Science

What is included in the course?

About KS3 curriculum (Y7-9)

Years 7-9 are taught in two parallel populations X and Y. Classes are set based on their individual progress.

From the very beginning of year 7 students are made aware of aspects of safety and the need for high levels of co-operation and teamwork, they are given opportunities to develop both practical and social skills.

The year 7 curriculum focuses on the basic key concepts and principles of Science which includes Forces, Electromagnets, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, the Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. The AQA Collins 2 Year Course is followed and teachers really use this year to get all students to a similar level of knowledge and understanding. Each topic is between ten to twelve lessons in length and is assessed with a written end of topic assessment in which a grade is given to the students for the content and quality of their work. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.

Year 8 builds on key concepts and ideas that weren’t examined in year 7. Students continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of Science as well as their practical skills. The year 8 curriculum looks in more detail at the topics covered in Y7.

A range of teaching and learning styles are used across the topics and there is opportunity for teacher-led lessons as well as independent learning tasks throughout the year, varying from topic to topic. In addition, depending on the topic being studied, practical work is included. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.

Year 9 begins to look more deeply at the ten big ideas in Science – Forces, Electromagnets, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. Each topic is short, with regular assessing of attainment and progress. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.

About KS4 curriculum (Y10-11)

Students either follow the AQA Combined Trilogy specification.

In Science, students follow topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and sit combined science exams at the end of Y11 to be awarded 2 GCSE’s in Science.

GCSE Trilogy Science offers grades from 9 to 1 but students may be entered for Higher or Foundation Tier depending on their progress.

Students need to complete a list of “required practicals”. Questions in the written exams will draw on this knowledge and these questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks.

Students are placed in groups appropriate to their needs to make differentiation more efficient, there being constant opportunity for students to move from class to class as their needs change. Students will study towards the foundation or higher examination using exam resources supported by the exam board.

What grades are available?

Assessments and Examinations

Assessment is completed through teacher assessment of on – going work and through the common assessments which are moderated within the department.

Students are tested at the end of each module in every year group. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term. These are used to provide an indication of a students’ ability to perform under examination conditions and to help assess an individual’s depth of understanding.

Tips and advice

Practical skills are assessed with a series of required practical activities conducted throughout year 10-11. The exams at the end of the course will assess practical skills. It is essential students attend all lessons to take part in these parts of the course.

How will I be assessed?

There are six papers: two biology, two chernistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas:

Biology Paper 1: Biology topics 1-4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response and Bioenergetics
Biology Paper 2: Biology topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology
Chemistry Paper 1: Chemistry topics 8-12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes
Chemistry Paper 2: Chemistry topics 13-17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources
Physics Paper 1: Physics topics 18-21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure
Physics Paper 2: Physics topics 22-24: Forces; Waves and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Each exam will be:

Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation or Higher Tier
70 marks; 16. 7% of GCSE
A mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

All exams will take place in the summer of Year 11.

Sixth Form

Sixth form students can chose to study for AQA Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science.

Students will be given weekly homework assessments or independent pre work from teaching staff. Further to this students will be expected to consolidate classwork with up to 5 hours personal study each week.

Science subjects are always a very popular subject choice at A level, partly because pupils have enjoyed their experience in previous years and partly because Science is seen as a rigorous subject, well respected by employers and universities.

Who should I contact for more information?

Mrs. W. Smith – Subject Leader wsmith@stmca.org.uk