Science
Very few aspects of modern life are unaffected by Science in the 21st century, and it is important that our students have a good understanding of Science so that they can make informed decisions about the implications and benefits of Science in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
Our aim at Banovallum is to give our students the grounding in Science that they need so that they can go some way to understanding the world around them and to make the most out of it! Many of our students choose to continue their studies in Science after Year 11 and our aim is to inspire as well as educate the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Key Stage 3
In KS3 we follow the Exploring Science scheme of work. The course covers the new 2014 National curriculum and is designed to lay the foundations for the new GCSE science course. The course covers the three main science disciplines and introduces key ideas and concepts that are built upon in subsequent years in the school.
The content is divided into 36 thematic Units across the three science disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the later units within each Science discipline requiring a higher level of understanding than those placed earlier.
Working Scientifically, Numeracy and Literacy Skills are also embedded throughout the course and will:
- Help them with using data;
- Require them to look at how Science works in the real world;
- Help to explain ideas from other subjects such as maths, geography or history;
- Communicate Scientific ideas effectively to different audiences.
Year 7
Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
7A Cells, tissues, organs and systems |
7E Mixtures and separation |
7I Energy |
7B Sexual reproduction in animals |
7F Acids and Alkalis |
7J Current electricity |
7C Muscles and bones |
7G The particle model |
7K Forces |
7D Ecosystems |
7H Atoms, elements and molecules |
7L Sound |
Year 8
Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
8A Food and Nutrition |
8E Combustion |
8I Fluids |
8B Plants and their reproduction |
8F The Periodic Table |
8J Light |
8C Breathing and respiration |
8G Metals and their uses |
8K Energy transfers |
8D Unicellular organisms |
8H Rocks |
8L Earth and Space |
Key Stage 4
In KS4 students follow either the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Combined Science course or the Edexcel 9-1 Triple Science course. The Triple Science course covers the same content as the Combined Science course, but also includes additional material designed to take some of the key ideas further. Students completing the Triple Science course are also awarded a separate GCSE in each discipline (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) instead of the Combined Science Award (a double GCSE grade). The Triple science course runs as an option alongside their normal Sciences lessons and is aimed at students who may wish to continue studying Science Post-16.
The GCSE in Combined Science should enable students to:
● develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
● develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
● develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
● develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Students should study the sciences in ways that help them to develop curiosity about the natural world, that give them an insight into how science works and that enable them to appreciate its relevance to their everyday lives.
Examination Support
There are a wide range of resources available to students to help them to prepare for examinations, this includes:
- Past examination papers and mark schemes to practise exam style questions. These are available as hard copies or electronically on the secure section of the VLE (Science > Past Papers)
- Access to an electronic copy of the course text book (KS4).
- Teacher marked assessment material and mock examinations.
Useful Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize - Good overall content for both KS3 and KS4. For KS4, please use resources for the Edexcel exam board.
www.pearsonactivelearn.com - Electronic text book and other resources (NOTE: This is a service that the School subscribes to. Log in details for each student which will be provided by the school)