Science
Head of Faculty - Mr Jack Chapman
Students follow an enriching, balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3, which is rooted in the National Curriculum for Science. Our curriculum supports their transition from Key Stage 2, where STACS has had input to the primary Science curriculum in Lumen Christi primary schools. The curriculum also increasingly develops the skills and techniques required for the GCSE and A level examinations in the Sciences. Although students are taught ‘Science’ at KS3, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are represented equally in our programme of study and effort is made to ensure that students understand which of the Sciences they are learning during each topic. The students first five years of their seven year journey in Science is displayed on the wall of each laboratory to enable them to see progression in their scientific understanding and the different disciplines are colour coded.
We promote high standards of scientific knowledge through writing. We are determined that students can write like a scientist using evidence to prove or challenge theory. We also have many cross-curricular links with Mathematics, Geography, History and PE and students often enjoy seeing parallels between their different subjects and Science. Students develop the technical vocabulary during KS3 required to explain abstract concepts and, simultaneously we develop the practical skills required to conduct meaningful experiments safely. Our students talk about Science as a practical subject and they can expect to complete practical Science every week from Year 7 to 11.
Students are encouraged to show interest in science phenomena and current affairs. The KS3 curriculum includes a range of challenging newspaper article texts where students discover examples of where theory learnt in the classroom is brought to life in the real world. From Year 7, students are encouraged to pursue personal interests and career possibilities within science-related fields (e.g., take an interest in media reports on environmental issues, and seek out further information; express an interest in conducting scientific investigations of their own design; develop an interest in careers related to environmental sciences).
Science
Curriculum
Year 9 - 11
All students are expected to study the Combined Science qualification (worth 2 GCSE grades) unless they have been selected to study Separate Sciences. Combined Science students complete the Pearson Edexcel Combined Science course over Years 9,10 & 11. Both course pathways have a yearly spiral curriculum in which there is a hierarchical structure with knowledge constantly built on previous study. Knowledge organisers provide students with the key facts and information to learn, either in lesson or for homework. Lesson time is then spent applying this knowledge in a variety of practical activities and real-life scenarios.
The Science courses, whether Combined Science or Separate Sciences aim to encourage students to explore, explain, theorise and model in Science. It should also develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and provide students with skills that are transferable to multiple fields of employment. GCSE Sciences essentially help you prepare for further studies in A level or Applied Sciences. It is, therefore, an ideal qualification for anyone considering a career which requires science at ‘A’ Level. Whilst entry onto A level Sciences is commonly via the Separate Sciences route, GCSE Combined Science is also a valuable stand-alone qualification and students have gone on to both A level Science courses and very prestigious scientific degree courses from studying Combined Science.
GCSE_CombinedScience_Spec.pdf (pearson.com)
GCSE_Biology_Spec.pdf (pearson.com)
GCSE_Chemistry_Spec.pdf (pearson.com)
GCSE_Physics_Spec.pdf (pearson.com)
Click to view on actual images:
KS5
Biology Advanced Level (AQA)
The AQA 2015 syllabus aims to give a grounding in all the major aspects on Biology and practical experience is integrated throughout the entire course. Any biological interest from the workings of the human body, botany, how our cells and genes work to a desire to protect our natural world will be nurtured and deepened during your studies.
YEAR 12 SUMMARY
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
YEAR 13 SUMMARY
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Career Prospects
Biology A Level opens a variety of doors for students. Many continue their studies at university on degrees including medicine, veterinary studies, environmental biology, teaching, physiotherapy, pharmacology, radiotherapy, dentistry and conservation to name but a few. It is also a useful qualification to those entering jobs such as environmental health, dental, nursing, various research posts and food production posts.
AS and A-level Biology Specification Specifications for first teaching in 2015 (aqa.org.uk)
Chemistry Advanced Level (EDEXCEL)
A Level Edexcel Chemistry offers a modern chemistry course which is designed to allow a smooth transition from GCSE Science. Chemistry A Level has always proven extremely popular as the course is demanding, rigorous, inclusive and empowering.
YEAR 12 SUMMARY
Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry- topics:
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Bonding and Structure
- Redox I
- Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table
5 Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
Core Organic and Physical Chemistry- topics:
- Bonding and Structure
- Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
- Organic Chemistry I
- Modern Analytical Techniques I
- Energetics I
- Kinetics I
- Equilibrium I
YEAR 13 SUMMARY
Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry- In addition to Y12 content, topics:
- Energetics I
- Equilibrium I
- Equilibrium II
- Acid-base Equilibria
- Energetics II
- Redox II
- Transition Metals
Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry- In addition to Y12 content, topics:
- Redox I
- Kinetics II
- Organic Chemistry II
- Organic Chemistry III
- Modern Analytical Techniques II
Career Prospects
As well as a respected academic subject in its own right, which can be taken as a single degree subject at University, Chemistry is an essential subject for studies in areas such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Forensic Science and Environmental Sciences. Other typical career routes from Chemistry include Engineering, Materials Science and Biotechnology.
Specification - A level (pearson.com)
Edexcel AS and A level Chemistry 2015 | Pearson qualifications
Physics Advanced Level (AQA)
The AQA Physics course is one of the most respected Physics courses available. It uses contexts and applications to maintain interest and motivate students and highlights for them some of the many career areas that involve Physics. The course is designed to allow a smooth transition from the GCSE Science courses.
YEAR 12 SUMMARY
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
YEAR 13 SUMMARY
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear physics
This is followed by an optional topic (units 9-13), which may change each year.
Career Prospects
Physics is a respected academic subject whose graduates are much in demand. It is also an essential subject for further study in Engineering, Astronomy and Robotics. Physics is a useful subject for careers in Medicine, Law and Business.
AS and A-level Physics Specification Specifications for first teaching in 2015 (aqa.org.uk)
AQA | AS and A-level | Physics | Assessment resources
Assessment Details
KS3
Students are assessed through knowledge recall (K.A.O) tests combined with scientific application activities during every topic, allowing them to demonstrate their learning and progression at different stages of the year. Much of the core content is provided to students in the form of knowledge organisers, one per unit and knowledge tests take place every lesson. Students are also exposed to exam-style assessment (A.F.P.L. tests) three times per year to test skills required to apply knowledge to a variety of scientific contexts.
KS4
Students are again assessed through knowledge recall (K.A.O) tests combined with scientific application activities during every topic, allowing them to demonstrate their learning and progression at different stages of the year. Much of the core content is provided to students in the form of knowledge organisers, one per unit and knowledge tests take place every lesson. Students are also exposed to exam-style assessment (A.F.P.L. tests) four times per year to test skills required to apply knowledge to a variety of scientific contexts. In Year 11, students undertake trial exams under strict conditions to prepare them for the public exams in the summer where students take 6 exams in June of Year 11.
For students studying Combined Science, each exam is worth 60 marks and lasting 70 minutes. Students will be entered at either foundation tier where grades range from 5-5 to 1-1, or at higher tier where grades range from to 9-9 to 4-3. The 17-point grading scale is shown below illustrating that students receive 2 GCSE grades for the qualification, compared to 3 grades for Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics qualifications.
For students studying Separate Sciences, each exam is with 100 marks and lasts 105 minutes. It is expected that all students are entered at higher tier on this course.
Past exam papers, mark schemes and examiners reports can be found at Edexcel GCSE Sciences (2016) | Pearson qualifications or Past Papers - PMT (physicsandmathstutor.com)
Parents are encouraged to purchase CGP revision guides through Parentpay to support their child through the course. Students find these useful in class, at home and when preparing for assessments.
KS5
All Sciences are assessed by three written examinations in the summer of Year 13. In addition, Biology, Chemistry and Physics all include a practical competency aspect where a minimum number of practical activities need to be completed and students’ skills are assessed throughout the course. Internal assessments both at the end of topics, and at set examination sessions throughout the course allow students to highlight areas requiring further revision.
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