The Science Curriculum
Year 8
The Curriculum
Year 8 students follow courses linked to the National Framework for Key Stage 3 Science. Throughout the year they will study 7 modules;
- Introduction to secondary science
- Life Processes
- Forces
- Changing Earth
- Behaviour and Ecology
- Particle Models
- Earth, Space and Beyond
Students will develop their investigative skills in each of these contexts.
Assessment
Students are assessed regularly but informally to check their understanding and highlight misconceptions so that learning in the classroom and at home can be improved.
For reporting purposes, students have one half hour, summative assessment for each module. They will also complete one investigative skills assessment towards the end of the year.
Years 9, 10 and 11
The Curriculum
All students will embark on their GCSE Science course(s) in year 9 from September 09.
The department offers five GCSEs in the traditional sciences which cover a broad spectrum of scientific concepts;
- Science (core)
- Additional Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
All students study a minimum of one GCSE in science and over 80% study two. Until now students have opted to study further GCSEs in science at the expense of another subject but from 2009 onwards it is envisaged that over 50% of year 9 will be able to study three or more GCSEs in the sciences without it impacting on their other option choices.
Science (core)
This GCSE requires students to complete a minimum of seven assessments with the examination board AQA. Six of these assessments are 30 minute objective tests set throughout the academic year in November, March and June. The modules studied are;
·Biology 1a B1a Human Biology
·Biology 1b B1b Evolution and Environment
·Chemistry C1a Products from Rocks
·Chemistry C1b Oils, Earth and Atmosphere
·Physics P1a Energy and Electricity
·Physics P1b Radiation and the Universe
Students also need to complete the Centre Assessed Unit CAU, which is primarily a 45 minute written assessment based around an investigation that the students have taken part in. The biology, chemistry and physics tests and the CAU each contribute 25% of the GCSE.
This GCSE is completed by all students in year 10.
Additional Science
This GCSE requires students to complete a minimum of four assessments with the examination board AQA. Each of these assessments are 45 minute written examinations set throughout the academic year in January and June. The modules studied are;
·Biology B2
·Chemistry C2
·Physics P2
Students also need to complete the Centre Assessed Unit CAU, which again is primarily a 45 minute written assessment based around an investigation that the students have taken part in. The biology, chemistry and physics tests and the CAU each contribute 25% of the GCSE.
Students generally complete this GSCE in year 11 but (from 2009) those hoping for higher grades or additional GCSEs will begin it in year 10.
Biology, Physics and Chemistry
Some of the assessments for these GCSE options overlap with the assessments for Science (core) and Additional Science. However, students need to study three separate units;
·Biology B3
·Chemistry C3
·Physics P3
They also need to complete separate Centre Assessed Units. To gain all three qualifications very keen science students can opt for extra curricula time to complete this.