Sciences
WELCOME TO THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT!
All pupils study science subjects up to GCSE level and many continue their study to AS and A2 standard. There are 5 teaching staff and two laboratory technicians and the department has been housed in a purpose-built complex since 2004; the facilities and learning environment are excellent. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups up to Year 9 and are setted for GCSE. There is a practical emphasis to all teaching and health and safety is of foremost importance. There are regular visits to stimulating and interesting venues and many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of other extra-curricular activities, some of them residential. We actively participate in keeping abreast of modern developments as changes are introduced to specifications and the National Curriculum.
Members of the Science Department recognise that the teaching of science must:
- Help pupils to enjoy science through experiencing a sense of ‘awe and wonder’ and through direct involvement in practical work.
- Extend the pupils’ knowledge beyond their immediate experience
- Help pupils to develop a better understanding of the world around them
To achieve this, we aim to communicate to the pupils our own enthusiasm for science and, in delivering the curriculum, to provide opportunities for ‘hands-on’ learning through activities, experimental investigations, projects and outside visits.
These broad educational goals have influenced our consideration of departmental aims and also our selection of science courses to follow at KS3, KS4 and A level.
Summary of Departmental Aims
To provide a high quality science education for all pupils irrespective of their academic ability
- To deliver the curriculum in a stimulating and challenging manner so that learning is enjoyable
- To develop an enquiring mind through scientific investigation and practical technique
- To encourage evaluation of scientific data and technology and an appreciation of the importance of science in the modern world
- To promote sufficient understanding of scientific processes that all pupils will achieve a healthy self-awareness to cope with their personal and social life, the world of work and further studies
Science Department Staff
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Mrs J. Whitaker |
Leadership Team member Health and Safety Co-ordinator (NEBOSH certificate) Head of Science Head of Biology Teaching biology at KS4 and A level Form Tutor Approved minibus driver
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Dr S. Allen |
Head of Chemistry Teaching chemistry at KS3, KS4 and A level and physics at KS3 First Aid at Work qualification British sign language OCN level 1 House Captain Form Tutor Approved minibus driver
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Mr N. Gupta |
Head of Physics Assistant Head of Sixth Form Teaching physics at KS3, KS4 and A level; maths at KS3 Institute of Physics, East Midlands Network Teacher Co-ordinator Form Tutor Approved minibus driver
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Mrs E. Dennis |
Teaching biology and chemistry at KS3 and KS4; also chemistry at A level and Year 7 Science First Aid at Work qualification House Captain
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Mrs E. Marsh |
Teaching physics at KS3 and KS4, Year 7 Science and KS3 Maths (part-time).
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Mrs L. Kendall |
Laboratory Technician Occasional Housemother in Boarding House |
External Examinations
All pupils study science in Year 7 and biology, chemistry and physics from Years 8 to 11; they are taught by subject specialists throughout. Currently, pupils are entered for Science and Additional Science GCSEs and there is an option to study the separate sciences. From 2012, all pupils will be entered for separate sciences at GCSE.
Examination Boards
The Science Department uses the OCR Examining Board for all external examinations at A level and AQA for all examinations at GCSE.
Examination subjects entered:
GCSE subjects: all AQA
Science (specification B)Specification code 4462
Additional Science - Specification code 4463
Biology - Specification code 4411
Chemistry - Specification code 4421
Physics - Specification code 4451
A level subjects – all OCR
Biology - Specification code H021
Chemistry A - Specification code H034
Physics - Specification code H159
SCIENCE REVISION IDEAS
- Find somewhere quiet to work where there is a comfortable seat
- Take frequent breaks
- Decide what sort of learner you are (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) and devise revision methods which suit your style of learning
- Plan a timetable which allows you to switch topics regularly to avoid getting stale
- Stick to the timetable; enlist parents’ help to make sure you do this!
Some methods to try – the best ideas are those which mean you have to process the information and then write something down
- Make summaries on index cards
- Draw mind maps
- Draw summary tables
- Write lists of definitions/spellings/equations and cover them up to check whether you have remembered them
- Enlist the help of parents to test you
- Revise with friends though this may only work for short periods of time!
- Do lots of exam questions, from textbooks or those given by teachers
- Use the specification; it is very detailed and shows you what you need to know
- ASK A TEACHER IF YOU NEED HELP!
And finally, ‘Good Luck’!
GCSE Science Revision
BBC Active Bitesize GCSE Science (AQA) Interactive Revision Tutor
Book and CD-ROM
ISBN- 978-1-4066-4460-9
BBC Active Bitesize GCSE Additional Science (AQA) Interactive Revision Tutor
Book and CD-ROM
ISBN- 978-1-4066-4459-3
These books link to Bitesize website http://www.bbc.uk/schools/revision
Online Information and Revision for both GCSE and AS/A2 Chemistry
www.docbrown.info
http://www.s-cool.co.uk
GCSE Science Revision Guides
Year 10 Work – Science (contains Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
AQA Science GCSE Science Revision Guide Specification A
Author(s): Pauline Anning, Nigel English, John Scottow
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8309-0
Year 11 Work- Additional Science (contains Biology, Chemistry and Physics
AQA Science GCSE Additional Science Revision Guide
Author(s): Pauline Anning, Nigel English, John Scottow
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8311-3
Separate Sciences
AQA Science GCSE Physics Revision Guide
Author(s): Pauline Anning
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8313-X
AQA Science GCSE Biology Revision Guide
Author(s): Nigel English
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8312-0
AQA Science GCSE Chemistry Revision Guide
Author(s): Patrick Fullick
ISBN: 978-0-7487-9644-1
Additional Support for the top grades
Top Physics Grades for You for AQA
Author(s): Keith Johnson
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8377-9
Top Biology Grades for You for AQA
Author(s): Gareth Williams
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8378-6
Top Chemistry Grades for You for AQA
Author(s): Lawrie Ryan
ISBN: 978-0-7487-8376-2
Biology GCSE Revision
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcse_bitesize/science
www.examstutor.com – this one costs money (£19.99 /yr) or school can pay blanket fee (£120 / yr). It is very good.