Aims 

• To gain a systematic body of scientific knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations.

• To gain an understanding of scientific ideas, of how they develop, and of the factors which may affect their limitations.

• To consider and evaluate critically students’ own data and conclusions, and those obtained from other sources.

• To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to the environment, personal health and quality of life, and to consider ethical issues where these arise.

• To use electronic and more traditional sources of information to collect data and ideas on a topic of scientific interest.

Course Content

Science setting and entry is organised by the Science Department based on ability, attitude and progress made at KS3. Regardless of entry all students will receive lessons of Biology, Chemistry and Physics generally taught by specialist teachers, totaling six lessons of science per week. 

There are two routes available, based on the OCR Gateway Science Suite set of qualifications:

1: GCSE Gateway Suite- Combined science A (9-1) J250.

Students follow a programme leading to 2 GCSEs in Science. They will study a wide range of scientific concepts and are appropriate for students with a general interest in Science. Advancement to A-levels in the sciences is possible via this route. We offer Higher and Foundation entry in combined science. 

2: GCSE Gateway Science Suite –Biology A (9-1) J247, Chemistry A (9-1) J248) and Physics A (9-1) J249. (Referred to as Separate science or ‘Triple’). 

Students follow a programme leading to GCSE qualifications in each science separately. This is a more demanding route for students to study, with significantly more content to cover and more challenging concepts. The route is appropriate for those who have shown a strong interest and aptitude for science, especially in Year 9, and who are likely to be considering study of science at A-level. 

At the beginning of Yr10, all students will study the same set of topics regardless of set. After the first round of assessment (taken around October half term), Set 1a,b,c and d will continue taking separate sciences, and Set 2 and 3 will continue with combined science. 

Assessment Structure

Examinations take place at the end of the Summer term in year 11. There are two exam papers per science (a total of six papers). Whilst there is no coursework/controlled assessment, there are PAGs (set practical activities that must be covered) but these are examined in the summer exam papers through questions. 

You need to

• Complete all class and homework tasks.

• Be ready to discuss scientific ideas and to respect the views of others.

• Be prepared for examinations throughout the course.

For further information, see Mr Warman (Head of Science)