Science tries to make sense of our amazing universe. Much has been discovered but scientists are still trying to explain:

• Where the universe came from?
• What particles make up the world around us?
• How we can make new, useful materials from the Earth?s resources?
• How plants, animals and other organisms thrive to produce healthy eco-systems?

We endeavour to develop our students as critically thinking young scientists. Whenever possible new ideas are introduced with supporting hands-on experiments where our students are encouraged to predict outcomes and explain their findings.

The Importance of Science

"The study of science fires pupils' curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world." (Extract from NC Online)

Key Stage 3

Year 7 and 8 students get a chance to explore answers to these questions as they follow topics within the National Curriculum for Science. In Year 9 the students continue these studies but under the separate subject specialisms of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4, pupils either follow the The Twenty First Century Science is designed to be the primary science qualification. This aims to to enhance pupils' scientific literacy, to enable pupils to recognize the impact of Science and Technology on everyday life and to enable pupils to make informed decisions about scientific issues or they may follow Additional Science GCSE which is a concept-led course designed to develop a deeper understanding of basic scientific ideas. It focuses on scientific explanations and models and gives pupils an insight into how scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Pupils taking GCSE 21st Century Science A are assessed through five units:

• 3 modular examinations each of which counts 16.7% of the total mark.
• 1 ‘Ideas in context' examination which counts 16.7% of the total mark. This examination tests pupils' ability to scientifically analyse and evaluate information provided in a ‘seen' paper.
• Coursework made up of a ‘Case Study' (20%) and a ‘Practical Data Analysis' (13.3%).

AQA GCSE Modular Science is taken by pupils in set C. Module tests are taken periodically during the course. They may be repeated to improve marks.

Coursework takes the form of an ‘Internal Skills Analysis' (ISA)

Links

BBC Key Stage 3 Bitesize Science

BBC GCSE Bitesize Science