Sciences

Vision Statement

In Triple Science pupils receive three GCSEs, one each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In Science we have developed a bespoke GCSE course designed to challenge our pupils thinking and expose them to a variety of scientific and real world contexts. Pupils will develop essential scientific skills such as collecting and manipulating data, planning and completing practical investigations, as well as deep thinking and evaluating scientific theories. We expect all pupils to fully apply themselves in class and take a proactive role in lessons. Pupils will build resilience, enabling them to confidently ask for support to make outstanding progress. We want pupils to be as enthusiastic about science as our teachers are, and to pursue further study and careers within this subject.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Linked Sixth Form Courses:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Applied Science
• Mathematics
• Sport Studies

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Engineering
• Medicinal Sciences
• Pharmaceuticals
• Laboratory supervisor
• Geology
• Botany
• Physiotherapy

Departmental Performance:

• 2022/23: 9-4 = 73%
• 2021/22: 9-4 = 97%
• 2020/21: 9-4 = 95%
• 2019/20: 9-4 = 100%

Vision Statement

The Science department works hard to provide every pupil with the opportunity to be successful in completing their Science GCSEs. In Combined Science pupils will receive two Science GCSEs (a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

In Science we have developed a bespoke GCSE course designed to challenge our pupils thinking and expose them to a variety of scientific and real world contexts. Pupils will develop essential scientific skills such as collecting and manipulating data, planning and completing practical investigations, as well as deep thinking and evaluating scientific theories. We expect all pupils to fully apply themselves in class and take a proactive role in lessons. Pupils will build resilience, enabling them to confidently ask for support to make outstanding progress. We want pupils to be as enthusiastic about science as our teachers are, and to pursue further study and careers within this subject.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Linked Sixth Form Courses:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Applied Science
• Mathematics
• Sport Studies

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Engineering
• Medicinal Sciences
• Pharmaceuticals
• Laboratory supervisor
• Geology
• Botany
• Physiotherapy

Departmental Performance:

• 2022/23: 9-4 = 51%
• 2021/22: 9-4 = 72%
• 2020/21: 9-4 = 71%
• 2019/20: 9-4 = 69%

Vision Statement

This course is designed for learners who are interested in progressing into a wide range of courses related to science beyond KS5. The BTEC will build on the foundations of scientific knowledge that were developed in the GCSE course and then progress to an advanced level application.

As a level 3 course the 2-year extended certificate is equal to an A-level science in terms of UCAS points and recognised by a number of large universities. Throughout the course pupils will make clear links between the key concepts that they are learning to the possible career pathways they could choose. It will offer opportunities to develop broader skills while completing practical work in all three sciences. Pupils will gain experimental techniques that are valued in a number of professions in and out of the scientific world.

In a world where infinite information is always at our fingertips, pupils will gain the skills to think critically, evaluate different sources in the media and become more reflective about the overload of information they are exposed to.  Throughout the course pupils will make links between the scientific knowledge and facts and how they relate to global contexts in the world we live in.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

• Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I – Examined unit 
• Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – Coursework unit 
• Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills – Coursework unit 
• Unit 4 – Physiology of Human Body Systems – Examined unit

Skills for Success:

• Enquiry and problem solving-skills
• Strong literacy skills in order to develop longer answers to explain scientific concepts in detail
• Research skills in order to investigate experimental techniques independently

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Healthcare (nursing, midwifery etc.)
• Forensic science
• Pharmaceuticals
• Sports science
• Environmental studies
• Engineering
• Scientific journalism

Departmental Performance:

• 2023/24: D*-P = 16.7%
• 2022/23:  D*- P = 100%
  
• 2021/22: D*-M = 86% / D* – P = 100%
• 2020/21: D*- M = 75% / D* – P = 88%

Vision Statement

A-level biology is an academically rigorous course that will engage pupils with an interest in the living world and how organisms function and survive. Pupils will develop their practical skills alongside their scientific knowledge through the completion of required practical. Biology is at the forefront of both exciting and controversial developments in the scientific world and pupils will explore the benefits, risks and implications of a variety of techniques such as genetic engineering.

Throughout the course pupils will develop their literacy, numeracy, critical thinking skills and ability to apply their knowledge to unknown contexts. By completing the A-level Biology course we are enabling students to become more informed and reflective members of society. This course will provide opportunities to continue their studies in a number of university and  career pathways.

Skills for Success:

• Enquiry and problem-solving skills.
• Strong literacy skills in order to develop longer answers to explain Scientific concepts in detail.
• Numeracy skills to complete advanced level calculations including data analysis and algebra

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Medicine
• Veterinary Sciences
• Sports Science
• Biomedical Science
• Marine Biology
• Zoology
• Environmental Science

Departmental Performance:

• 2023/24: A*-C = 100%
• No results for 2020/21 or 2021/22.
• 2019/20: A*- E = 100%
• 2018/19: A*-E = 100%

Vision Statement

This course covers a wide range of chemical concepts separated into three main topics of study: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry. Knowledge, understanding and application of key concepts will be assessed in examinations at the end of year 13. Throughout both years of the course pupils will complete a number of required practicals where they will be assessed on their ability to plan, carry out experimental techniques safely and complete the relevant analysis of their data to come to conclusions about the world around them.

A-level Chemistry is a rigorous course that demonstrates good numeracy, literacy, problem-solving and practical skills. Pupils will develop their scientific understanding as well as critical and evaluative skills. Completing this course will lead to opportunities to pursue a wide range of University courses and possible career paths.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Skills for Success:

• Enquiry and problem-solving skills.
• Strong literacy skills in order to develop longer answers to explain scientific concepts in detail.
• Numeracy skills to complete advanced level calculations including data analysis and algebra

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Medicine
• Forensic Science
• Pharmacy
• Chemical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Science

Departmental Performance:

• No results for 2020 through until 2024, next results due Summer 2025
• 2019/20: A*-A = 100%
• 2018/19: A*-D = 100%

Vision Statement

A-level Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of the universe that we live in. From understanding the tiny quarks that make up matter, to the vast expanse of planetary interactions throughout the galaxy. From the simple laws of motion of everyday objects, to the mind bending quantum mechanical nature of waves and particles. A-level physics will challenge you to see the world differently and develop a curious and enquiring mind.

Over the 2 years you will apply this understanding to applications of the everyday world. You will be able to describe the physics in medicine, music, sport and design of structures. You will develop adept skills in critical thinking, mathematics and communication. Through the required practical’s, you will cultivate your investigative technique, preparing you for further study at university or in the world of work.

An A-level in Physics demonstrates an academically accomplished, hardworking and highly skilled student. These will make you more desirable when considering university applications or when moving into the world of work.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Skills for Success:

• Enquiry and problem-solving skills.
• Strong literacy skills in order to develop longer answers to explain Scientific concepts in detail.
• Apply understanding to unfamiliar contexts and use numeracy skills to answer data and graph questions.

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

• Physics
• Engineering
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Medical physics
• Programming
• Finance
• Aerospace

Departmental Performance:

• Next results due Summer 2025
• 2022/23: A*-C = 25%
• No results for 2020/21 or 2021/22
• 2018/19: A*-D = 83%
• 2017/18: A*-D = 100%