Science

Department Staff

We have a dedicated team including:

Mrs V Kelly Head of Science
Miss M Kenny Associate Assistant Head of Science and Head of Biology
Mrs J King Teacher of Biology
Mr D Pyatt Assistant Headteacher - Teaching, Learning & Technologies
Mr A Baku Teacher of Science
Mr S Page Head of Year 9 and Head of Applied Science
Mr N Clifford Teacher of Biology
Mr J Davies Head of Physics
Mrs S Gallier-Harris Teacher of Physics
Mr J Talbot Head of Chemistry
Mrs A Spence Teacher of Science
Miss R Gilbert Teacher of Biology
Miss S Forrester-Hayles Teacher of Biology
Mrs L Johnson Senior technician
Mrs A Bernard Science technician

 

 

Aims

The aim of our department is to make sure that every student, not only enjoys their Science lessons, but leaves them with questions about the world: Why does this work? How does that work? Where can you find that chemical? What is that made of?

Science is such a fascinating subject and through a mix of practical activities, application and subject knowledge we want every student to achieve the best they possibly can.

Key Stage 3

The program of study places less emphasis on science content and more emphasis on how science works skills;

  • use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events;
  • understand a range of familiar applications of science;
  • think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments for the environment and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions;
  • carry out investigations of different types, on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work;
  • communicate what they did and its significance;
  • learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.

Key Stage 4

Pupils follow the OCR Gateway GCSE (9-1) A.

The aim of this course is to enable young people to learn science from a consumer’s point of view as opposed to a purely academic study. This reflects the changing needs of society; we are moving into a high-tech age where most people use scientific skills and principles as part of everyday life, e.g. biological washing powders use enzymes to speed up stain removal and save energy. Students learn why this happens and how it benefits society rather than simply studying “Enzymes”.

Scientific knowledge and understanding is focused on how these apply in every day and industrial contexts. Activities have a greater emphasis on problem solving rather than learning vast quantities of information.

Pupils begin studying for GCSE in year 9 and are covering certain themes across all three sciences.  These themes are continued through year 10 and year 11, with the latter part of year 11 used for intensive revision of all key concepts.  We will be carrying out regular internal assessments to discover whether students are capable of completing the triple award to a high standard in Year 11 and this decision will be made to suit individual students.

BTEC Applied Science - Level 2

A small cohort of students will be following the BTEC approach to qualifications. This course is designed to have a vocational route looking at Science in the workplace. There is a large controlled assessment component which covers all the disciplines in Science including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Scientific skills. There is an exam component to this course and will be completed, with a chance to resit, if necessary.

Key Stage 5

A number of subjects are offered at AS and A2 level.

OCR Biology (specification A)

This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to devise and plan experimental and investigational activities and interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate results of these. Students also gain an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.

The course prepares students who wish to progress into further or higher education, to follow courses in biology, and related subjects, or directly into employment where knowledge of biology would be useful.

OCR A Chemistry

Our chemistry A level course is designed to encourage learners to: develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills, develop essential understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other and develop their interest in and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject. The course involves a wide range of practical opportunities including research projects.

OCR A Physics

OCR Physics is a context-led course placing students’ learning in the environment and in situations in which physics is met in real life. Comments from students include:

  • ‘This physics with all its applications is more interesting and easier to grasp.’
  • ‘With the course you learn the physics but you also think – well I actually see a point in knowing this physics.’
  • ‘We are learning a lot of physics, but I find it easier to learn because it is related to modern day scenarios. When you are looking at things around you, you know it works and what the problem is with it.’

We have moved over to OCR Physics A from September 2012 to bring our qualifications into line so that skills can be developed across the board for all Key Stage 5 courses.

BTEC Applied Science

This qualification will give an understanding of the essential skills and attitudes to begin a professional career or move on to further education. The focus of this qualification is to provide students with the opportunity to specialise in a work-based science qualification, and specific areas within this, such as: criminology/psychology, scientific investigation or mathematics/statistics. 

To find out more about our courses and various qualifications please see the following website for GCSE and science A levels:

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/

Please visit the following for our BTEC course:

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/applied-science-2016.html