Science

Developing Moral Capital 

In Science we cultivate the core values and virtues of TTC3: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility.  In Science, it means we:

● Role model the values and virtues which we seek to nurture in our students.

● Are respectful of each other's views and demonstrate empathy and understanding of different perspectives.

● Are patient, calm and visibly consistent in our approach.

● Expect students to take pride in their work. Recognising the value they should have in themselves in challenging their own expectations.

● Are respectful of the equipment that we use.

● Look to our curriculum to discuss moral aspects directly associated with the curriculum matter we deliver. For example, STEM cell technology, global climate, environmental issues and the use of different resources in the generation of electricity.

Developing Social Capital

In Science we build and sustain networks of relationships and build our confidence and communication skills. We recognise the value of individuals and the skills, knowledge and

attitude they bring.

In Science, it means we:

● Build communication skills through planning activities that require working in groups.

● Facilitate opportunities to build confidence in working with unfamiliar people.

● Insist students are clear and concise in verbal and written responses.

● Provide opportunities for students to take part in extracurricular opportunities, such as trips and projects to build our social capital.

● Facilitate a multidisciplinary approach, utilising lab work, project work and a variety of teaching styles. Encouraging students to make use of what they know and

understand.

Developing Cultural Capital

In Science we enhance the experience and opportunities of our students to enable them to physically engage with the outside world. We enrich our curriculum and provide

extra-curricular opportunities to enhance learning in and out of class.

In Science, it means we:

● Encourage students to engage and interact with science materials.

● Provide extracurricular opportunities to enrich the curriculum including a Science Club.

● Provided opportunities to look at and explore other cultures including trips to Hawaii, exploring conservation and science topics.

● Demonstrate to students the wealth of applications of science as a subject, including working with employers, so that they value the knowledge that they have.

Developing Knowledge Capital

In Science our students have strong subject knowledge which is built upon by high-quality teaching and learning, engaging and stimulating students with a challenging

curriculum. We value previous learning, recognise misconceptions and show progression in-depth and breadth of understanding.

In Science, it means we:

● Ensure our students are well equipped with a broad and deep understanding of the science curriculum.

● Further develop the skills students have to use to apply their learning to a variety of concepts

● Develop student’s capacity to think critically, systematically and be innovative.

● Facilitate cross-curricular links so that students understand the multidisciplinary nature of the subject.

● Foster the development of literacy and numeracy, to facilitate access to the science curriculum.

● Teachers in Science engage with subject-specific CPD to ensure that their knowledge is current, and they remain experts in their subject area.

Developing Community Capital

In Science we encourage equality, tolerance and diversity. We want our students to be critical thinkers and challenge injustice.

"Know what is right, say what is true and do the right thing"

In Science, it means we:

● Recognise how the scientific community functions as a global collective.

● Encourage our students to be diverse and creative thinkers.

● Plan opportunities to engage with employers within the STEM field.

● We challenge stereotypes.

● Nurture students’ science capital.

Science (Core Subject)

This course builds on the skills and knowledge you have developed at Thorpe Campus. You will study elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout the two years, withexams in the Summer at the end of Year 11. For this subject, students will gain two GCSE grades in Science (rather than separate grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and will study this for 5 hours per week.

Triple Science

A triple GCSE course (i.e. a GCSE grade for each of the 3 subjects studied - Chemistry, Physics and Biology) is offered for all students who have a very keeninterest in Science and would like to study the subject at a deeper level. The course consists of theory as well as practical work but is 100% exam. This course is in addition to the core GCSE science qualification you will be studying for at Frinton Campus. This course is suitable for students who have at least a Grade 3a or above for Science, English and Maths at KS3. 

Biology

A Level Biology will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of biology. You will learn about the core concepts of biology and about the impact of biological research and how it links to everyday life. You will learn to apply your knowledge and investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts. Key topics include cell structure, biological molecules, exchange surfaces, transport in plants and animals and communicable diseases.

As a result, all students can follow cutting edge science as it continues to develop, as well as face the prospect of being part of furthering current scientific theories in these areas should they choose to continue their Biological studies at university or in industry.

The Biology A Level course is both rich and varied and from the outset students are plunged deep into challenging concepts. Students will receive access to all online textbooks, as well as having access to a well—stocked departmental library comprising both text books and current journals, as well as the necessary guidance to access current material online.

Assessment is through terminal examinations after two year’s study. Students will sit three exams testing their knowledge and understanding. They will also answer questions about practical skills they have learned throughout the course.

Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of the chemistry of carbon and links into biology with biochemistry. Physical chemistry is the study of the properties of substances, how far a reaction goes, and how fast a reaction is. Inorganic chemistry is the study of the periodic table and looks at how and why reactions happen. Practical experiments make up a large part of the course. These include analysis of unknown compounds, synthesising aspirin and dyes, and extracting oils from plants.

Assessment is through terminal examinations after two years’ study. Students will sit three exams testing their knowledge and understanding. They will also answer questions about practical skills they have learned throughout the course.

Physics

The course will introduce you to new ideas such as the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena. Students will also cover areas such as thermal properties of matter, fields and nuclear physics. 

Assessment is through terminal examinations after two years’ study. Students will sit three exams testing their knowledge and understanding. They will also answer questions about practical skills they have learned throughout the course.

AQA Applied Science

Offered as an alternative to the three traditional Science A-levels, this course enables students to develop fundamental scientific knowledge and apply this knowledge in a practical way that is valued by universities and employers. 

You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry and physics, as well as plan and carry out a scientific investigation of your own choosing. You will practice experimental scientific techniques and explore how they are applied in industry, as well as discover ways in which topical scientific issues are presented in the media, as well as investigate the role of scientists and the different career pathways open to them.

Delivery of the course will be a mixture of lecture style taught lessons, discussions, independent research and practical work. 

This qualification contains externally assessed and internally assessed units. Externally assessed units are assessed by written examination. Internally assessed units are externally moderated by AQA.