Science
Head of Department: Taruna Sharma (Head of Chemistry)
Members of Department:
- Fahima Akther
- Shuhela Begum
- Mohshina Chowdhury
- Zeba Choudhury
- Mary Dushime
- Beth Haley
- Rukshana Haque
- Josh Kyme
- Bronwyn McMahon (Joint Deputy Head of Department)
- John Mulholland
- Alan Power
- Sharon Sexton
- Nazia Wild
The study of Science allows us not only to understand and interact with the world around us on an individual level but also to contribute to solving some of the major problems facing mankind. Knowledge and application of Science can help problems such as famine, disease and climate change. Our vision is to provide our students with the skills and experiences necessary to be successful in our evolving world.
Key Stage 3
The department has designed a bespoke KS3 curriculum which is completed in two years.
The programme of study follows the new National Curriculum guidelines covering aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Teaching places a lot of emphasis on practical and creative thinking skills as well as literacy and numeracy.
The KS3 curriculum allows pupils to access fundamental knowledge and skills to support attainment at KS3. Pupil attainment is assessed throughout each topic by end of unit tests, practical assessments, homework & classwork activities, and extended writing tasks.
Year 7 | Year 8 | |||
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Biology |
Life On Earth | Human Biology | Inheritance | Energy in Living Things |
Chemistry |
Particles | Reactions 1 | Periodic Table | Reactions 2 |
Physics | Circuits | Forces | Waves | Energy |
Key Stage 4
The department currently follows the AQA Science specifications and teaching aims to build upon and deepen pupils’ understanding of the big ideas developed in Year 7 and 8.
Teaching helps pupils to develop curiosity about the natural world, provides an insight into working scientifically and enables pupils to appreciate the relevance of science in their everyday lives.
Pupils are taught to apply their understanding to a variety of contexts to help prepare them for public examinations at the end of Year 11.
Both Combined Science (double award) and Separate Sciences (triple) are offered at KS4.
Pupil progress is monitored regularly to ensure at least expected progress is being made through classwork and homework activities, end of unit tests and mock exams.
The following content is covered over the course of three years:
Biology |
Cell Biology |
Organisation |
Infection |
Bioenergetics |
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Homeostasis |
Inheritance |
Ecology |
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Chemistry |
Atomic structure |
Bonding |
Quantitative chemistry |
Chemical Changes |
Energy Changes |
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The Rate of Change |
Organic Chemistry |
Chemical Analysis |
Chemistry of the Atmosphere |
Using Resources |
Physics |
Energy |
Electricity |
Particle Model |
Atomic Structure |
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Forces |
Waves |
Electromagnetism |
Space (GCSE Physics only) |
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Key Stage 5
The department follows the OCR A courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and encourages pupils to develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
Teaching enables pupils to develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills. Pupil progress is monitored through classwork and homework activities, end of unit tests and mock exams.
The department also offers a Level 3 Btec Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Teaching enables pupils to develop laboratory competency to a high standard, knowledge of a broad range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics, as well as an understanding of how to interpret and write academic text.
Pupils also have many opportunities to interact with industry professionals. BTEC Nationals are assessed using a combination of internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers, and external assessments which are set and marked by Pearson.
Enrichment
To support, encourage and enthuse pupils in their study of science the department:
- Provides opportunities for pupils to attend trips and visits relating to science, such as the Science & Natural History Museums
- Offers a weekly STEM club for KS3 students
- Offers pupils a chance to attend Science, Engineering and Medical challenges at local universities;
- Provides opportunities for pupils to attend Careers in Science days at Russell Group universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Curriculum Overview
Enrichment
To support, encourage and enthuse pupils in their study of science the department:
- Provides opportunities for pupils to attend trips and visits relating to science, such as the Science & Natural History Museums
- Offers a weekly STEM club for KS3 students
- Offers pupils a chance to attend Science, Engineering and Medical challenges at local universities;
- Provides opportunities for pupils to attend Careers in Science days at Russell Group universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge.