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Science

Why study Science?

Each scientific discipline gives pupils a unique perspective to explain the world around them. As pupils learn science, they also learn about its uses and significance to society and their own lives. Pupils learn about the continuing importance of science in solving global challenges such as climate change, food availability, controlling disease and access to water. The curriculum is designed to build substantive knowledge of scientific concepts and disciplinary procedures. By doing so, pupils can reason scientifically about phenomena with increasing sophistication and can use their knowledge to work scientifically with increasing expertise.

How will I study Science?

Pupils study Science through both substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Each topic covers a sequence of lessons that builds sophisticated language through the delivery of scientific concepts and working scientifically. This goes beyond simply doing practical work or collecting data, it includes learning about the concepts and procedures that scientists use to develop scientific explanations. These are revisited throughout the course to gain a deeper understanding and equip pupils with a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics making connections between these subject areas.

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

We encourage our pupils to be curious about the world around them and to develop a positive and practical approach to scientific learning. In key stage 3, we build an understanding of the ‘Big Ideas’ in science that are relevant to pupils’ lives during and beyond school. We achieve this through a wide and varied curriculum in which pupils are regularly challenged and reviewed. Pupils will develop an understanding that science is about working objectively and is continually changing and developing in the world around us. There is a big focus on carrying out practical experiments relevant to the topics to motivate students, stimulate their interest in learning, enhance the learning of scientific knowledge and to give them experience in widening their way of thinking.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

Teaching science in key stage 4 continues to build upon and deepen the substantive and disciplinary knowledge and understanding developed in earlier key stages. In Biology, the topics covered seek to understand living organisms and life. It takes into account the complex systems involving interactions between genes, the environment and random chance. Physics builds its explanations on measurable quantities that can be put into numerical relationships. Chemistry draws heavily on the use of models and modelling to explain the behaviour of matter and routinely involves the synthesis of the objects it studies. Pupils continue to work scientifically and think like a scientist through a broad, coherent and practical based curriculum that will challenge and inspire students.

What will I study at Key Stage 5?

At our Sixth Form, pupils are able to study A Levels Biology or Chemistry. They may also study a vocational course – Level 3 BTEC Applied Science.
In A Level Biology, learners will enhance their understanding of biological processes and practical skills. During the first year, learners will develop their practical skills and learn about cells, how they support the transport and exchange of substances, the diverse world around us, and how the body fights disease. In the second year of A Level Biology, students learn about how the body maintains its internal environment and releases energy, how genes control our features and how organisms evolve over time.

In A Level Chemistry, learners will enhance their understanding of chemical theory and practical skills. During the first year, the foundations in chemistry are consolidated after which the trends in groups and periods of the periodic table are studied. This AS year ends with an introduction to core organic chemistry whilst incorporating the required practical activities within each topic. During the following year, transition elements of the periodic table are introduced and physical chemistry is studied. Knowledge of organic chemistry is further developed and analytical techniques are studied and practical skills are integrated within topics. Learners work scientifically and think like a scientist through a broad, coherent and practical based curriculum that will challenge and inspire learners.
Studying for a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science will allow students to strengthen your knowledge in all three scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Students gain a breadth of understanding for a variety of scientific and industrial concepts. Students will also develop their experimental skills through a multitude of practical assignments and research tasks. It is about the science behind the world around you – such as the intricacy of your beating heart, how polystyrene is formed, or even how X-ray and CT scans work. Learners are taught a breadth of scientific disciplines including genetics, microbiology, medical physics and organic chemistry. Lessons are often focused on problem-based learning, group work and independent research skills – as is needed for young scientists.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

Pupils will complete either GCSE Combined Science or separate sciences (GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

GCSE Combined Science Edexcel 1SC0

Biology Paper 1 (1SC0/1BH, 1SC0/1BF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 2 – Cells and control
  • Topic 3 – Genetics
  • Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
  • Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicine

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.

Biology Paper 2 (1SC0/2BH, 1SC0/2BF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions, Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
  • Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals
  • Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.

Chemistry Paper 1 (1SC0/1CH, 1SC0/1CF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – States of matter and mixtures
  • Topic 2 – Methods of Separating and Purifying Substances
  • Topic 3 – Atomic Structure
  • Topic 4 – The Periodic Table
  • Topic 5-7 – Bonding and Types of Substance
  • Topic 8 – Acids and Alkalis
  • Topic 9 – Calculations Involving Masses
  • Topic 10 – Electrolytic Processes
  • Topic 11 – Obtaining and Using Metals
  • Topic 12 – Reversible Reactions and Equilibria.

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Calculators may be used in the examination.

Chemistry Paper 2 (1SC0/2CH, 1SC0/2CF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
  • Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table
  • Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes
  • Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.

Physics Paper 1 (1SC0/1PH, 1SC0/1PF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 2 – Motion and forces
  • Topic 3 – Conservation of energy
  • Topic 4 – Waves
  • Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Topic 6 – Radioactivity

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.

Physics Paper 2 (1SC0/2PH, 1SC0/2PF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 10 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
60 marks
16.7% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
  • Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
  • Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
  • Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect
  • Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
  • Topic 14 – Particle model
  • Topic 15 – Forces and matter

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

GCSE Separate Science Edexcel 1BI0, 1CH0, 1PH0

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 2 – Cells and control
  • Topic 3 – Genetics
  • Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
  • Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicine

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.
Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions
  • Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
  • Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals
  • Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Calculators may be used in the examination.
Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
  • Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures
  • Topic 3 – Chemical changes
  • Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria
  • Topic 5 – Separate chemistry 1

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination

Chemistry Paper 2 (1CH0/2H, 1CH0/2F)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
  • Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table
  • Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes
  • Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science
  • Topic 9 – Separate chemistry 2

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Physics Paper 1 (1PH0/1H, 1PH0/1F)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 2 – Motion and forces
  • Topic 3 – Conservation of energy
  • Topic 4 – Waves
  • Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Topic 6 – Radioactivity
  • Topic 7 – Astronomy

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Physics Paper 2 (1PH0/2H, 1PH0/2HF)

Overview Focus
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Foundation and Higher Tier
100 marks
50% of GCSE
  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
  • Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
  • Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
  • Topic 11 – Static electricity
  • Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect
  • Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
  • Topic 14 – Particle model
  • Topic 15 – Forces and matter

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Assessment at Key Stage 5

AS-Level in Biology A (H020)

Breadth in Biology (H020/01)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
Section A (20 marks)
Section B (50 marks)
Total: 70 marks
50% of AS-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
  • Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
  • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Depth in Biology (H020/02)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
70 marks
50% of AS-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
  • Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
  • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution, and disease

A mixture of different question styles, including short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

A-Level in Biology A (H420)

Paper 1: Biological Processes (H420/01)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
Section A (15 marks)
Section B (85 marks)
Total: 100 marks
37% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
  • Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
  • Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Paper 2: Biological Processes (H420/02)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
Section A (15 marks)
Section B (85 marks)
Total: 100 marks
37% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
  • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution, and disease Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Paper 3: Unified Biology (H420/03)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
70 marks
26% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
  • Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
  • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution, and disease
  • Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
  • Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

A mixture of different question styles, including short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Assessment at Key Stage 5

AS-Level in Chemistry A (H032)

Breadth in Chemistry (H032/01)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
Section A (20 marks)
Section B (50 marks)
Total: 70 marks
50% of AS-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
  • Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
  • Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Depth in Chemistry (H032/02)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
70 marks
50% of AS-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
  • Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
  • Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry

A mixture of different question styles, including short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

A-Level in Chemistry A (H432)

Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (H432/01)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
Section A (15 marks)
Section B (85 marks)
Total: 100 marks
37% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
  • Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
  • Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (H432/02)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 2 hours 15 minutes
Section A (15 marks)
Section B (85 marks)
Total: 100 marks
37% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
  • Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
  • Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (H432/03)

Overview Focus
Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
70 marks
26% of A-Level
  • Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
  • Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
  • Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
  • Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
  • Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis

A mixture of different question styles, including short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examination.

Assessment at Key Stage 5

BTEC Applied Science Pearson 601/7437/7

Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I

Overview Focus
Written exam (2 hours)
90 marks		 Key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics:
Animal and plant cells; tissues; atomic structure and bonding; chemical and physical properties of substances related to their uses; waves and their application in communicationsExamination undertaken in three sessions of 40 minutes for each of biology, chemistry and physics.

Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
4 coursework assignments		 Quantitative laboratory techniques, calibration, chromatography, calorimetry and laboratory safety.

Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills

Overview Focus
Externally Assessed Task (2 hours 15 minutes)
60 marks

Skills needed in planning a scientific investigation: how to record, interpret, draw scientific conclusions and evaluate scientific findings.

Part A: Learners will have 45 minutes to review an investigation
Part B: Learners complete a written task for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Both Part A and B will be under supervised conditions

Unit 4 – Practical Laboratory Techniques and their Application

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
4 coursework assignments		 The importance of health and safety in workplace laboratories, how data is stored and communicated and how organic liquids and solids are made and tested industrially

Unit 5 – Principles and Applications of Science II

Overview Focus
Written exam (2 hours 30 minutes)
120 marks		 Key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics:
Properties, uses and production of some inorganic compounds; structures, reactions and properties of commercially important organic compounds; enthalpy changes; the cardiovascular system; ventilation and gas exchange in the lungs; urinary system structure and function; cell transport mechanisms; thermal physics; physical properties of materials; and fluids in motion.Examination undertaken in three sessions of 50 minutes for each of biology, chemistry and physics.

Unit 6 – Investigative Project

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
4 coursework assignments		 Learners will carry out an investigative project in a topic area of their choosing. They will carry out a scientific literature search and review, produce a realistic plan and carry out the project safely. Then they will prepare an evaluative report and consider improvements for their project outcomes.

Unit 7 – Contemporary Issues in Science

Overview Focus
Externally Assessed Task (2 hours 30 minutes)
50 marks

Evaluating the impact of contemporary scientific issues and how they are discussed in publications.

Part A: Learners will be given three articles to prepare for two weeks
Part B: After two weeks learners will complete a supervised assessment session for 2 hours and 30 minutes

Unit 8 – Physiology of Human Body Systems

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
3 coursework assignments		 Physiological make-up of three human body systems (musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive), how the systems function and what occurs during dysfunction.

Unit 9 – Human Regulation and Reproduction

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
3 coursework assignments		 How the internal body environment is regulated and controlled within set parameters to enable key bodily processes to take place.

Unit 10 – Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
3 coursework assignments		 Biological molecules and the metabolic pathways involved in chemical reactions that enable organisms to function normally.

Unit 11 – Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
4 coursework assignments		 The structure of DNA, cell division and the principles of Mendelian genetics and variation.

Unit 17 – Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
2 coursework assignments		 Characteristics of microorganisms and develop practical skills relating to their study, including microscopy and the practice of aseptic technique.

Unit 21 – Medical Physics Applications

Overview Focus
Internally assessed unit
3 coursework assignments		 The principles and production of ionising and non-ionising radiation, applications of medical physics, and their uses in the diagnosis and treatment of the human body.

Enrichment

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Trips include the Catalyst centre and Chester Zoo. We also have a BAE Roadshow delivered to our students. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model. Clubs include Science club and a STEM club.

Careers

The study of Science can lead to future careers ranging from Paramedic, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapist to Aerospace Engineer, Vet and Pharmacist. Famous Science graduates include David Attenborough (Natural Scientist), Helen Sharman (first female and first British astronaut to visit the International space station), Angela Merkel (German Chancellor).

Useful resources and revision support

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