Key stage 3
Students receive four 1 hour lessons of science every week. Our science programme sets out to enhance and develop scientific skills so that our students are able to understand, appreciate and contribute to the world around them. Whilst building on the science units studied in year 8 we aim to develop students’ investigative skills and thinking skills so that students can relate to concepts learned in the classroom to the outside world of science. In KS3 we use Hodders science textbooks and our schemes of work are based on the QCA guidelines. Topics are taught in rotation throughout the year. The curriculum is delivered as an integrated course made up of biology, chemistry and physics topics. Work is designed to challenge and meet the needs of all students and incorporates a variety of teaching and learning styles. Students are regularly assessed through end of topic tests and assigned levels accordingly.
Homework
Homework is set once a week. The different styles and activities assigned to the students will allow them to reinforce scientific concepts covered in lessons, carry out independent research, work confidently through problem solving activities, make judgements and evaluations and show understanding by applying scientific knowledge to every day examples.
Where to find help
A science club is run on Wednesday lunch times in P7 with Ms Khanom. This gives pupils the opportunity to attempt experiments and carry out scientific investigations to further interest pupils in the field of science. A science work shop is run by Mr Ajaib on Tuesday lunch times. The recommended book to complement the course is the science year 9 revision guide published by Lonsdale which can be purchased from book shops. On the internet www.ask.com and www.google.com can be used for research. For revision www.bbc.co.uk,
Key Stage 4
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Course Content |
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All students in Year 10 will take this GCSE Core Science course. This course covers some of the basic important scientific concepts in Chemistry Physics and Biology but there is now a greater emphasis on applying scientific knowledge to the world around us making it more relevant to our everyday lives.
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Syllabus Details |
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AQA GCSE Core Science 4461 |
Method of Assessment |
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6 X Modular Exams 75%
Investigative Scientific Assignment 25%
Students will take 6 X Modular exams each 30 minutes which will take place in November, March and June.
The Investigative Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work followed by an external set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes. This assignment will contribute towards 25% of the final mark. |
Homework Policy |
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1 homework assignment per week.
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Resources |
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Lonsdale revision guide and work book.
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GCSE Additional Science 4463
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Course Content |
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This course is a continuation from the Year 10 core Science course. Students will study 3 further units (1 chemistry, 1 Biology and 1 Physics). The students will continue to study important scientific concepts but there would be a greater emphasis on the knowledge, skills and understanding of how science works in the everyday outside world.
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Syllabus Details |
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AQA GCSE Additional Science 4463 |
Method of Assessment |
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Biology written paper 25%
Chemistry written paper 25%
Physics written paper 25%
Investigative Scientific Assignment 25%
Students will have to take 3 45 minute written papers with short answer questions. The Investigative Skills Assignment, which is normal class practical work followed by an external set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes. This assignment will contribute towards 25% of the final mark. |
Homework Policy |
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1 homework assignment per week.
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Resources |
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Lonsdale revision guide and work book.
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GCSE Additional Science 4863
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Course Content |
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This is a course that is being offered to students which is an alternative to the Additional Science course that students take in Year 11. The course considers some of the knowledge required by particular scientists and the type of work and investigations that they may undertake in their work. It exemplifies some procedural and investigational activities that Food, Forensic and Sports Science undertake. Students will study 3 units which are:
Unit 1 – Science in with work place
Unit 2 – Science at work
Unit 3 – Using scientific skills
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Syllabus Details |
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AQA GCSE Additional Applied Science 4863 |
Method of Assessment |
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Assessment |
Percentage |
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Unit 1 – Portfolio |
20% |
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Unit 2 – Written paper 1 hour |
40% |
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Unit 3 – Portfolio
The portfolio of work will be assessed by the centre and will be moderated by external examiners. The written paper will be assessed by external examiners. |
40%
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Homework Policy |
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Homework will be focused on students working towards building their portfolios. This will involve a number of different tasks such as research, using ICT, visiting science in the work place etc.
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Resources |
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Lonsdale revision guide and work book.
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