Science
‘Science is beautiful when it makes simple explanations of phenomena or connections between different observations. Examples include the double helix in Biology and the fundamental equations in Physics’ – Stephen Hawking
As a faculty we want to inspire students to appreciate the importance of the subject and how the world that surrounds them would not be here today if it wasn’t for Science. We as a faculty like to think we bring enthusiasm and passion to the young minds that join Redden Court School. We cover such a vast variety of scientific concepts in each specialism, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We want students to be asking questions as soon as they walk into a laboratory, such as why does the heart beat every second? What force is it that allows us to remain on the ground? How is plastic made? We want the students to be challenging the teachers with their curiosity.
Key Stage 3
All students study Science with difference scheme of work for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are a variety of ways to develop the students scientific skills and prepare them as much as possible for GCSE.
In Year 7, students begin by investigating ‘Science In a Lab’ before beginning the main concepts in Science, it is fundamental that they develop skills in a laboratory and familiarise themselves with important equipment they will be exposed to in their future, along with graph skills, investigational skills and generally allowing them to organise themselves as young scientists. They will then continue to learn a scheme of work which will give them the fundamentals that they will cover at GCSE. These include topics such as cell, enzymes, forces and the atom. Similarly, In Year 8 they build on skills from Year 7 to further develop this with topics such as the Heart and Human Body and KS3 to KS4 transition which will better prepare them for when they start their GCSE.
Key Stage 4
During the Key Stage 4, the current Year 9, 10 and 11 students follow the Edexcel syllabus, which is broken down into subunits of study.
Biology - Paper 1 and 2
Key Concepts (Paper 1 and 2)
Cells and Control
Genetics
Natural Selection and Genetic Modification
Health Disease and the development of Medicines
Plant structures and functions
Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis
Exchange and transport in animals
Ecosystems and Natural Cycles
Chemistry – Paper 3 and 4
States of Matter, Methods of Separating and Purifying Substances
Atomic Structure
The Periodic Table
Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding and Types of Substances
Acids and Alkalis
Calculations involves Masses
Electrolytic Processes, Obtaining and Using Metals, Reversible Reactions
Groups in the Periodic Table, Rates of Reaction
Fuels, Earth and Atmospheric Science
Physics – Papers 5 and 6
Waves
Motion and Forces
Conservation of Energy
Motion
Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radioactivity
Energy – Forces doing work
Electricity and Circuits
Magnetism
Particle Model
Students have two courses, either a Combined Science award or Separate Science Award. If students complete the combined qualification, they take part in three papers (Paper 1 (B), 3 (C) and 5 (P) each worth 60 marks (1 hour and 10 minutes each). The second grade of their combined award they sit Paper 2 (B), Paper 4 (C) and Paper 6 (P) again worth 60 marks each. The Key Concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics appears in Papers 1,2,3,4,5 and 6.
We do not offer Separate Science as an option but the students who are the show they are able cope with the high demand of the Science curriculum may have the opportunity to do the Separate Science curriculum. Similarly, they topics above are the same but there is extra content which makes the papers 1 hour 45 minutes each, being worth 100 marks.
Required practical’s are now a huge component in the new Science 9-1 GCSE, with these being worth 40% of their GCSE examination. These are covered in detail in class and it is expected that students are independently revising for these in preparing for their GCSE.
There are a number of ways to promote learning outside of the classroom, these include:
- Read and revise from the revision guides (CGP) - this is vital to ensure you maintain your knowledge of the key topics we learn in class
- Prepare revision cards and materials to help you remember key information. Ask friends and family to test you on your knowledge of important factors
- Practise exam style questions to apply your knowledge from the revision you are doing
- Use Google Classroom to use the Pixl resources available to help consolidate knowledge learnt at home and in class.
Staff List
Head of Faculty
Miss K. Davies
2nd in Faculty
Mrs S. Harvey
Mrs M. Slattery (maternity leave)
Teacher of Science and Deputy Head of Student Achievement
Mrs S Thompson
Teachers of Science
Mr R. Ruthven
Mrs S. Harvey
Mrs J. Lebow (maternity leave)
Mr K. Hikel
Miss N. Brotherton
Miss J. Howlett
Mrs S. Kruse
Mrs E. Snyders
Senior Technician
Ms B. Szewczyk
Technicians
Mrs S. Wilkins
Mrs M. Abbott
Miss A. Hayles