Science

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"I believe there are no questions that science can't answer" - Stephen Hawking

Science is a dynamic and vibrant area of study. Understanding science has helped humans live longer and healthier lives, master and exploit the properties of chemical and materials and helped us understand the origins of life, here on Earth. Moreover, there are over 3 million science related employment opportunities here in the UK. That’s 1 in 10 of all jobs that require a science background or qualification.

The science curriculum 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 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. More able students who intend to further their studies at A level in science or have an aspiration to enter a science related employment area, are offered the opportunity to study for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Combined Science GCSE (equivalent to two GCSEs) Students have 10 lessons per fortnight. 

Exam Board

AQA exam board  

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

Separate science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE (equivalent to three GCSEs) Students also have 10 lessons per fortnight.

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 

Overview of 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

1.        Atomic structure and the periodic table

2.        Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

3.        Quantitative chemistry

4.        Chemical changes

5.        Energy changes

6.        The rate and extent of chemical change

7.        Organic chemistry

8.        Chemical analysis

9.        Chemistry of the atmosphere

10.     Using resources

Physics

1.        Forces

2.        Energy

3.        Waves

4.        Electricity

5.        Magnetism and electromagnetism

6.        Particle model of matter

7.        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 

·         Medicine, Dentistry, Radiographer, Midwifery and  Nurse  

·         Biomedical engineer and technology 

·         Chemistry engineer  

·         Computer and software engineering 

·         Geology and petroleum technology 

·         Medical sciences 

·         Nuclear engineering and technology 

·         Psychology 

·         Research and development 

·         Material scientist  

·         Chemists  

·         Pharmacist  

Students who achieve grade 6 or above + grade 6 in Double or Triple Science GCSEs and Grade 6 in English Language and Mathematics, can choose to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics A levels.

Useful Web links

http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login - students will need a log in for this
https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience