Science Faculty
Science is an integral part of everyday life and advancing at a fast pace. Within the Science department we provide our learners with the essential scientific skills and knowledge to study Science at a higher level. This in turn equips pupils with excellent transferrable skills needed for the workplace.
As a department, it is our vision that pupils learn through active engagement. We strongly believe the Science curriculum is more accessible for learners through a contextualised approach, enabling them to relate scientific principles to everyday life.
At Key stage 3 learners take on the role of a scientist and explore different scientific themes from solving a crime scene to the dissection of a heart in how the body works. Furthermore, at key stage 4 we offer an extensive range of courses personalised and tailored to the individual needs of our learners.
BTEC First Certificate in Science
BTEC Science is designed as an alternative to GCSE. It builds on and uses the knowledge and skills acquired in Key Stage 3 and provides a qualification with enhanced vocational relevance. It helps to develop practical techniques in work-related contexts, and concentrates on the knowledge and skills used by scientists in the workplace. Contributing to the work-related curriculum.
BTEC Science is coureswork based and relies on excellent attendance to complete tasks in Biology, Chemistry and Physics that contribute to a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio is then assessed to the following levels;
- Pass (equivalent to a Grade C)
- Merit (equivalent to a Grade B)
- Distinction (equivalent to a Grade A)
The course has been specifically designed for more practical-minded students and we aim to prepare learners with the skills they need for the workplace.
For a recent assignment, students visited Storeton Woods on a Biology field trip where they investigated our local wildlife and the interdependence of species. They also considered the potential implications for the local environment of building on such a site.
This is a fantastic course for those learners who struggle with formal examinations and prefer to have the opportunity to redraft and improve an assessed portfolio, built up in class over a whole year.
GCSE Additional Science
•Three 45-minute written examinations (P2, C2 and B2) completed in Year 11 and each worth 25%.
•ISA (Investigative Skills Assignment) examination worth 25% of the final grade.
Revision
Revising is a very important part of preparing for an examination so that you end up with the best possible grade. To help with your revision you can buy a revision guide from your Science teacher or technician. They cost £2.50 and have all the information needed for your exam.
GCSE Core Science
The GCSE Core Science course consists of the following:
- 6 multiple chioce module examinations each worth 12.5% of the final grade
- An Investigative skills Assignment (ISA) examination worth 25% of the final grade
The 6 modules include - Products from Rocks, Energy and Electricity, Oils, Earth and Atmosphere, Evolution and Environment, Radiation and the Universe, Human Biology
Click here to access our teaching schedule for GCSE Core Science
How To Revise!
Revising is very important so you get the best possible grade for your ability. To help with your revision you can buy a revision guide from your Science Teacher or Technicians. They cost £2.50 and have all the information needed for your exam.
Past exam papers with mark schemes are a brilliant way to test yourself. They are availible free to download from AQA.
GCSE Separate Science
•Two 30 minute multiple choice module examinations each worth 12.5% of the final grade. These are coded as either B1, P1 and C1 and are completed during years 9&10.
•They are followed by B2, B3, P2, P3, C2 and C3 during year 11. These examinations are 45 minute written exam papers, one for each section totaling six examinations.
•ISA (Investigative skills Assignment) examination for each subject area which is worth 25% of the final grade.
Revision
Revising is very important so you get the best possible grade for your ability. To help with your revision you can buy a revision guide from your Science Teacher or Technician. They cost £2.50 and have all the information needed for your exam.
Key Stage 3
Transition and Induction
Science staff will endeavour to ease the transition of learners from the primary to the secondary phase.
Initial activities will focus on the special requirements of the Science Faculty. These include:-
- Rules for the Laboratory
- Health and Safety Issues
- Basic practical skills
An introduction to Science Scheme of Work is used by staff to ease the transition and ensure continuity in welcoming new learners to the Science Faculty in September.
Learners then follow a set shedule work in Years 7&8 which covers the full aspects of the National Curriculum. These units of work are matched with homework packs which are provided to each learner at the begining of a unit. This ensures that learners weekly homework is an extension of the learning objectives for the lesson.
As a Faculty we have taken the lead to accelerate our learners in to the GCSE phase of their education in Year 9. This is now possible as the new GCSE course is very strongly matched to the learning objectives of the traditional Year 9 scheme. This ensures that learners still cover the nessary content to ensure sucess in their National Tests, as well as being able to complete half thier Core Science GCSE, and ISA's in Year 9. Year 9 learners should check out our Core Science page for revision links!
Revision
Revision guides are available from your science teachers or technician for £2.50 each. These contain lots of great activities to help you revise!
