Science
The aim of the Science Department is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the world around them through an investigative and relevant curriculum that fosters an awareness and appreciation of science to improve students’ life chances.
- To provide a curriculum that is stimulating and relevant, reflecting the changing nature of science and extending students’ horizons through opportunities outside the classroom.
- To develop students’ ability to analyse problems and research and evaluate information critically through investigative work.
- To encourage all students to form their own ideas about the world they live in and so become independent thinkers.
- To develop students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness so that they are prepared for their role in society.
- To ensure that all students meet their academic potential by removing barriers that undermine learning.
Head of Department
Head of Department: Ms F. Bibi
KS3 topics covered
- Cells
- Structure and Function of Body Systems
- Reproduction
- Particles and their Behaviour
- Elements, Atoms and Compounds
- Reactions
- Acids and Alkalis
- Forces
- Sound
- Light
- Space
KS3 topics covered
- Health and Lifestyle
- Ecosystem Processes
- Adaptation and Inheritance
- The Periodic Table
- Separation Techniques
- Metals and Acids
- The Earth
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Energy
- Motion and Pressure
KS3 topics covered
- Key concepts in Biology
- Cells and Control
- Genetics
- States of matter
- Methods of separating and Purifying Substances
- Atomic Structure
- Motion
- Forces and Motion
- Conservation of Energy
KS4 topics covered
- Cells & Control
- Genetics
- Natural selection & Genetic Modification
- Health, disease & the Development of Medicines
- Atomic structure
- Periodic table
- Ionic & Covalent bonding and types of Substance
- Acids and alkalis
- Calculations involving masses
- Electrolytic Processes, Metals and Reversible Reactions
- Motion
- Forces and Motion
- Conservation of Energy
- Waves
- Light and the EM Spectrum
- Radioactivity
KS4 topics covered
- Organisms and energy
- Common systems
- Ionic compounds and analysis
- Covalent compounds and separation techniques
- Groups in the periodic table
- Chemical reactions
- Quantitative chemistry
- Controlling and using electric currents
- Motion and forces
- Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
- Benefits and drawbacks of using radioactive materials
Recommended resources and reading books
- BBC Bitesize KS3 and KS4 science revision
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physics revision and assessments
- GCSE Science videos and tutorials
- Edexcel Sciences information: qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/science-2011-mixed.htm http://qualifications.pearson.com/content/demo/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/sciences-2016.htmll#tab-0
Qualification, Examination and Assessment
KS3
Years 7 and 8 – Oxford Science; internal assessments.
KS4
Years 9 and 10 Edexcel Combined Science; 1SCO
ChemistryChemistry 116.67%
| Assessment | Unit | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Biology 1 | 16.67% | Each unit is assessed through a 1 hour and 10 minute examination. |
| Biology 2 | 16.67% | ||
| Chemistry 2 | 16.67% | ||
| Physics | Physics 1 | 16.67% | |
| Physics 2 | 16.67% |
There are no controlled assessments for Edexcel Combined Science.
Year 11
Edexcel GCSE Science; 2SC01
| Assessment | Unit | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology B1 | Influences on Life | 25% | Each unit is assessed through a 1 hour examination. |
| Chemistry C1 | Chemistry in Our World | 25% | |
| Physics P1 | Universal Physics | 25% | |
| Controlled Assessment | 25% | Internally Assessed | |
Edexcel GCSE Additional Science; 2SA01
| Assessment | Unit | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology B2 | The Components of Life | 25% | Each unit is assessed through a 1 hour examination. |
| Chemistry C2 | Discovering Chemistry | 25% | |
| Physics P2 | Physics for your Future | 25% | |
| Controlled Assessment | 25% | Internally Assessed | |
