Science Department

Keystage 3 (year 7 to 9)
This course follows the national curriculum and the Q&A science framework. It is arranged in topics comprising of about 10 lessons. There are tests at the end which is standardized for all pupils and cross referenced to national curriculum levels. Internal school examinations take place at the end of year 7 and 8.These also are cross referenced to national curriculum levels to provide objective assessment of students' achievement. Students do SAT examinations at the end of the year 9 following a shortened course with designed revision work as well as the Q&A year 9 topics.

Keystage 4 (year 10 to 11)

GCSE Science: Double Award A (modular)
This course must be taken if the students wants to do any engineering, science, medical, veterinary or similar course at a-level or beyond. Students study the three science subjects (biology, chemistry and physics) and have specialised teachers delivering the course. 4 lessons per week are spread over the subjects. Assessment is by coursework (20%), end of module examinations (30%) and final examination (50%). There is also internal progress assessment by means of tests at regular intervals as well as the Y10 and Y11 exams.

GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics (modular)
This course is for students who have other curriculum areas where they wish to take up extra options and is not suitable for further study of science or for going on to a career in any of the areas of engineering, science, medicine, veterinary or forensics or for students who want to take specific science related courses. Students study 6 modules. Assessment is by externally marked module tests(30%) at the end of each module, coursework(20%) and final exam(50%).

Keystage 5 (year 12 to 13)

Biology, Physics and Chemistry are all offered at AS and A2 level with specialist teachers. Each course is made up of 3 units at AS, studied in year 12. This can be followed by 3 more units at A2 to complete the full A level by the end of year 13, provided that AS level examinations are successfully passed at the end of year 12.

Minimum entry requirements of grade BB in a double award science GCSE is needed for entry to the initial AS course in each subject area. All three courses follow the EDEXCEL modular schemes with practical examinations in chemistry and Physics at both AS and A2, whilst Biology students have coursework in the form of practical investigations in both parts of their course.

Other Information:
Science Club is run in the lower school for years 7 and 8 students weekly on Monday. A variety of science activities are done.

Careers Information:
Many of our students in years 12 and 13 go onto higher education and subsequent careers in medicine or related fields. A wide range of scientific and technological careers are open to students with A-levels in sciences.

Trips
Year 7 visit to the Science Museum to extend their scientific knowledge and understanding.