Science
Aims of science department:
- Understanding of key concepts to help solve problems in unfamiliar situations
- Using scientific methods of investigation to solve problems in a disciplined way
- Appreciating the contribution science makes to society and realise that applying science can lead to moral and ethical issues having to be addressed
- Understanding that learning in science contributes to personal development because the interest and curiosity shown need to be balanced by an awareness of health and safety matters and respect for living things and the environment
- Appreciating the powerful, but provisional nature of scientific knowledge and explanation and understanding that science is always developing
- Giving students access to careers in science and technology at a variety of levels
Organisation of the department:
- Mrs Lundie – Head of Science
- Mrs Bashford – Second in Science
- Mr Harrison – FT Science Teacher (Vice Principal)
- Mr Stennett – FT Science Teacher
- Mr Ledger – FT Science Teacher
- Mr Hunter – FT Science Teacher
- Miss McGovern – FT Science Teacher
- Mr Robinson – Senior Science Technician
- Miss Haslam – Science Technician
KS3 Curriculum:
Science Department Curriculum 2011-12
KS3
Year 7-8 follow in-house schemes of work written around the LA suggested schemes of work. Each class has 3 lessons a week. Yr7 groups are taught as sets determined using Science Ks2 sat scores.
Year 8 are taught in sets based upon performance in APP tasks, end of unit tests and AFL activities completed during Yr7.
Students in year 7 follow topics such as behaviour and survival, particles and simple energy transfers to the atmosphere. Topics in Year 8 include carbon cycle, acids and reactivity and energy resources.
In year 9 students embark upon GCSE courses ranging from OCR national to 21st Century Science.
KS4
Each KS4 class has 4 lessons a week. Year 10 are taught in sets based upon performance in KS3.
Year 10 Upper band 1follows the OCR GCSE 21st Century Triple Science Course.
Year 10 Upper band 2 and 3 follow the OCR GCSE 21st Century Science A Course and Science A Additional Course.
Year 10 U4 and C band follow the OCR national level 2 in Science.
Year 11 are taught in sets based upon performance in KS3 and Yr10.
Year 11 Upper band 1 follows the OCR GCSE 21st Century Science Additional A Course after successfully completing Science A in year 10.
Year 11 U2/U3 band follow the OCR national level 2 in Science.
Year 11 CA1 and CA2 band follow the OCR GCSE 21st Century Science A Course and will complete all coursework associated with it after successful completion of the OCR National Course in Year 10.
Year 6-7 Transition
The aim of the transition program in Science is to establish firmer links with our feeder schools and to create interest in science for Year 6 students, as well as giving them the opportunity to do some practical work at UCA before they join us. The program contains activities completed throughout the year. Science days include activities such as turning copper into gold, methane bubbles, chip pan fires and screaming jelly babies!
During the USA transition week all year 6 students participate in lessons on microscopes, making parachutes and how to use a Bunsen burner.
Resources Available
The following websites are recommended for students to use for revision:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/21c/
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/subjects/science/index.html
All students homework can be accessed via the VLE.
