Science

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing”

Albert Einstein

At Churchdown School, our high-quality science education is rooted in an authentic appreciation of what science is. Our students become ‘scientists’, not just young people who study science At Churchdown School, we pride ourselves on igniting curiosity and ensuring all students are equipped with the knowledge and experiences required to become the next generation of world-class scientists. This is underpinned by our rich and ambitious curriculum which is built around our core belief; all students are afforded equitable opportunities to explore their areas of interest and develop an inquisitive and scientific mind such that they can interact with, and question, the world around them, and become scientifically literate members of society. Our teaching is focused on a curriculum that builds powerful knowledge, encompassing all 3 scientific disciplines. In Biology, students gain an appreciation of how the human body works, in Chemistry, they explore how chemical reactions can be used to build and design substances used in every day life, and in Physics they develop a firm understanding of the universe and the forces that act within it. Practical work is fundamental in developing students understanding of science and is deeply embedded within the curriculum, thus ensuring that all students are able to ask scientific questions, apply their knowledge of abstract concepts and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. Additionally, our varied extra-curricular offer includes sessions such as Famelab and The Cheltenham Science Festival, encouraging creativity and problem solving whilst stimulating and challenging students from all demographic groups to learn beyond the curriculum. We ensure that all students are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to make informed choices about their interests and ambitions and have the confidence to pursue ambitious opportunities and careers in disciplines such as medicine, architecture and forensic science.

Subject: Science

Jump to Year Group:

• Year 7
• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 10
• Year 11

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Welcome to Science

A progressive, forward thinking Department with a dedicated, friendly staff that are student focussed and always willing to go the extra mile.

The Department has a depth of experience that is used in delivering top quality lessons, courses and extra-curricular activities.

Follow them @ScienceCHDN

KS3 Overview

The KS3 programme is split over two years.

In Year 7, students focus on:

Term 1:   Living systems

  Particulate nature of matter

  Forces and motion

Term 2:   Diet and health

  Atoms, elements and compounds

  The Solar System and Space

Term 3:   Reproduction and growth

  Acids and alkalis

  Electricity and electro-magnetism

In Year 8, students focus on:

Term 1:   Photosynthesis, respiration and circulation

  Chemical reactions

  Energy

Term 2:  Genetics and evolution

  Materials and everyday chemistry

  Waves

Term 3:  Ecosystems

  The Earth and atmosphere

  Levers, moments and pressure

All topics are assessed through end of topic tests, assessed homework, and end of year examinations. 

 

KS4 Overview

GCSE

The Department follows the AQA GCSE scheme of work. 

All students follow the dual science pathway, studying Core biology, chemistry and physics and Additional biology, chemistry and physics.  Some students will qualify to take the triple science pathway consisting of a further series of examinations in biology, chemistry and physics.

Controlled assessments (ISAs) are a key component of the Science GCSE.  To enable students to reach the highest standards, we start teaching the Unit 1 science pathway in Year 9, so giving three years for the programme to be completed. 

In Year 9 GCSE Science A is studied. 

This consists a 1-hour written examination in Biology, Chemistry and Physics making up 75% of the total mark, and a controlled assessment (ISA) examining practical skills and is worth 25% of the total mark.

Topics covered include:

Biology:  Keeping Healthy, how our bodies defend themselves against infectious diseases, nerves and hormones, the use and abuse of drugs, interdependence and adaptation, energy and biomass in food chains, waste materials from plants and animals, genetic variation and its control, and evolution.

Chemistry:  Fundamental ideas in chemistry, limestone and building materials, metals, crude oil and fuels, other useful substances from crude oil, plant oils and their uses, and changes in the earth and its atmosphere.

Physics:  Energy transfer and kinetic theory, energy and efficiency, usefulness of electrical appliances, methods used to generate electricity, and waves.  

In Year 10 and 11 GCSE Additional Science is studied. 

This consists a 1-hour written examination in Biology, Chemistry and Physics making up 75% of the total mark, and a controlled assessment (ISA) examining practical skills and is worth 25% of the total mark.

Topics covered include:

Biology: Cells and transport, tissues and organs, photosynthesis, organisms and their environment, proteins, respiration, cell division and inheritance, and speciation.

Chemistry: Structure and bonding, Properties and uses of substances, atomic structure, rates of reaction, exothermic and endothermic reactions, acids, bases and salts, and electrolysis.

Physics:  Forces and their effects, kinetic energy, currents in electrical circuits, mains electricity and electrical appliances, radioactive substances, and nuclear fission and fusion.  

 

KS5 Overview

The Department follows the OCR A-level scheme of work for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  All three sciences  consist of six modules over two years. 

Biology:  Students start by developing their practical skills and then continue taking Foundations in Biology, Exchange and Transport, Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease, Communication, Homeostasis and Energy, Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems. 

Chemistry:  The first module is Development of Practical Skills followed by Foundations in Chemistry, Periodic Table and Energy, Core Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements, and finally Organic Chemistry and Analysis.

Physics:  Development of Practical Skills is the first module followed by Foundations of Physics, Forces and Motion, Electron, Waves and Photons, Newtonian World and Astrophysics, and Particle and Medical Physics. 

BTEC Science Overview

Along with the traditional A-Level subjects of Chemistry; Physics and Biology the Science Department offers Level 3 BTEC Applied Science. 

Students develop their practical skills by conducting experiments in biology, chemistry and physics.  

The academic content of the course is on par with the A-Level disciplines.  However, the students also cover vocational aspects associated with working within the Science Industry such as laboratory design and understanding the importance of Laboratory Information Management Systems. 

The whole course is assessed via coursework and students can either go on to A-Level Sciences next year or continue with additional modules either in Health Care Science; Engineering; Environmental Science or Forensics.  

Extra Curricular Opportunities

• Science club after school every Wednesday
• Regular STEM events
• University of Gloucestershire link
• Regular lunchtime and after school drop in sessions
• Homework Club

Trips

• A variety of trips are offered to students and venues are reviewed regularly to keep pace with the science curriculum.
• Trips include @Bristol, Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust and regular STEM events.

Next steps or Where the subject leads

Learning science develops key skills such as logical thinking, problem solving, organisation and time management.  To be very successful at science, a student needs to incorporate english and mathematics into all of their activities. 

Science is a core subject that all employers, Colleges and Universities look for.  Knowledge of science provides an understanding of how we live our lives, how things work, how the world around us works and what that means for the environment.   A qualification in science strengthens every CV.

There are many jobs in science, including forensics, astronomy, engineering, research scientist (biologist, chemist, physicist), pathologist, climate change analyst, agricultural scientist, food technologist,  sound engineer, hydrologist, geoscientist, materials scientist and environmental scientist.  A science qualification is a gateway into medicine, vetinary science, dentistry, paramedics, mid-wifery, nursing, animal nurse, occupational health, teaching and of direct application to construction, psychology and health, beauty and social care professionals.    

Useful Links

• Bitesize Science http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv
• STEM http://www.stemnet.org.uk/
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• Royal Institution https://www.rsb.org.uk/
• Royal Society https://royalsociety.org/
• Institute of Biology https://www.rsb.org.uk/
• Royal Society of Chemistry http://www.rsc.org/
• Institute of Physics http://www.iop.org/
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• BBC Science and Environment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science_and_environment
• STEM http://www.stemnet.org.uk/
• Science Kids http://www.sciencekids.co.nz
• How Science Works http://undsci.berkeley.edu/
• The latest Science News https://www.sciencedaily.com/