually change as they fall.
Vehicles and theme park rides have safety features to protect passengers from injury.
Roller Coasters and Relativity:
• How theme park rides work.
• For an object to move in a circular path a force must act on it.
• Energy can be converted from one form into another but it cannot be made or destroyed.
• New scientific theories are not always derived through experimental methods.
Term 6:
Putting Radiation to Use:
• Atoms are made from particles that can be combined in different ways to produce isotopes, some of which are unstable.
• There are different types of ionising radiations that have different properties.
• The activity of a radioactive source can be measured and used in practical situations.
• Radioactivity has useful applications in everyday life and medicine.
Power of the atoms:
• Nuclear power stations use chain reactions to produce electricity.
• The Sun produces its energy using nuclear fusion.
• The movement of charged particles forms an electric current.
• Static charges have useful applications but they can also create hazards.
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in year 10
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in year 11
The Science Department’s main aim is to provide the best possible science education for all students, irrespective of differences in ability, gender, and cultural background. We recognise our obligation to make science relevant to the needs and interests of the students, and we are committed to not only to help students to enjoy this subject but also to realise their full potential. |
We have six well resourced laboratories with ICT facilities available in each.
BTEC FIRST CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE
This course is 100% internally assessed and is a vocational qualification using a series of assignments and activities. Pupils take responsibility for their learning to develop a range of skills and techniques.
The course consists of three core units
Biological Systems
Understanding the diversity of living organisms and how they are classified
Be able to investigate how living things interact with each other and their environments.
Understand that genes are responsible for inheritance, and variations within species leading to evolutionary change.
Understand the factors which may affect human health and the ways human health is controlled.
Chemistry Applications
Know how atomic structure relates to the properties of the elements and compounds.
Understand the factors involved in chemical reactions.
Know the importance of organic chemistry
Understand the importance of the factors involved in the earth and its environment.
Physical Science Applications
Student Achievements:
Core science 100% A to G and 50% A to C
Additional Science 98% A to G and 61% A to C
Separate Sciences 100% A* to A
Btec 100% passes
Click here for more in-depth syllabus information in Sixth Form
The Science team:
Head of department: Mrs R Jamshad
Assistant head of department: Mrs C Green
Other staff: Mr D Chalom, Mr M Culkeen, Mr C Dhiraj,, Mr H Murray, Mrs S Puri, Miss C Vallely,Sc Tech Mr A Bering and Ms M Byrne.
