Science
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In the Science Department, we promote a realisation that Science is enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding, that it links to all aspects of life and the world we live in.
As a Department, we encourage our pupils to experience the vast range of cultural diversity; respect for individuals, a sense of welcome, worth and success in a safe and secure environment. The health and safety of pupils and staff, in this highly practical subject, is very important to us. We ensure all pupils are taught to work professionally and collaboratively with staff to meet our high standards of health and safety practices.
The Science Department aims to provide engaging and motivating lessons which stimulate pupils’ enquiry skills and also set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
- Staff
- RHK: Mr R Khan (Biology) – HoD Science
- AWA: Mr A Ali (Chemistry) – Associate HoD Science
- CAT: Mrs C Turner (Biology) – 2nd in Department
- MIJ: Mrs M Jones (Biology) – Teacher in charge of Physics
- SHC: Mrs S Chowdhury (Biology) – Teacher in charge of Biology
- ZAA: Ms Z Ali (Chemistry) – Teacher in charge of Chemistry
- MRC: Mr C Chikodzera (Masters in Physics)
- HAC: Mrs H Choudhury (Chemistry)
- ERR: Mrs E Rahman (Biology)
- TPG: Ms T Ghani (Biology)
- HNM: Ms H Mir (Chemistry)
- JTG: Mr J Kahrod (Biology)
- ACK: Mr A Chikite (Biology)
- FKA: Mrs F Ali (Biology)
- Miss T Whittington – Senior Technician
- Mr J Nur – Technician
- Mrs J Collins – Technician
Key Stage 3 Course outline
Pupils in KS3 follow a three-year condensed accelerated Scheme of Work in line with the National Curriculum. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335174/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Science_220714.pdf
The scheme of work the pupils will be following is Activate 1 for year 7 and Activate 2 for year 8, published by Oxford university press.
In year 9, pupils continue to develop their knowledge of the national curriculum but are also made aware of GCSE assessment objectives; units also reflect the skills needed to complete different parts of their GCSE course.
The courses are highly engaging and focus on knowledge, practical skills in working scientifically, numeracy and literacy to bring science alive and relevant.
Here are the topics that are taught in Years 7 – 9:
|
Year |
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
|
7 |
Working Scientifically, Health and safety, and developing practical skills. Biology (B1) Chapter 1: Cells Chemistry (C1) Chapter 1: Particles and their behaviour Physics (P1) Chapter 1: Forces Biology (B1) Chapter 2: Structure and function of body systems Chemistry (C1) Chapter 2: Elements, atoms and compounds |
Mid-year assessment Physics (P1) Chapter 2: Sound Biology (B1) Chapter 3: Reproduction Chemistry (C1) Chapter 3: Reactions Physics (P1) Chapter 3: Light |
Chemistry (C1) Chapter 4: Acids and Alkali Physics (P1) Chapter 4: Space End of year exam Extended Project work |
|
8 |
Biology (B2) Chapter 1: Health and Lifestyle Chemistry C2) Chapter 1: The Periodic Table Physics (P2) Chapter 1: Electricity and magnetism Biology (B1) Chapter 2: Ecosystem processes Chemistry (C2) Chapter 2: Separation techniques |
Mid-year assessment Physics (P2) Chapter 2: Energy Biology (B2) Chapter 3: Adaptation and inheritance Chemistry (C2) Chapter 3: Metals and acids |
Physics (P2) Chapter 3: Motion and pressure Chemistry (C2) Chapter 4: The Earth End of year exam Project work |
|
9 Separate
|
B1 Cell structure and transport C1 Atomic Structure P1Conservation and dissipation of energy B2 Cell division C2 The Periodic Table P2 Energy transfer by heating B3 Organisation and the digestive system |
Mid-year exams C3 Structure and bonding P3 Energy resources B4 Organising animals and plants C4 Chemical calculations |
P4 Electric circuits B5 Communicable diseases C5 Chemical changes P5 Electricity in the home |
|
9 Synergy
|
B1.3 Cells in animals and plants C1.2 Atomic Structure C8.24 Resources and materials B3.9 Pathogens C5.13 The Periodic table C1.1 States of matter |
Mid-year exams B2.5 Systems in the human body C6.16 Structure and bonding B3.7 Lifestyle and Health C5.14 Chemical quantities |
P7.19 Current and charge B2.6 Plants and Photosynthesis End of Year Exam |
Assessment
For Key stage 3, pupils will complete end of topic tests for each of the chapters they study. This will involve a 30 minute test, which will be marked by the teacher and pupils will be given the opportunity to reflect and improve upon areas where they need to. These progress checks normally take place every two to three weeks depending on the length of the chapter.
In January, pupils will complete a mid-year assessment in science for the topics that they have learnt in term 1.
In June, pupils will complete an end of year exam which will cover the entire years’ work.
Staffing
All teachers within the science department have the expertise to teach all three science disciplines at KS3.
Homework
Homework is designed to consolidate learning so pupils can develop a deeper understanding and apply their learning in different contexts. Homework task may include, completing, consolidating or extending class work, through use of worksheets, practical write up’s, research, modelling, summary questions, practice exam questions and use of online resources and quizzes. Opportunities will also be made to promote the development of literacy and numeracy skills and provide exam technique practice through the use of Exampro and Testbase. Online resources will include, Kerboodle, Doddle, GCSEPod, Seneca and BBC Bitesize. Homework activities will be set weekly and should last a minimum of 30 minutes. It will be marked in accordance with the departmental and whole school marking policy.
Cross-curricular links and projects
For KS3, pupils are offered to join the science club. This takes place at lunch-time and allows the pupils to develop their practical skills and make links to topical issues and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, known as STEM. In addition, all pupils will take part in the CREST award (bronze level), which is a nationally recognised scheme for student-led project work in STEM subjects.
Year 7 pupils will be invited to attend master classes such as the Christmas lectures at Birmingham University, whilst year 8 pupils will attend the Big Bang Fair at the NEC. Year 9 pupils will experience STEM lectures at from the University of Birmingham, and have the opportunity to take the CREST award, Silver and gold level.
KS3 Additional Reading
All pupils will receive a KS3 revision guide which can be used by teachers to set homework. Pupils are strongly encouraged to work independently using this resource (AQA Activate 1 Intervention workbook, published by Oxford University Press). Year 9 will be provided with a CGP revision guide. In addition, pupils will be encouraged to read about science in the news, and follow enlightening science documentaries such as Planet Earth, The Blue Planet, Wonders of the solar system, Dara O Briain’s science club to name a few.
Key Stage 4 Courses
Students follow the AQA GCSE Science 9-1 in Year 10 and Year 11 (either GCSE Combined or Separate Science course), which includes Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Some students will follow the Separate Sciences. The pre-requisite for pupils to follow this course is: Achieving a Step 4/5 by the end of Year 8.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-synergy-8465
All three GCSE Separate Sciences or Combined Science aims to give learners opportunities to:
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for, Biology, Chemistry and Physics;
- develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods;
- acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works and its essential role in society;
- acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning.
- Most students will follow the Combined Science Trilogy course, which they will be introduced to in Year 9 by following a year of skill-building and introduction to Core Science teaching and assessment.
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
Key Stage 5
A level Biology:
AQA A level Biology 7402 for first assessment in 2015
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/specification-at-a-glance.
This is an academic course which prepares pupils for further study at degree level. There are three sets of skills that are identified in the specification: Mathematical skills, Apparatus and techniques and Practical skills. Practical work and skills will be assessed in two ways: exam papers and practical endorsement. There are 12 required practicals’ to be completed over the two years. Pupils attend a field study residential which enables students to further develop their practical skills, as well as their analytic and evaluative techniques.
Alevel Biology course units.docx
Assessment
There are three written examination papers (2 hours each): Paper 1 and 2 are 35% and paper 3 is 30%. Paper 3 includes a 25 mark essay question. The pupils are encouraged to carry out research tasks and do wider reading to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of Biology. Throughout the course pupils are given end of topic and diagnostic tests to help the Biology teachers identify pupils’ strengths, areas of concerns and put in the required intervention to support the pupil. The practical endorsement offers a wide range of practical experience incorporating apparatus, skills and techniques
Staffing: Mrs S Chowdhury (Masters in Immunology and Infection), Ms M Jones and Mrs C Turner
Homework
Pupils are given homework which allows them to demonstrate their application skills. It consist of exam style questions for practice in the form of a Homework booklet. Worksheets are also used which include synoptic links and the opportunity to develop mathematical skills. Application and extended type questions are included, as well as completion of practical write ups and research tasks to develop higher order thinking skills.
Cross-curricular links: links are made with A Level Chemistry and A Level Maths courses to gain and use transitional skills.
Extra-Curricular activities/clubs on offer: Visits to universities near and far (within UK). Residential field trips. Taster sessions can be arranged in chosen subject area.
Careers
This course will provide pupils with the necessary skills for further study at Universities/employment. This course will enable students to pursuit careers within Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Optometry and Nursing to name a few.
Alevel Biology reading references.docx
A level Chemistry
OCR B Salters Chemistry (H433) New Specification for first assessment in 2017
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/chemistry-b-salters-h033-h433-from-2015/
A level Chemistry course units.docx
Assessment
The A Level Chemistry is covered by three written examinations totalling 6 hours. (2 x 2 hours 15 minutes and 1 x 1 hour 30 minutes papers) taken at the end of the course. Paper 1: Fundamentals of Chemistry (has a weighting of 30%), Paper 2: Scientific Literacy Chemistry (has a weighting of 40%) and Paper 3: Practical skills in Chemistry (has a weighting of 30%).The course is a 100% linear written examination with incorporates a wide range of question types, which include multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.
The practical endorsement offers a wide range of practical experience incorporating apparatus, skills and techniques which are carried out in school and assessed internally with constitutes either a pass or fail and must be completed in conjunction with the examination, in order to be awarded the full examination grade
Staffing: Mr A Ali BSc in Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Ms Z Ali Chemistry Specialist
Miss Mir Bsc Pharmacology
Homework
Exam style questions for practice in the form of a Homework booklet. Worksheets are also used which include synoptic links and the opportunity to develop mathematical and practical laboratory technical skills. Application and extended type questions are included, as well as completion of practical write ups and research tasks to develop higher order thinking skills.
Cross-curricular links: links are made with the A Level Maths, A Level Physics, A Level Biology and A Level Geography courses to gain and use transitional skills.
Extra-Curricular activities/clubs on offer: Drop in surgery every Friday for questions and problems. Visits to universities near and far (within UK) for lectures and master classes. Taster sessions can be arranged in chosen subject area.
Careers
The course is a prerequisite for a variety of STEM based degrees. Chemistry will help you get ahead in most STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and more besides.
Chemistry is an important subject for careers in: medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research
Apprenticeships
There are a number of apprenticeships that link to an interest in chemistry, including: pharmacy assistant, laboratory/science technician, gas installation engineer, polymer production technician.
A Level Chemistry reading references A level Chemistry reading references.docx
A level Physics.
OCR PHYSICS A H556 For first assessment in 2017
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171726-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-physics-a-h556.pdf.
A level Physics course units.docx
Assessment
A Level is covered by three examinations: Total of 6 hours of examinations (2 x 2 hours 15 minutes and 1 x 1 hour 30 minutes) taken at the end of the course. A wide range of questions types which include multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.
The practical endorsement offers a wide range of practical experience incorporating apparatus, skills and techniques
Staffing: Mr C Chikodzera has a Masters in Electronic Engineering.
Homework
consist of exam style questions for practice in the form of a Homework booklet. Worksheets are also used which include synoptic links and the opportunity to develop mathematical skills. Application and extended type questions are included, as well as completion of practical write ups and research tasks to develop higher order thinking skills.
Cross-curricular links: links are made with the A Level Maths and A Level Chemistry courses to gain and use transitional skills.
Extra-Curricular activities/clubs on offer: Visits to universities near and far (within UK). Residential outings to research centres in Europe. Taster sessions can be arranged in chosen subject area.
Careers
The course is a prerequisite for a variety of STEM based degrees, including a variety in Physics, Maths and Engineering. Any Physics type degree holds a lot of calibre in today's world and career opportunities are vast. There are also advanced apprenticeships in industry, at present aerospace, nuclear power generation and electrical power distribution. Future careers are endless and include companies such as: Boeing, Car technologies, nuclear plant, Electro science technology, Honda research, NASA, Microsoft to mention a few.
A level Physics reading references.docx
BTEC Applied Science.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (2016)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/applied-science-2016.html
Assessment
Units 1 comprises of a 40-minute exam each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics taken at the end of year 1. A wide range of questions types are answered in this paper including multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. Unit 3 is a 3-hour practical followed by a written paper based on the practical taken in year 2. This is based more on calculations and data-interpretation.
The practical endorsement in all four units offers a wide range of practical experience incorporating apparatus knowledge, communication m data-interpretation skills and techniques amongst others.
Staffing: Ms Ali (Chemistry specialist), Ms Ghani.
Homework
Exam-style questions are given in the homework booklet and online quizzes. Worksheets given include synoptic links and the opportunity to develop mathematical skills. Application and extended type questions are included, as well as completion of practical write-ups and research tasks to develop higher-order thinking skills such as analytical and evaluative skills. Assignments are based heavily on improving scientific research skills and data-interpretation where practicals are included. A plethora of time is dedicated to unit 2 and 14 assignment self-research and assignment write-ups.
Cross-curricular links: The course is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the science sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in applied science. To be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. Appropriate A Level combinations can be A Level Chemistry and Biology.
Extra-Curricular activities/clubs on offer: Visits to universities and linked sectors can be arranged with a view to give a taster into different linked fields such as nursing.
Careers
Students who successfully complete this course can study for degrees in a range of careers, depending on their other subjects. Please refer to university entry requirements for further information.
We are also committed to promoting our school values of ‘Collaboration, Aspiration, Respect, Equality and Responsibility’ to pupils at every opportunity. We take every opportunity to ensure that our school’s Safeguarding Policy is adhered to in full at all times.
