Science
Subjects: Science (combined: Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Staff
Head of Faculty: Miss S. Bartlett
Deputy Head of Faculty/Sharing Good Practice : Mrs J
Evans
Specific Needs Coordinator: Mr A. Parkinson
Environmental Project Coordinator: Ms B. Jeans
Assistant Headteacher: Mrs E. Merry
Assistant Headteacher: Mrs J. Perrett
Department: Mr P Manhire, Mrs S El Masarany, Miss A
Rae, Mrs R Odoi
Key Stage 3
We are following the FRAMEWORK scheme of work. Now that we are in our fourth year we have added in our own adaptations. We aim to give each student a FRAMEWORK book to use at home and in school.
By year 9 they should also have bought a CGP revision guide. Available from Mrs Evans, S2 before school, breaks and after school. Cost £3.00 - a saving of £1.50 on book store prices.
We assess students' progress throughout each year in a variety of ways. This includes 'end of rotation' tests that make use of past SATs questions. Students will do these at the end of each suite of 4 modules throughout key stage 3.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 starting September 2006
All students are following AQA Core Science A, 4461. Then in year 11, from September 2007, they will go on to do AQA Additional Science. This means that they will gain their first Science GCSE by the end of year 10. They do their second GCSE in year 11.
Approximately 30 students will follow the Core Science over two years and so gain one GCSE. This small group study 'Life Skills' classes instead of a second Science GCSE.
The majority of students will study 6 modules in year 10. (The life skills group will study the same 6 but over 2 years)
Assessment
75% of the marks for Core Science are obtained from 6 x 30 minute multiple choice module tests. These are public exams and are externally marked by the AQA exam board. It is essential that students attend these sessions.
'How Science works' is a theme running through all six Science modules. This includes looking at the key ideas relating to evidence that underpin scientific practice. It includes practical work. It includes material to equip students to be scientifically literate citizens of the future as well as career scientists.
The final 25% of the assessment is assessed by the class teacher. It comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA), which is normal class practical work followed by an externally set, internally assessed test taking 45 minutes, and a Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) which is a holistic practical skills assessment.
There is no 'coursework' or 'final exam' in the Core Science course.
This is the main text book students will use in class during year 10 - ISBN 0-7847-9634-7
Students should buy a copy of the CGP revision guide to use at home. They can get this for £3.00 (a saving of £1.50 on bookstore prices) from Mrs Evans in S2 at the following times:
Before school, morning break, lunch and after school 3.10 - 3.20pm.
Then in year 11 they will have an Additional Science text book to use in school - ISBN 0-7487-9638-x
Students should buy a copy of the CGP revision guide to use at home. Price to be advised in September 2007. This will be available from the school and will cost less than a high street bookstore.
Revision Classes
After school and during the Easter Holidays.
Year 11 2006-07
This is the last year of the 'old' Science courses - students are following EDEXCEL Double Award, syllabus B.
Assessment
30% module tests (externally set and assessed) - By now all students should have completed 7 out of 12.
20% Coursework (set and assessed by class teacher) - By now all students should have completed the minimum of two pieces. There will be catch-up sessions - Details to be announced.
50% Final papers (externally set and assessed) - two papers. Paper 1 assessing modules 1 - 6 and paper 2 assessing modules 7 - 12.
All students should buy their own copies of the revision guides. Most of them already have. For those that haven't: £3.00 each from Mrs Evans in S2 - before school, breaks and after school.
Supernova Science
A seasonal after school club for key stage 3.
