Science

Staff Structure

Head of Science: Mr R Tanner-Smith

Physics: Mr M Johnson Head of Subject, Mr W Rhodes, Mr R Tanner-Smith, Mr S Palmer
Chemistry: Miss J Burton Head of Subject, Dr J Harrison, Mr G Robinson, Mr P Cartledge
Biology: Mr N Bulcock Head of Subject, Mr A Johnson, Miss K Swales, Mr M Walsh, Mrs J Charlesworth, Mrs J Newsome
Health & Social Care: Ms K Swales Head of Subject, Mr M Walsh, Mrs J Newsome, Mrs R Bradley

Technicians: Dr D Rose Chief Technician, Mrs A Peck, Mrs T Atkinson, Mr A Mulholland

Subjects Offered:

GCSE Science: Combined Science, Separate Sciences in Biology, Chemistry & Physics,
GCSE Health & Social Care

Revision Material for KS3

www.cyberphysics.co.uk (Though please match this resource to the Schemes of Work on the VLE and the revision guide as this encompasses KS3, KS4 and KS5)

Collins KS3 Revision Science ISBN 978-0-00-756282-4

CGP Key Stage Three Science The Workbook ISBN 978-1-84146-239-4

The two books above can be obtained for a combined price of £7.50 from the Science prep room, and will allow pupils to consolidate their understanding in addition to the support material and worksheets for the whole key stage in the KS3 area of the VLE.

KS4 – Years 9,10 & 11

GCSE Exam Board: AQA

Summary of changes for all new GCSEs

A new grading system will be introduced. Students will be awarded a grade from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest. Students will get a U where performance is below the minimum required to pass the GCSE

Tiering will only be used in subjects where un-tiered papers will not allow students at the lower end of the ability range to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, or will not stretch the most able. The tiered model used will be decided on a subject by subject basis. Science is expected to be tiered in to Higher and Foundation levels.

All new GCSEs will be fully linear with assessment at the end of the course and content not divided into modules.

Exams will be the default method of assessment, practical and investigative skills will be tested through the terminal examination papers.
Pupils’ performance across KS3 will be assessed in combination with a Year 8 end of year test. Pupils will be streamed in Year 9 with the upper sets on each side of the year containing those pupils who may continue and pursue Separate Sciences. Assessment will continue throughout Year 9, and in to the first term of Year 10, to ensure that pupils enter the most suitable pathway for these new, more challenging GCSEs.

Combined Science: 2 GCSEs in Science. 9-9 down to 4-3 Higher Tier. 5-5 down to 1-1 Foundation Tier.

Biology: Cell biology, Transport systems, Health, disease and the development of medicines, Coordination and control, Photosynthesis, Ecosystems, Inheritance, variation and evolution.

Chemistry: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Structure, bonding and the properties of matter, Chemical changes, Energy changes in chemistry, The rate and extent of chemical change, Chemical analysis, Chemical and allied industries, Earth and atmospheric science.

Physics: Energy, Forces, Forces and motion, Waves in matter, Light and electromagnetic waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure.

Examination

2 x 1 hour 15 minute examinations in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics consisting of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

Separate Sciences: 3 GCSEs in Science

Biology: Cell biology, Transport systems, Health, disease and the development of medicines, Coordination and control, Photosynthesis, Ecosystems, Inheritance, variation and evolution, The genome and gene expression.

Chemistry: Atomic structure and the Periodic Table, Structure, bonding and the properties of matter, Chemical changes, Energy changes in chemistry, The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemical and allied industries, Earth and atmospheric science.

Physics: Energy, Forces and motion, Waves in matter, Light and electromagnetic waves, Electricity, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure, Space Physics.

Examination

2 x 1 hour 45minute examinations in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics consisting of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.

Extra- curricular provision at Key Stage Four

All pupils have access to ‘Kerboodle’, which mirrors the GCSE textbooks in digital form, which can be annotated and personalised. In addition there are animations, blogs and extension material supporting the digibook. To log on: Username: Initial followed by surname (e.g. asmith), password: Initial followed by surname (e.g asmith) – then you will be prompted to change this, Institution Code: vsg7

Appropriate work books and revision guides can be obtained from the Science prep room.
Please also visit: getrevising.co.uk

This application allows pupils to easily manufacture an exam revision timetable, where the exam dates can be installed, the actual unit and topic to be studied, the number of hours that the student would like to study, other commitments that can be blocked out, and other study times reserved.

Once the timetable is produced it will then provide links to exam board specific revision materials such as flash cards and mind maps.

Please feel free to explore this resource especially as mock examinations, tests and ultimately GCSE examinations approach. We have had very positive responses from those pupils and parents who have utilised this resource thus far.

There are Revision/Drop-in clinics offered in the run up to examinations, in addition to the open door policy of the department to assist learners of all abilities and interests.

We invite STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ambassadors in to talk to our Year 11 Science classes to give them an introduction of studying these topics at A-level and beyond, in order to help them make informed subject choices accordingly.

We have recently joined the Ogden Trust partnership which aims to promote Physics as a subject at KS4 and KS5, and run an Astronomy club.

A-Level

Please see individual Department link for further information:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Health & Social Care

Revision Apps

In this day of portable devices, you may like to explore the following revision applications:

Test and Learn Science GCSE AQA.
AQA Core Science GCSE textbook.
Getrevising.co.uk