Science
Leader: Mr Rickard
Year 10 GCSE exams in May
Firstly, well done to all the students for the hard work they put in to the Chemistry exam in March. 66% of students achieved a grade C.
However, the hard work does not stop there. There are two more important Science GCSE exams coming up. Biology is on the 15th May 2012 and Physics is on 24th May 2012. Each exam constitutes 25% of the final grade for Core Science. Due to the recent changes to GCSEs, it is not possible for students to retake exams.
After the success of the revision sessions for Chemistry, we have organised revision sessions for Biology and Physics. These will be after school at 4pm (except where stated) in room 32.
The revision sessions for Biology will be:
- Thursday 3rd May
- Thursday 10th May
- Monday 14th May (3pm)
Exam: Tuesday 15th May in the morning
The revision sessions for Physics will be held on:
- Thursday 17th May
- Monday 21st May (3pm)
- Wednesday 23rd May
Exam: Thursday 24th May in the morning
All students should be revising Biology and Physics by now to build upon their excellent Chemistry results. In addition to the revision guides the students already have, there are still other excellent resources available for free to help with revision. The importance of looking at past paper questions and answers cannot be overstated. These are available via the Edexcel website. The BBC GCSE Bitesize web site is another online resource well worth a look.
Again, well done all and keep up the great work!
Mr Rickard
Director of Science
The science department have five full-time and one part-time teacher who teach in five well-equipped laboratories and a computer suite. All rooms have digital projectors and interactive white boards. The department is supported by one full-time and two part-time technicians who prepare materials for the lessons and two linked learning support assistants who provide support for students in lessons or in small groups.
At Key Stage 3, students study a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, units that cover the KS3 National Curriculum topics of Scientific Investigation, Cells, Interdependence, Particles, Energy and Forces. Practical work is an important part of science teaching and is included in as many lessons as possible. Students will have tests in class at the end of each science module to assess their progress against their targets. Throughout the year, they will also complete a number of activities in class, which are assessed by their teachers and by themselves, and they then have the opportunity to improve.
At Key Stage 4, a range of courses is available for students to follow, each having different assessment models:
The BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science (equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*-C)
The BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science (equivalent to two GCSEs grade A*-C)
Double science (equivalent to 2 GCSE's grades A* to G)
or Triple science GCSE which gives separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
There will be several opportunities for students to take part in projects, visits and competitions. In the past these have included field trips, visits to the Science Museum, links with EDF Energy and Science taster days at Park College.
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