Science KS4

Science KS4

Curriculum Structure

Due to a change in legislation we are now able to offer students a much greater choice of the GCSE Science courses they can study during years 10 and 11. This allows students to take two separate GCSE qualifications.

All GCSE science courses that we offer can be assessed at either Foundation or Higher Tier and are designed to enable students to progress to further education, training or employment

The main focus science delivery at key stage 4 is based around the 21st Century Science course developed by the Nuffield foundation and as offered by OCR as their science A specification.

Core Science is the compulsory GCSE that students have to follow (unless they opt for Trip[le science or double award Applied science). It has an emphasis on scientific literacy - the knowledge and understanding students will need to make sense of the science they will encounter in their everyday lives.

It allows students to:

• Recognise the impact of Science and technology on everyday life
• Make informed decisions about issues that involve science
• Understand the key points of media reports and
• Reflect on the information contained or omitted from reports, advertisements etc.

Additional Science is the choice for those students who are happiest following a more academic approach, looking at and investigating concepts and theories in science. This combined with Core Science is the closest equivalent to the more traditional double science that students have followed in the past. Again there are 3 units broken down into 9 teaching modules.

Additional Applied Science is the vocational alternative to Additional science. It has been designed to meet the needs of students who wish to develop their scientific understanding through authentic, work-related contexts. The course focuses on the procedures and technical knowledge that many people use in the workplace on a regular basis and gives students an insight into the science they would encounter in a wide variety of jobs such as hairdressing, mechanics, food processing, laboratory technician, Fitness Trainer. Activities are included that develop a range of practical skills in work-related contexts.

Triple Science separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This route is suitable for students who aim to progress to science at degree level.

In addition to these general courses we offer a range of more specialised science GCSEs.

Applied Science Double Award is for those students who are interested in vocational qualifications. It will provide students with a broad background in science whilst at the same time allowing them develop some of the skills they will need in the workplace or in further education or training.

Students will learn about hazards, first aid and fire safety as well as following standard procedures, making observations, recording measurements and analysing and evaluating data. They will also produce pure, dry samples from three types of chemical reaction, investigate mechanical machines and electronic devices, as well as report on the monitoring of the growth and development of a living organism.

In order to put into context the work related nature of this course students are taken on visits to workplaces and other organisations where science is used on a daily basis.

Geology

The Earth has been around for approximately 5 billion years. It provides us with a habitat, feeds and sustains us, but there is a lot more to it than that. This course allows students to develop an understanding of the nature of geological ideas and the basis for geological claims so that they can take an informed interest in all matters geological. They will be able to recognise the usefulness and limitations of geology and geological method and appreciate that concepts in geology are constantly developing.

The workings of the mind have been investigated, observed and theorised about for centuries but there is still much to learn. Indeed it is said that eighty percent of what we know about the brain has been found out in the last fifty years. Psychology is one of the fastest growing sciences, becoming more and more influential in our everyday lives. This course therefore, has been designed to give candidates the opportunity to study psychology at an introductory level, yet also to gain enough insight into the subject to enable them to gain a rounded knowledge of the approaches, processes and issues that that are related to psychology.

Students will develop an understanding of the interdependence of individuals, groups, institutions and societies; the nature and significance of co-operation and conflict, and continuity and change; the nature and significance of individual and social differences in their own and other societies.

Astronomy

The stars and planets have fascinated man since time began and this GCSE course allows students to delve deeper into space than they would if they followed the normal double science route. Students taking this GCSE will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the study and practice of astronomy and of its methods of enquiry together with the skills needed to apply these in a range of contexts. Hopefully it will also stimulate students' curiosity, interest and enjoyment in astronomy and enable them to take an informed interest in current astronomical investigations, discoveries and space exploration.

Students generally alternate between specialist teaching staff whose expertise complement teaching needs with module content. Over a period of time all science staff are expected to take a share in teaching across the full ability range.

GCSE Results

For many years we have consistently enjoyed excellent achievement at GCSE. The percentage of students attaining A* to C grades has been above similar results both nationally and within the local authority.

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