Curriculum
Science
"I believe there are no questions that science can't answer" - Stephen Hawking
Science is a dynamic and vibrant area of study. It covers a huge range of human knowledge, but, at its core, science is an investigative subject. Students thrive on discovering something new and answering big questions. This is why Biology, Chemistry and Physics are such popular subjects.
Science lessons are usually planned around a practical task, and the faculty has excellent new laboratories and equipment to help facilitate the students’ learning. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as, Science Club and there are a number of events during the year to support the budding young scientists.
Towards the end of Year 9 students are offered a choice of Key Stage 4 Science courses based on their ability and attainment. Current Year 9 students will be studying for a new specification for GCSE. The majority of students will study for Combined Science GCSE. The qualification is worth two GCSEs. The more able students are offered the opportunity to study for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (worth three GCSEs).
Combined Science GCSE (equivalent to two GCSEs) Students have 10 lessons per fortnight.
AQA exam board http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE (Separate Sciences) Students have 12 lessons per fortnight.
Exam Board
AQA
Biology http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Chemistry http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
Physics http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
Example subject content
Biology
1. Cell biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology
Chemistry
8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
10. Quantitative chemistry
11. Chemical changes
12. Energy changes
13. The rate and extent of chemical change
14. Organic chemistry
15. Chemical analysis
16. Chemistry of the atmosphere
17. Using resources
Physics
18. Forces
19. Energy
20. Waves
21. Electricity
22. Magnetism and electromagnetism
23. Particle model of matter
24. Atomic structure
Outside the classroom
Science week coincides with National Science and Engineering week. The event involves all students and staff in the school. Everyday there is a daily quiz and Science humour. There are a variety of activities; Outside STEM speakers, visits outside school, experiments, internet chats with Scientists. These take place in science lessons and at lunchtime.
Science leaders. Students from year 8 to 13 help the science department especially with the weekly Science club, Science week and school events such as prospective parents' evenings.
Trips: Regular trips include - Visit the London wetlands; Imperial College; Middlesex University; Kings College; Science museum; Natural History Museum and London Zoo.
Progression pathways and careers
There are many professional fields and industries that require science qualifications, making science one of the most diverse and plentiful career paths. Knowing the science industries that are in demand and the roles you can pursue in each industry allows you to tailor your job search to career paths that have the most job growth. Below are some of the most in-demand science jobs currently available in the UK
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Medicine, Dentistry, Radiographer, Midwifery and Nurse
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Biomedical engineer and technology
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Chemistry engineer
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Computer and software engineering
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Geology and petroleum technology
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Medical sciences
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Nuclear engineering and technology
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Psychology
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Research and development
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Material scientist
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Chemists
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Pharmacist
Students who achieve grade 6 or above + grade 6 in Double or Triple Science GCSEs and Grade 6 in English Language and Mathemetics, can choose to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics A levels.
Useful links
http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login - students will need a log in for this
https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience
Contact us
Samuel Aylward - Head of Science Faculty