Science

Key Stage 3

In KS3 students are timetabled 6 Science lessons per fortnight. The Year 7 and Year 8 lessons follow the Exploring Science scheme of work which is adapted to meet the needs of individual classes and students. The scheme of work has an equal weighting of Biology, Chemistry and Physics covering units such as Cells, Digestion, Inheritance, Acids and Alkalis, Elements and Compounds, Metal Reactions, Energy, Magnets and Space. In addition to developing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in these specific topics, pupils are also developing the skills and strategies they will need in order to be successful in their Key Stage 4 studies.

Pupil progress in Year 7 and Year 8 is tracked using traditional end of unit tests along with quick quizzes, independent learning tasks and progress checks within lessons. Pupils record their end of unit test scores allowing them to see their progress against their target grade throughout the year. Homework tasks are set in line with the whole school Policy and pupils can expect a range of activities to complete from questions to creative writing to model making.

Year 9 students begin their GCSE study at the beginning of Year 9, details of which can be found on the Key Stage 4 tab.

Key Stage 4

In KS4 students are timetabled 10 Science lessons per fortnight. The students follow the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification either completing the Separate Science or Combined Science course. Throughout the completion of the course student’s progress is tracked though end of unit assessments, mock exams and progress checks within lessons. Students record their grades to allow them to see their progress against their target grades.

Separate Science – 3 GCSEs

Students completing the Separate Science course cover a greater depth and breadth of Science content and as a result are taught at a greater pace. Core practical and additional practical tasks throughout the completion of the course develop the students understanding of Science investigative skills necessary for further study and employment in Science. Successful student’s recieve a GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that are independent to each other. The students complete their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 sitting 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics papers each worth 100 marks and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.

Combined Science – 2 GCSEs

Students completing the Combined Science course complete multiple units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics providing a great deal of subject knowledge in each Science discipline. Core practical and additional practical tasks throughout the completion of the course develop the students understanding of Science investigative skills necessary for further study and employment in Science. The students complete their GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 sitting 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics papers each worth 60 marks and lasting 1 hour 10 minutes. The raw marks achieved from each paper are combined to calculate an overall double GCSE grade for the students.

Science Clubs

Garden Club

A green-fingered genius or someone who just enjoys fresh air and the chance to dig in the mud?!

Garden club involves you looking after our school garden and includes everything from planning out what you’re going to plant where, keeping the weeds away while they grow and then getting to eat the produce afterwards! Over the winter we meet less often but there’s still lots to do such as making bird boxes for the wildlife part of the area or finding out about new habitats.

Garden Club runs every lunchtime during the summer and on selected lunchtimes over the winter. It is open to all Key Stage 3 pupils.

See Mrs Dell for more information.

Harry Potter Science Club

Were you disappointed that you didn’t get a Hogwarts’ Acceptance Letter? It’s not too late!

Harry Potter Science Club activities are all based around the themes of Magic and Spells from the books but with a twist, making them suitable for Muggles.

Harry Potter Science Club runs on Mondays from 3.30-4.30 p.m. and is open to all Year 7 pupils.

See Mrs Welch for more details.

Space Club

Space, the Final Frontier…

How big is Space? What is out there? How can we see what is in Space? We attempt to explore these questions, amongst others at Space Club.

Space Club runs on Tuesdays from 3.30 – 4.30 p.m. and is open to all Year 9 pupils.

See Mrs Welch for more information.