Science

Subject introduction

Head of Department: Rehaaz Khodabacksh

Staff Contact Details:

The department has eight teaching staff and three technicians:

• Mr Khodabacksh – Head of Department/ KS4 Coordinator / Head of Physics KS4
• Mrs Mbanefo – Head of Biology
• Ms Bell – Head of Chemistry
• Ms Collinson – Head of KS3 / Head of Psychology
• Ms Obi – Science Teacher
• Mrs Gore – Science Teacher
• Mr Kenneth (Bill) Lawrence - Science Teacher (part time)
• Mr Hartnett – Head of Physics KS5
• Mr Gasparro – Senior Science Technician
• Ms Rupal Kukadia – Science Technician
• Dr Peter Mark - Science Technician

‘Good teaching and learning’ - That has been the Science department’s focus in the last 10 years. We have achieved this – reflected in our consistently high attainment in Double and Separate Award Science. We are continuing to attain our goal of ‘outstanding teaching and learning’.

We are the largest department in the School as Science is a CORE subject (with effectively 3 subjects combined – Biology, Chemistry and Physics). We have a Head of Department (overall responsibility) and now have heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We have six experienced teachers (5 full time, 1 part time). We all have vast experience (and success) at delivering the GCSE Curriculum with three Biologists, two Chemists and one Physics specialist.

There are 4 large laboratories, which have Fume Cupboards and the standard equipment necessary for delivering Science to a GCSE Level, as a practical subject.

Our Sixth Form block has 3 laboratories, dedicated to AS/A2 Level teaching of Chemistry and Physics.

Pupils Study the ‘Exploring Science’ Framework - at KS3 (Years 7-9). This utilises Exploring Science although we have made our own Scheme Of Work, adapting to our students and duration of teaching hours/week. We will have a 2 and half year KS4, starting halfway into Year 9.

We study ‘How Science Works’ GCSE at KS4.

THE CURRICULUM

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 - 9 we use ‘How Science Works’ schemes which are with resources from ‘Exploring Science’ - Pearson and Longman.

This links with a comprehensive interactive ICT programme.

Years 7 - 9 have mixed ability classes. At KS3 students receive five science lessons over the two week timetable.

We have end of unit tests every 3-4 weeks, which we use to track progress and intervene when needed.

Topics covered

Year 7:

• Biology: Cells, tissues, organs and systems; Sexual reproduction in animals; Muscles and bones; Ecosystems
• Chemistry: Mixtures; acids and alkalis; particle mode; atoms, elements and compounds
• Physics: Energy; current and electricity; forces; sound

Year 8:

• Biology: Food and nutrition; plants and reproduction; breathing and respiration; unicellular organisms
• Chemistry: Combustion; periodic table; metals; rocks
• Physics: Fluids; light; energy transfers; earth and space

Year 9:

• Biology: Genetics and evolution; plant growth; biology projects; transition to GCSE
• Chemistry: Making materials; reactivity; chemistry projects; transition to GCSE
• Physics: Forces and motion; force fields and electromagnets; physics revision; transition to GCSE

 

Key Stage 4 - GCSE

Combined Science (Trilogy) (Year 10 & 11) = a combination of Biology/ Chemistry/ Physics (No Coursework) – This culminates in 6 Examinations, leading to 2 Science GCSEs. (AQA Science – Oxford)

With Separate Science we use the AQA Science – Longman. This course is taken in Year 10 as an ‘option’. These are 5 extra lessons, over a two week period, again culminating in 6 Examinations, leading to 3 separate Science GCSEs – Biology, Chemistry and Physics (No Coursework).

• Year 10 and Year 11 have setting to ability (6 classes each)

• In Year 10 we have 9 lessons per 2 weeks ( x3 Biology x3 Chemistry and x3 Physics with separate teachers, according to their specialism).

• In Year 11 we have 9 lessons per week ( x3 Biology x3 Chemistry and x3 Physics with separate teachers, according to their specialism).

In addition to testing every 4 – 5 weeks, we have Mock examinations in December and Examinations in May/June. Thus, tracking of progress can be made with an accurate prediction of the GCSE (facilitating intervention).

Topics Covered

COMBINED SCIENCE (TRILOGY) – YEAR 10

• Biology: Cell structure; transport in cells; cellular and organ systems; infection and response; homeostasis; ecology

• Chemistry: Atomic structure: periodic table; structure and bonding; chemical analysis; Earth's atmosphere

• Physics: Energy and forces; energy; particle model of matter; forces; waves - properties and EM spectrum

All topics have required practicals and end of unit tests.

COMBINED SCIENCE (TRILOGY) – YEAR 11

• Biology:

• • Part 1: Cells, organs and systems; ecosystems

  • Part 2: Proteins, enzymes, genetics and evolution

• Chemistry:

  • Part 1: Structure of atom, equations, calculation and separation techniques

  • Part 2: Catalysts, rates of reaction, equilibrium, electrolysis

• Physics:

  • Part 1: Forces and acceleration

  • Part 2: Electricity and space

SEPARATE SCIENCES

Students study one topic of either Biology. Chemistry or Physics each half term alongside students who have chosen that option.

For example:

Term 1: Biology = Ecology and Physics = Light

Term 2: Chemistry and Biology

Term 3: Physics and Chemistry

During Year 11 students will study each aspect in greater detail.

 

Key Stage 5 / Sixth Form - A Level

A Level Biology

To study A level Biology is to embark on a journey of discovery!! Students learn about the basics of life, of organs and organ systems that can determine health, or sickness and disease. Best of all, students look deeper into the nucleus of cells and discover the amazing molecule called DNA. It controls almost everything that makes you, you.

Students will study the principles of electron microscopy, ultrastructure of cells, biological molecules, enzyme technology, transport and exchange mechanisms in plants and animals, classification, diversity and speciation.

In the second year, biotechnology and genetic engineering are key features, and the range and limits of homeostatic control systems, nervous and hormonal coordination. Many physiological and biochemical processes including respiration and photosynthesis are also explored.  

Practical work is at the heart of biology and will be examined in the written exams. Field work is a compulsory element of the course, usually undertaken at Juniper Hall in Dorking.

AS: two written examinations each 1 hour and 30 minutes long. This is now a stand-alone qualification and will not contribute to A-level.

A-Level: three written examinations each 2 hours long, at end of two years.

There are 9 lessons over the two week timetable taught by 2 Biology specialist teachers.

A level Chemistry

Chemistry is about everything. It is the central science that explains how the world around us works.  It enables us to see patterns in the myriads of chemical reactions that occur in nature.  In this course students will see how the laws of chemistry and the skills of today’s chemists have been used to achieve our present high standards of living. AS Chemistry is an exciting course that places emphasis on the application of knowledge and the usefulness of laboratory research.

Progress will be checked via Independent Study packs and end of unit tests.

Students will study the basic laws and principles of chemistry and learn how to predict the properties and the atomic structure of elements from their positions in the periodic table. Topics will also include organic chemistry, carbon compounds including fossil fuels, plastics and recycling.  Students learn how to control chemical reactions and the importance of chemistry in manufacturing processes. Students are introduced to modern analytical techniques such as mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance.

A-Level: three written examinations each 2 hours long, at end of two years.

There are 9 lessons over the two week timetable taught by 2 Chemistry specialist teachers.

Students’ practical skills will be developed throughout the course and assessed in the written examinations.

A level Physics

Physics is about how things work, from the nano-scale to the cosmic - super massive black holes and galaxies within the universe. Students will learn about forces in mechanics, waves, electrons and protons, gravitational, electrical and magnetic fields.  Students will investigate nuclear energy and apply the fundamental principles learnt to solve real problems.  Practical investigations will be conducted in the Physics laboratory in addition to learning theoretical Physics.

Progress is checked via homework and testing, each week.

Students are expected to bring together the principles and concepts from different areas of physics and apply them in a particular context which may be unfamiliar to them. High standards of work are essential. Students are expected to express their ideas clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

• AS: two written examinations plus one practical examination.

• A2: two written examinations plus practical based coursework

There are 9 lessons over the two week timetable taught by 2 Physics specialist teachers.

This course may provide opportunities for day trips and visit from external providers.

ENRICHMENT & EXTRA-CURRICULAr

Recently the department held a successful ‘Science Week’ that involved all year groups, with our Year 12 and 13 students helping with the implementation and planning. This included a series of lessons that explored Forensic Science.

• Science permeates through ALL aspects of our society, from the recycling bins that our department funded to the understanding of ‘reproduction’ – with social, moral and ethical issues. It would be impossible to list specific relevance as it is an ‘over-reaching’ subject

• We have a KS3 Year 7 Science Club. This term the students have been designing and making models of Formula One cars.

Careers

Biology: The possibilities range from medicine to agriculture, forensics to zoology.  Almost any degree will accept A-level biology.

Chemistry: All manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics and metal works.  Chemistry is essential for medicine, dentistry, chemical engineering and a whole host of health and environmental courses.

Physics: Essential for any engineering course or degree and is highly sought after for other scientific or technical careers. Physics is an advantageous subject for courses ranging from medicine to careers involving business and finance.

Exam board

KS4

Combined Science (Trilogy)

Exam Board: AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Course Code: 8464

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/specifications/AQA-8464-SP-2016.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464/assessment-resources

Separate Sciences

Biology

Exam Board: AQA  http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

Course Code: 8461

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/biology/specifications/AQA-8461-SP-2016.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/assessment-resources

Chemistry

Exam Board: AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

Course Code: 8462

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-8462-SP-2016.PDF

Past papers: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

Physics

Exam Board: AQA http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

Course Code: 8463

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/physics/specifications/AQA-8463-SP-2016.PDF

Past papers: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463/assessment-resources

 

KS5 

Biology

Exam Board: AQA A level Biology http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402

Course Code: 7402

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/biology/specifications/AQA-7401-7402-SP-2015.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/assessment-resources

 

Chemistry

Exam Board: AQA A level Chemistry http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405

Course Code: 7405

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-7404-7405-SP-2015.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/chemistry-7404-7405/assessment-resources

 

Physics [CHECK: Should be OCR?]

Exam Board: AQA A level Physics http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408

Course Code: 7408

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/physics/specifications/AQA-7407-7408-SP-2015.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408/assessment-resources

 

Textbooks and revision RESOURCES

KS3

Text books - ‘How Science Works’ schemes which are with resources from ‘Exploring Science’ - Pearson and Longman.

Resources – Kerboodle ‘online’ available to ALL students

KS4

Text books – Combined Science Trilogy

AQA Science – Oxford

Biology for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

ISBN: 9780198359265

AQA Science – Oxford

Chemistry for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

ISBN: 9780198359272

AQA Science – Oxford

Physics for GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

ISBN: 9780198359289

 

Text books – Separate Sciences

AQA Science – Oxford - Biology Third Edition

ISBN: 9780198359371

AQA Science – Oxford - Chemistry Third Edition

ISBN: 9780198359

AQA Science – Oxford - Physics Third Edition

ISBN: 9780198359395

 

Resources

We issue ALL students with a ‘MyGCSE’ Login that is useful as an ‘online teacher’ with video-clips for most topics.

We encourage ALL students to purchase Revision Guides, linked to the AQA course, with accompanying Workbooks.

 

KS5

Text books - Biology

Main student textbook: AQA Biology (2nd edition) for Year 1 and Year 2 A- level Biology ISBN 978 019 835770 4 Glenn Toole and Susan Toole, Oxford University Press

Text books - Chemistry

Text books: Year 1 and Year 2 A-level Chemistry, Hodder

Reading List: Students will be given a list of books and articles

Resources: https://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MaChemGuy

https://www.youtube.com/user/MrERintoul

Text books - Physics

Outstanding

Resources

BBC Bitesize is a good source of information, however ‘the World’ is Science – you cannot miss it!

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