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Science

“This is one of the most important lessons of the scientific method: if you cannot fail, you cannot learn.” Eric Ries

 

Director:  Mr C Donovan-Bayley (cdonovanbayley@ccw.kent.sch.uk)

Key Stage 3 Science:

KS3 for science comprises Years 7 and 8. Pupils experience an introduction to the key concepts of biology, chemistry and physics as well as an introduction to practical work, analysis and scientific thinking.

Areas studied in Year 7:

Start date

Year 7

Term 1

Induction and completion of the Bunsen Burner license

 

Forces

Term 2

Particles and their Behaviour

 

Cells

Term 3

Elements, Atoms, and Compounds

 

Reproduction

Term 4

Sound

 

Light

Term 5

Structure and Function of Body Systems

 

Acids and Alkalis

Term 6

Reactions
 

Space

Areas studied in Year 8:

Start date

Year 8

Term 1

Health and Lifestyle

 

The Periodic Table

Term 2

Electricity and Magnetism

 

Ecosystem Processes

Term 3

Separation Techniques

 

Energy

Term 4

Adaptation and Inheritance

 

Metal and Acids

Term 5

Motion and Pressure

 

The Earth

 

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

Key Stage 4 Science:

"You learn things much more deeply than in lower school, you start to feel like you really understand science."  Vicki - Year 10.

Pupils start their GCSEs in year 9 and continue these through years 10 and 11. All examinations are sat at the end of year 11. The exam specification studied is OCR Gateway 9-1.

Pupils either take Combined Science or Separate Sciences. Both courses are 100% examination based and understanding of practical skills are assessed within the exam papers.

Combined Science is worth two GCSE qualifications and culminates in 6 exams at the end of year 11. There are two biology, two chemistry and two physics examinations. Each exam is worth 60 marks and lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes. All of the exams are equally weighted (16.7% each) and the average grade of all six papers is used to determine the final grades awarded.

Separate Science is worth three GCSE qualifications and also culminates in 6 examinations.  Each exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Pupils sitting Separate Sciences will cover all the content in Combined Science but there is also additional content that is covered. Pupils are awarded three separate GCSEs; one for biology, one for chemistry and one for physics.

Information relating to the specific content of each course can be found in the specification links below.

Combined science: CLICK HERE 

Separate sciences:

Biology: CLICK HERE

Chemistry:  CLICK HERE

Physics: CLICK HERE

 

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie

Key Stage 5 Science:

"You really start to build your practical skills and you can see how what you’re doing in your experiments helps scientists in the real world."  Emma - Year 12.

Course: A-Level OCR Biology A

Learners will cover topics such as:

  • 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

Assessment methods:

100% exams (total 6 hours of exams).

Entry requirements:

Minimum level 5 in Combined Science. Minimum Level 5 in Maths and English.

Progression and career opportunities:

This qualification is supported by a range of universities and taken alongside other qualifications it can fulfil the entry requirements for a number of science-related higher education courses, including biomedical, forensic and sports science, as well as nursing. In addition, the qualification is eligible for UCAS points.

Link for specification and further course information: CLICK HERE

Course: Btec Forensics Investigation

Learners will cover topics such as:

  • Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I
  • Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
  • Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills
  • Unit 4: Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice.
  • Unit 8: Physiology of human body systems
  • Unit 12: Forensic photography

Assessment methods:

59% internally assessed content and 41% externally assessed content (total 2.5 hours of exams).

Entry requirements:

Minimum level 5 in Combined Science. Minimum Level 5 in Maths and level 4 in English.

Progression and career opportunities:

This qualification is supported by a range of universities and taken alongside other qualifications it can fulfil the entry requirements for a number of science-related higher education courses, including biomedical, forensic and sports science, as well as nursing. In addition, the qualification is eligible for UCAS points.

Link for specification and further course information: CLICK HERE