Science
Science enables students to describe observations and phenomena from the world around them in terms of scientific principles. As a Faculty we promote the wonder of science, developing students’ curiosity as well as their analytical and evaluative skills. We aim for our students to be able to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their lives and the world around them.
Please contact us at - Science@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk
The Exam Board we use is Edexcel
Science KS3 Assessement guide HERE
YEARS 7 AND 8 (KEY STAGE 3)
Students follow a Scheme of Work which is based on the scheme published by Activate. All resources have been adapted and differentiated to meet the needs of our students. Teacher-led activities, group work, ICT and practical experiments form the backbone of Key Stage 3 Science. Students are summatively assessed every term, with formative assessments taking place during each unit of work.
|
Year |
|
Units Studied |
|---|---|---|
|
7 |
Working Scientifically |
Being a 21st century scientist |
|
7 |
Biology |
Cells; Structure and function of body systems; Reproduction; The skeleton and movement / Vaiation and adaptation |
|
7 |
Chemistry |
Particles and their behaviour; Elements, atoms and compounds; Reactions; Acids and alkalis; Separation techniques |
|
7 |
Physics |
Forces; Sound; Energy; Electricity |
|
8 |
Biology |
Classification and reproduction; Gaseous exhange and respiration; Organisation; Genetics and natural selection |
|
8 |
Chemistry |
The periodic table; Metals and Acids; Atoms and the periodic table; Rocks and materials |
|
8 |
Physics |
Motion and pressure; Energy transfer and use; Space |
YEARS 9, 10 AND 11 (KEY STAGE 4)
COMBINED SCIENCE
Combined Science is the standard Key Stage 4 Science route, suitable for most students. It aims to provide students with day-to-day scientific literacy, equipping them to make reasoned decisions about their lives and the world around them. Students start GCSE Combined Science in Year 9.
SEPARATE SCIENCE
Students are selected in Year 9 to study additional content, gaining three science qualifications – Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Like Combined Science, it aims to provide students with day-to-day scientific literacy, equipping them to make reasoned decisions about their lives and the world around them. The course covers higher level concepts and serves as a very good bridge into A-Level Sciences.
Chemistry - https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Science/2016/Specification/GCSE_Chemistry_Spec.pdf
All Key Stage 4 students will be assessed every half term on Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The exams will be synoptic so students will be revisiting previous content. In Years 9 and 10 there will also be an end of year exam. Year 11 will have trial exams in November.
YEARS 12 AND 13 (POST-16)
AS/A2 BIOLOGY (OCR)
Biology at A Level allows students to acquire a systematic body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its significance. The course builds on many of the topics studied at GCSE Level and introduces students to some exciting areas of biological study. Biology is a practical subject; students develop practical skills and practice application of technical skills. This is achieved through regular practical investigations embedding the core practical skills required for university
AS/A2 CHEMISTRY A (OCR)
The course builds on many topics studied at GCSE level. The content of the units studied develops student's knowledge of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Since this is a practical subject, students will develop practical and analytical skills and application of scientific method. This is achieved through regular practical investigations embedding the core practical skills required for university. Students will also develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other.
AS/A2 PHYSICS A (OCR)
This course is suitable for students who have made good progress in their Physics learning at KS4, and builds on many of the concepts introduced in the GCSE courses. The content of the units studied develops student’s knowledge of mechanics, particle physics, medical physics and astrophysics. Since this is a practical subject, students will develop practical and analytical skills and application of scientific method. This is achieved through regular practical investigations embedding the core practical skills required for university. Students will also develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Physics and how they relate to each other.
All Key Stage 5 students will be assessed at the end of every unit. They will also have a synoptic assessment every term. Year 12 will have an end of year internal assessment and Year 13 will have two trial exams.
Biology
Chemistry
- https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171750-specification-accredited-as-level-gce-chemistry-a-h032.pdf
- https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171720-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-chemistry-a-h432.pdf
Physics
- https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171759-specification-accredited-as-level-gce-physics-a-h156.pdf
- https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171726-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-physics-a-h556.pdf
BTEC
1 year course, equivalent to 0.5 A Level or a 2 year course, equivalent to 1 A Level.
Who is the course for?
BTEC Applied Science focuses on a wide range of vocational science skills through carrying out practical work to learn key theoretical concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The vocational aspect of the course enables students to develop links between theoretical science and science within the workplace.
How will I be assessed?
The 1 year course consists of units 1 and 2, whereas the 2 year course includes units 1,2,3 and 8.
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I – Written Exam set externally
- Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Assignment set and marked internally
- Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills – Task set and marked externally
- Unit 8: Human Body Systems - Assignment set and marked internally
BTEC - https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Applied-Science/2012/Specification-and-sample-assessments/9781446934814_BTECFIRST_EXC_L12_AS_Iss3.pdf
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Year 7 will all get to experience Science camp and will be able to get involved in our annual Science Fair. We also have a Science club and there are opportunities to get involved in STEM related experiences such as competitions, university visits, STEM day live and many more.
WHO’S IN THE TEAM?
Ms. A. Taylor, Head of Science Faculty
Ms. S. Begum, Second in Charge of Science/ KS4 C-ordinator
Ms. A. Morgan, Teacher of Science/KS3 Co-ordinator
Dr. A. Jasper, Teacher of Science/KS5 Co-ordinator
Mr. W. Zaman, Teacher of Science/G&T Student Co-ordinator
Ms. S. Danis, Teacher of Science
Ms. S. Master, Teacher of Science
Ms. S. Zaneb, Teacher of Science/Assistant Headteacher
Mr. J. Haley, Teacher of Science
Ms. R. Abdulmajed, Teacher of Science
Ms. S. Miah, Teacher of Science
Ms. T. Tarin, Teacher of Chemistry
Ms. R. Keshik, Teacher of Science
Ms. S. Chowdhury, Teacher of Science
Mr. A. Ghafoor, Teacher of Science/ International Links Co-ordinator
Mr. A. McLean, Senior Technician
Mr. D. Carrington and Mr Jones, Science Technicians