Science

The Science laboratories are found on the ground floor of the AB block, as well as the ground floor and 1st floor of the CM Block. Science forms part of the core curriculum at both KS3 and KS4, with groups organised into sets in all year groups. Students can elect to study the induvial Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) as post-16 courses.  

What will the students learn in Science?

Science lesson are divided into Chemistry, Physics and Biology subjects areas with common skills and themes running through each lesson (eg enquiry, practical skills).

Each Science subject follows the AQA exam board course (601/8758/X).

The vast majority of KS4 students will study Combined Science, which will gain them two GCSEs in the subject. Students who are passionate and talented scientists are also given the opportunity to follow the Separate Sciences route. Students who opt for the Separate Sciences will have the opportunity to explore scientific ideas in greater depth and will gain three Science GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of two years. The Separate Sciences option bridges the gap between GCSEs and A-levels and is recommended (although not essential) for students who are considering studying any of the Sciences at A-level.  

How are the students assessed at GCSE?

For Combined Science all exams (six in total) are completed at the end of the two year course. Combined Science will have a 17 point grading system adopting the new grading scale, from 9-9, 9-8 through to 2-1, 1-1.

For Separate Science the course covers the content in Combined Science, but then develops some scientific concepts further, whilst also introducing more challenging concepts that venture beyond the scope of Combined Science.

GCSE Biology

• Cell Biology
• Organistaion
• Infection and Response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Ecology

GCSE Chemistry

• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Bonding, structure and properties
  
• Quantitative chemistry
  
• Chemical changes
• Energy rates
• The rate and extent of chemical change
• Organic chemistry
• Chemical analysis
• Chemistry and the atmosphere
• Using resources

GCSE Physics

• Forces
• Energy
  
• Waves
  
• Electricity
• Magnetism and electromagnets
• Particle model and matter
• Atomic structure
• Space physics