Science

Students learn how to use Scientific equipment, devices and measuring instruments in order to complete practical tasks accurately, with precision and with confidence over 3 lessons every week.
Within the topics studied students gain an understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which is sufficient to fulfill the requirements of Key Stage 3 in addition to being both stimulating and motivating. Practical work is a major feature and students are expected to be able to demonstrate the skills learned in order to gain meaningful results from their investigations.
Students learn ‘How Science Works’ using terminology, mathematical techniques and analytical skills in problem solving and experimental design. In order to contextualise Science we also run a number of trips that enhance and help the students understand all 3 different Sciences. We take the students on an Annual visit to Sherburn STEM Fair, the Space Circus performance and York University Science Trail. The Science Department has a 100% GCSE pass rate with around 70% of our students gaining an A* - C Grade.

Below are just a few of the topics that are covered in Science during Key Stage 3,

Investigating Science (Year 7)
Environment & Feeding Relationships (Year 7)
Energy Resources (Year 7)
Electrical Circuits (Year 7)
Forces & Their Effects (Year 7)

Atoms & Elements (Year 8)
Compounds & Mixtures (Year 8)
Rocks & Weathering (Year 8)
The Rock Cycle (Year 8)

Inheritance & Selection (Year 9)
Fit & Healthy (Year 9)
Plants & Photosynthesis (Year 9)
Plants for Food (Year 9)
Gravity & Space (Year 9)
Pressure & Moments (Year 9)

In order to provide the students with the best possible understanding of Science we differentiate the curriculum. Currently our upper ability students study for two separate GCSE Sciences, Core Science and Additional Science.
Students study Core Science in Year 10 and Additional in Year 11.
Core Modules:
Human Biology
Evolution & Environment
Products from Rocks
Oils, Earth & Atmosphere
Energy & Electricity
Radiation & The Universe

In addition to the subject matter in these modules, students must undertake an ISA. This comprises a practical task followed by an external examination based on the work undertaken.

Additional Subjects:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Students also need to complete another ISA

KS4 LOWER ABILITY
Currently our students follow an Applied Science Double Award course. This course provides a more vocational grounding in Science and has a heavy weighting towards coursework (65%) with an examination at the end of the course worth 35% of the final GCSE mark.

Topics covered include:
Science in the Workplace
Biology, Chemistry and Physics theory
Assessed practical activities including:
Machines
Assembling an Electronic Device
Making a Useful Product
Monitoring Living Organisms
Resistance in a Wire

TRIPLE SCIENCE;
For the more able, the Science Department offers students the opportunity to gain GCSEs in all three Science disciplines by students either:
a) Opting to take Triple Science as one of their options over two years (5 lessons a fortnight).
b) Being part of the fast track Mathematics cohort who will take an accelerated Triple Science course over six lessons a fortnight in Year 11.