Science
Head of Subject : Mr T Griffiths
As a specialist subject, Science is helping to raise the overall standards across the school. All students undertake science from Year 7 to Year 11, during this time innovative teachers work hard to encourage and develop a culture of enquiry and understanding through shared learning.
Subject Vision
In Science, we aim to foster an enthusiasm for Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Our aims are:
● To develop scientific knowledge & understanding appropriate to the individual abilities
● To develop planning, experimental, data recording, analytical and evaluative skills within the context of scientific investigations.
● To encourage students to develop enquiring minds and their ability to formulate hypotheses and generate ideas.
● To develop communication skills, both written and spoken, and to foster the ability of students to work together in groups.
● To promote an awareness of science in society and how important it has been in world development, together with the interaction between science, technology and the environment. Knowledge is transformative and children need powerful knowledge to understand and interpret the world.
● To foster a lifelong interest and enjoyment in the learning of Science.
● To provide a balanced, relevant Science education for all students.
The Science Faculty comprises of 11 well resourced laboratories, five of which have been recently refurbished. One of the laboratories has been adapted to allow for primary students visiting the school to experience the wonders of science. In addition to the laboratories, there is also an ICT suite, which gives students the opportunity to conduct scientific research, access revision programmes and undertake experimental write-ups.
Students undertake courses which are suited to their ability in order to provide challenge throughout their science education.
Key Stage 3 Intent and Implementation
At Mayflower, all students undertake a two-year Key Stage 3 course during Year 7 and Year 8. Students are taught in two parallel cohorts per year. Within each cohort, students are divided into groups according to their ability.
The very popular Atomic club is open to KS3 students who want to experience science with a bang. Visiting speakers and organisations such the Science Museum are invited to attend the school with the intention of further enhancing the curriculum provided for all. Each year, the faculty enters a team for the Salters' Festival of Science, a unique experience for those participating.
Key Stage 4 Intent and Implementation
At Key Stage 4, students will study the AQA Science A course. Depending upon ability and whether they participate in a college course, students undertake one of two pathways:
Separate Sciences - 3 distinct GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are awarded.
Combined Trilogy Science – 2 GCSEs are awarded.
Students will study the three disciplines, Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout their KS4 course in varying levels of depth and detail according to the course they are following.
Separate Sciences -- GCSE
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE
The Science Faculty offers the opportunity to attain three distinct GCSE grades in Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students will achieve distinct GCSE grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
There will be a greater demand upon mathematical skills – this will make up 10% of Biology, 20% of Chemistry and 30% of Physics marks.
CONTENT OF THE COURSE
Biology
Cell biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis & response
Inheritance, variation & evolution
Ecology
Chemistry
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic chemistry
Chemical analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources
Physics
Energy
Electricity
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Energy
Waves
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
Space Physics
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Students will undertake 2 examination papers each 105 minutes in length per subject. Questions are expected to be a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answers and open response. In addition to subject content, students will be examined on compulsory required practical investigations and practical skills.
EXAM BOARD: AQA
SPECIFICATIONS:
Biology: 8461
Chemistry: 8462
Physics: 8463
For further details, please click on the relevant link below:
Combined Science -- Trilogy
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE
GCSE Combined Science Trilogy – Students will achieve 2 GCSE grades for this qualification.
There will be a greater demand upon mathematical skills – this will make up 20% of the overall marks.
CONTENT OF THE COURSE
Biology
Cell biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis & response
Inheritance, variation & evolution
Ecology
Chemistry
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
Quantitative chemistry
Chemical changes
Energy changes
The rate and extent of chemical change
Organic chemistry
Chemical analysis
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources
Physics
Energy
Electricity
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Energy
Waves
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Students will undertake 6 examination papers each 75 minutes in length. Questions are expected to be a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answers and open response. In addition to subject content, students will be examined on compulsory required practical investigations and practical skills.
EXAM BOARD: AQA
SPECIFICATIONS:
Combined Science -- Trilogy AQA 8464
For further details, please click on the relevant link below: