Science Department
Head of Science: Mr A Dean
Second in Department, Teacher of science and in charge of A level Chemistry: Mr R Tilt
Teacher of Science and A level Physics: Mr F Merritt
Teacher of Science and A level Biology: Mrs A McCann
Teacher of Science and A level Physics, Assistant Principal: Mr G O’Connor
Teacher of Science and A level Chemistry (part time): Mrs L Perry
Teacher of Science and Biology, developing A level Applied Science course: Mr K Porter
Teacher of Science and A level Applied Science: Mr D Robinson
Teacher of Science and in charge of A level Biology: Mrs B Rugen
Aims
- To develop students’ scientific knowledge, and their understanding of the scientific process
- To develop students’ practical and team working skills
- To develop students’ understanding of the role of science in society and industry
- To improve cross curricular links with other departments to show students how science is integral to many other subjects
- To develop links with the community, industry and partner schools
Vision
Science has a major role in everyone’s life, providing the ideas behind the technologies and products that we all use. Scientists help us develop new foods and clothing, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, computers and energy sources. Scientists also research the unknown, trying to increase the knowledge of the human race.
We hope to educate students in the role that science plays in our society, the career opportunities that a knowledge of science will open up. We want our students to develop the skills in critical thinking about science stories in the media, to be able to engage constructively in debates on the issues of the day.
As a lead department in a Specialist Science College, we also hope to help spread good practice within the school and beyond, to improve links with our feeder schools and industry, and to develop the curriculum to provide opportunities for all students, whatever their abilities or needs.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Students follow aspects of the GCSE science course which are directly relevant to the KS3 course of study.
Biology Topics: How Plants produce foods, Healthy Eating, Drug Abuse, Energy Flows, Variation, Adaptation
Chemistry Topics: Fuels, Acids and Alkalis, Rocks, Extracting Metals, Products from Oil, Plant Oils
Physics Topics: Energy and Efficiency, Generating Electricity, Describing Movement, Speeding Up and Slowing Down, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Solar System, Pressure and Moments
At the end of Year 9, there is a choice over whether to take Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Core and Additional Science, BTEC or Applied Science in Years 10 and 11. This will depend on a student’s interests, study style and ability.
Key Stage 4
Topics covered, and when they will be covered, depend greatly on the course being followed. Further detail on the order of teaching is available from Mr Dean if required.
Specifications can be downloaded from the AQA exam board website.
Triple Science: Biology 4411, Chemistry 4421, Physics 4451 (Years 10 and 11)
Core Science: 4461 (mostly Year 10)
Additional Science: 4463 (mostly Year 11)
Double Applied Science: 4861 (Years 10 and 11)
Also see www.gcseappliedscience.com
BTEC first certificate in applied science (Years 10 and 11) see www.edexcel.com
Key Stage 5
Specifications can be downloaded from the relevant exam board website. Further details on the order of teaching can be obtained from the course handbooks, available from the teacher in charge of each A level
Biology AS: AQA 2410
Biology A2:
Chemistry AS: AQA 2420
Chemistry A2:
Physics AS: EdExcel 8PH01
Physics A2:
Applied Science AS: AQA 8771
A2:
Result Highlights 2009
GCSE A* - C
Core GCSE: 50.6%
Applied Science: 96.0%
Triple Science:
98.0%
A2
Subject |
A2 Average Result |
Biology |
196 |
Chemistry |
237 |
Physics |
204 |
Point scores: A=270, B=240, C=210, D=180, E=150
