Science
Subject introduction
Head of Department: Rehaaz Khodabacksh
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).
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Year 10 and Year 11 have setting to ability (6 classes each)
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In Year 10 we have 9 lessons per 2 weeks ( x3 Biology x3 Chemistry and x3 Physics with separate teachers, according to their specialism).
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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
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Biology: Cell structure; transport in cells; cellular and organ systems; infection and response; homeostasis; ecology
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Chemistry: Atomic structure: periodic table; structure and bonding; chemical analysis; Earth's atmosphere
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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
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Biology:
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Part 1: Cells, organs and systems; ecosystems
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Part 2: Proteins, enzymes, genetics and evolution
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Chemistry:
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Part 1: Structure of atom, equations, calculation and separation techniques
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Part 2: Catalysts, rates of reaction, equilibrium, electrolysis
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Physics:
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Part 1: Forces and acceleration
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Part 2: Electricity and space
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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.
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AS: two written examinations plus one practical examination.
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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.
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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
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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 https://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
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 3rd Edition - J Breithaupt et al (Oxford Press)
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
Psychics for GCSE (Oxford Press)
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
A level Physics for OCR Pub: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780198 352181
We recommend that the students should have a copy, but it is available free of charge on our science website www.kerboodle.com
Advanced Physics for You Pub: Oxford University Press ISBN:9780748752966
This is available in school for students who would like a copy.
Revision Material
Online tutorials
https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/
Free to use for Y12, but requires payment for Y13.
Resources
BBC Bitesize is a good source of information, however ‘the World’ is Science – you cannot miss it!
