Science

KS3
Years 8 and 9 follow the QCA specification. Year 8 in the autumn term complete units Atoms, Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Microbes and Disease, Heating and Cooling, Food and Digestion. In the spring term Respiration, Rocks and Weathering, the Rock Cycle, Light, Sound and Hearing, Magnets and Electromagnets. In the summer term Ecological Relationships, Energy and Electricity, Inheritance and Selection. There are termly tests at the end of the autumn term and in the summer term.
In Year 9 students will complete units Reactions of Metals Patterns of Reactivity, Gravity and Space, Fit and Healthy, Environmental Chemistry
Using Chemistry. In the spring term they complete Plants and Photosynthesis Plants for food, Speeding Up, Pressure and Moments. The students complete a mock SATs exam early in the spring term. During both years the students are expected to complete several investigations and experiments as part of their learning.

KS4
Most of our students complete a GCSE double award applied science course. This comprises four units:

• Unit 1 Science in the work place
• Unit 2 Science for the needs of society
• Unit 3 Developing scientific skills
• Unit 4 Using scientific skills for the benefit of society.

Units 1, 3, 4 are coursework and make up 65% of the overall mark and unit 2 is an external exam and makes up 35% of the mark.
We have introduced core science as a pilot this year and this is assessed with a practical investigation (ISA) and exam units.

Introduction for parents to GCSE Applied Science

KS5

Currently we are doing an AS/A level in applied science.

The students complete 3 units. Two units are portfolio based and one exam

• Unit 1 Investigating science in the workplace
• Unit 2 Energy transfer and
• Unit 3 Finding out about substances

The students have to either research a topic or complete a series of experiments and write this up. To complete the A level in Y13 the students have to complete 3 more units.

Carbon Challenge Roadshow

On Thursday 16th October Year 10 students experienced the Enterprising Science Carbon Challenge Roadshow.

The day allowed the students to address issues of climate change and carbon emissions. Teams of students worked together to examine the schools carbon footprint and learn about carbon reduction through a variety of activities using film, websites, interactive calculators, 3D style mats and other visual material.

The groups looked at the carbon footprint of a typical school called ‘carbon college’and also at ways we could all reduce our carbon footprint by recycling, reducing energy usage and making us aware of where we could reduce energy consumption in our every day lives.

Revision Websites

HTC GCSE Maths and Science Revision Podcasts Podcasts