Science

Course Description and Aims

The first year of a three year GCSE course.  Year 9 covers the fundamental topics that lead into the Separate Science GCSE courses for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students attend a total of 8 lessons of Science over two weeks, 3 Biology, 3 Chemistry and 2 Physics lesson being taught by subject specialists who are best placed to lead them towards success at GCSE.  

 Main Topics

• Biology – Cells structure, Transport, Cell division and Organisation

• Chemistry – Atomic structure, Periodic table, Structure and bonding

• Physics – Conservation and dissipation of energy, Energy resources, Light and Space

Types of Assessment

In GCSE Science we use regular End of Chapter assessments, as this allows our teachers to be more responsive to our students' needs, providing more frequent and specific feedback than traditional marking of books. Students will be assessed regularly by completing past GCSE exam questions based on the material being covered. Once marked and fed back to the students these scores will be averaged to produce an overall grade. 

Methodology

Students  will  be  taught  science  in  a  variety  of  different  teaching  styles  that caters for all learners needs. There will be times when students  work  individually,  in  pairs  or  in  groups  hence  developing  their organisation, leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Self and peer assessment will be undertaken throughout the lessons, enabling pupils to understand how to improve. Practical skills are developed throughout the year ensuring students have an experiential approach to learning. All lesson resources are available on the Google Classroom and if a student is absent from a lesson they are expected to review the missed material so they do not fall behind. 

Text and Materials

Students will be issued with a Kerboodle login to access a digital version of the textbooks, with a hard copy available to use in class. If you prefer to have a physical copy these can be checked out from the school library but numbers are limited. As well as lesson resources they will have access to Educake and Seneca Learning which will further reinforce their understanding and retrieval practice. 

Additional Expectations

Students are expected to build good independent study habits by continually reviewing the material covered in class in preparation for their upcoming End of Chapter assessment.