Science
Introduction
In the Science faculty, we see it as our mission to help students to explore every aspect of the world around them – from the wildlife in their garden and the chemicals in food, to the stars in the night sky. Practical experiences are – as far as possible - at the core of this. We want pupils to be able to experience hands on, the Science they are studying.
Students are taught by experts, many of whom have applied their Sciences to real world professions as well as teaching. We provide a full support programme across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as all year groups – including extra-curricular Science clubs, lunchtime help clubs (led by students studying Science A-Levels) and after school support classes.
Science will develop problem-solving and analytical skills, help with numeracy and literacy, and encourage co-operation with fellow students to find solutions to problems.
Key Stage 3
At Chancellor’s, we broadly follow the Activate! programme of Key Stage 3 Science study, covering the Activate 1 units in Year 7 and Activate 2 in Year 8. In the autumn term of Year 9 students will commence their GCSE Science studies.
Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 and Year 8. From Year 9 onwards, students are split into two triple classes and the rest in mixed ability sets.
Students will have three Science lessons a week covering alternating units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Practical activities are embedded throughout all year groups and units.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Science at Chancellor’s follows the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy specification. In each year group around 60 students will follow the triple AQA Science GCSE scheme to complete separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
All examinations are now terminal, taking place at the end of Year 11 only. GCSE Combined Science is worth two GCSEs and this will be reported on their certificate as two grades. For Triple Science the students will do separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are two levels of entry at GCSE - Higher and Foundation.
In Combined Science grades 99 - 44 can be awarded from the Higher Tier and grades 55 to 11 can be awarded from the Foundation Tier. It is important to note that a student entering the higher tier, but failing to get enough marks to be awarded a 44, will get no grade at all so the teachers will work closely with the students to ensure they are entered for the appropriate level papers.
In Triple Science grades 9 – 4 can be awarded from the Higher Tier and grades 5-1 on the Foundation Tier. Again it is important to enter each student for the right tier.
Practical skills are assessed through terminal examinations in Year 11, and thoroughly practised wherever possible during Science lessons. There are a number of required practicals which the students will need to be very familiar with as they are likely to be tested in the exams.
Key Stage 5
Biology
Biology is never far from the headlines. In recent years we have seen: the emergence of CRISPR - a gene editing tool, the development of human organs being grown in pigs, the first ever donation of mitochondrial DNA to an embryo, as well as the discovery that the Zika virus may cause microcephaly in babies. If you find any of these stories fascinating, Biology A Level may be for you…
Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, studied alongside a wide range of other subjects, including: Psychology, Sociology, PE, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Art and a modern foreign language.
At Chancellor’s we study the AQA A-Level Biology syllabus which covers topics such as the transport systems found in plants and animals, human impacts on our environment and how to minimise it, the immune system and different ways to assist it, and the use of genetic technology to modify the DNA of organisms. We bring in specialist equipment from Hertfordshire University and spend 4 days in Yorkshire on a residential field studies visit to help secure our understanding of these principles.
Many of our students enjoy the subject so much that they eventually choose a biology-related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. So, whatever field you will eventually work in, you will find biology A Level a very rewarding and challenging course that can develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.
Chemistry
Chemistry students in Years 12 and 13 follow a scheme of work based upon the AQA specification. This is a two year course with the option to sit an AS Level at the end of Year 12.
There are three exams at the end of the course that include short answers, longer style responses, practical-based questions and multiple choice questions. The course is underpinned with practical work and there are 12 required practicals, as well as many others that are carried out throughout the course.
An additional qualification called a CPAC (Common Practical Assessment Criteria) can be achieved by students demonstrating the necessary practical skills, and this is shown on their certificate alongside their grade.
Students are encouraged to get involved in out of school activities and have previously attended ‘Chemistry in Action’ lectures, competed in the Chemistry Olympiad and the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, visited pharmaceutical companies and heard from visiting experts from Imperial College about ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’. Some students have also achieved Gold Crest awards through taking part in a four-week Nuffield Foundation Bursary scheme in the summer of Year 12.
Physics
Physics at A-Level is extremely rewarding, enlightening and demanding discipline. A good physicist will develop their skills in practical work, mathematics and problem-solving.
You will learn to apply your knowledge and understanding at GCSE to a much higher level and interpret problems that affect the world, from the micro scale to the cosmological. Practical skills are well developed throughout the course leading to a Practical Endorsement in Physics; an endorsement which is appended to your final A Level grade. Skills such as mathematical application; problem solving, analysis and evaluation are main areas of focus throughout the course.
At Chancellor's the AQA A-Level Physics syllabus is followed. This course is aimed at those of you with an interest in physics and looking to pursue a career in engineering, physics or science in the future. Here is what you could be studying:
Year 12:
1 – Particles and radiation
2 – Waves
3 – Mechanics and Energy
4 – Electricity
Year 13:
6 – Further mechanics and thermal physics
7 – Fields
8 – Nuclear physics
9 – Turning points in physics
Exams will be taken at the end of Year 13 covering all course content.
When combined with mathematics, Physics A-Level will help you to progress to higher education and careers in fields such as: physics, astrophysics, medical physics, geophysics, space science, telecommunications, engineering and computer science.
Extra-Curricular
Students have the opportunity to attend Science demonstrations and lecture visits with expert speakers in all Year groups. Some will be offered to smaller groups based on students’ interests, and others will involve the whole year group.
There is a Year 7 Science Club which starts once the students have settled in.
There is a residential trip to Crandale for the Year 12 Biologists.
The Science staff are on hand each lunchtime to support students who need help with classwork or homework along with Year 12 Science students.
Useful websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p for Key Stage 3 revision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv for GCSE revision
https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login to access online textbooks by all Science students – regardless of their age will have access
http://www.aqa.org.uk/ the GCSE Science and A Level Biology/Chemistry/Physics exam board
