Science

The principal focus of science teaching at this level is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. Examples of these big ideas are the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions. Students are encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.

Programme of study Y7

- Practical skills induction programme

- Reproduction

- Particles and their behaviour/Acids & Alkalis

- Forces

- Cells

- Elements, atoms and compounds

- Space

- Structure and function of body systems

- Reactions and Acids and Alkalis

- Light.

Programme of study Y8

- Keeping Healthy

- Periodic table

- Energy

- Ecosystems

- Separation techniques

- Electricity and Magnetism

- Adaptation and Inheritance

- The Earth

- Motion and pressure.

Programme of study Y9

- Cells and Cell Division

- The Earth's Resources

- Separating Mixtures

- Waves

- Transport in Cells

- Energy.

Assessment

Progress assessed continuously in class, both verbally and using written work produced by students.

End of chapter assessments, informal assessments, practical skills and mathematical skills embedded throughout the course.

Award: GCSE

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 8464

Specification Website: AQA Combined Science - Trilogy

Lessons/week: 6

Combined Science is a joint award that looks at all three science disciplines and is worth two GCSEs upon completion. The previously offered ‘Core and Additional Science’ options have now been replaced with the new ‘Combined Science’ which is a compulsory component of the curriculum.

This course covers the new Key Stage 4 Science Programme of Study, the content of which makes up part of the separate science awards. It has been developed so that students become more ‘scientifically literate', i.e. they are able to make reasoned judgements about scientific issues which may affect them in their everyday lives. It covers aspects of biology, chemistry and physics and includes a detailed look at investigative skills.

Programme of Study

Biology

• Cell biology, 

• Organisation, 

• infection and response, 

• Bioenergetics, 

• Homeostasis and response, 

• Inheritance, 

• Variation and evolution, and 

• Ecology.

Chemistry

• Atomic structure and the periodic table, 

• Bonding, 

• Structure and the properties of matter, 

• Quantitative chemistry, 

• Chemical changes, 

• Energy changes, 

• The rate and extent of chemical change, 

• Organic chemistry, 

• Chemical analysis, 

• Using resources, and 

• Chemistry of the atmosphere.

 Physics

• Energy, 

• Electricity, 

• Particle model of matter and atomic structure, 

• Forces, 

• Waves, 

• Magnetism and 

• Electromagnetism. 

Assessment

Internal

• End of topic tests

• Year 10 and 11 Mocks

External

• Assessment will be using the new 9-1 grading system, replacing the A*-G. The foundation tiers will cover grades 1–5 and the higher, grades 4-9.

• There are no controlled assessments in the new science qualification and the final examinations will consist of 6 separate papers (two for each science), each 1 hour and 15 minutes long.

• Mathematical skills will be assessed in all three sciences in different proportions. The biology exams will have 10% of the marks devoted to this, rising to 20% for chemistry and 30% for physics.

• Practical skills will be assessed within the 6 papers the students will sit. The questions in these papers will based upon 21 required practicals set by the exam board. These will be done within the two-year programme of study.

Note: GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics must be taken alongside each other as part of the Triple Science Option.

GCSE Biology

Award: GCSE

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 8461

Specification Website:  GCSE Biology

Lessons/week: 9

As part of the Triple science course, GCSE Biology covers all of the Biology components of the  the new Key Stage 4 Science Programme of Study. This specification encourages the development of knowledge and understanding in science through opportunities and working scientifically. It is a very demanding and challenging course which is particularly suited for conscientious students who are passionate about science and are highly motivated to succeed.

The course has been developed so that students become more ‘scientifically literate', i.e. they are able to make reasoned judgements about scientific issues which may affect them in their everyday lives. and includes a detailed look at investigative skills.

Programme of Study

• Cell biology, 

• Organisation, 

• Infection and response, 

• Bioenergetics, 

• Homeostasis and response, 

• Inheritance, 

• Variation and evolution, and

• Ecology.

Assessment

Internal

• End of topic tests

• Year 10 and 11 Mocks

External

Paper 1:

• 1 Hour 45 Minutes

• 50% of GCSE Grade

Paper 2:

• 1 Hour 45 Minutes

• 50% of GCSE Grade

Mathematical Skills

• 10% of marks will be devoted to mathematical skills

Practical Skills

• Practical skills will be assessed within the two papers.

• They will be based on 8 Biology specific required practicals which will be carried out over the two GCSE Science Years (10 & 11)
  
  

GCSE Chemistry

Award: GCSE

Awarding Body: AQA 

Specification Code: 8462

Specification Website: AQA GCSE Chemistry

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

Programme of Study

Topics 1 to 5 will be covered in Year 10 and Topics 6 to 10 will be covered in Year 11.

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table

2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

3. Quantitative chemistry

4. Chemical changes

5. Energy changes

6. The rate and extent of chemical change

7. Organic chemistry

8. Chemical analysis

9. Chemistry of the atmosphere

10. Using resources

Assessment

Paper 1

What's assessed

Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes.

Assessment

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (Foundation and Higher Tier) 100 marks

50% of GCSE

Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

 Paper 2

What's assessed

Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Assessment

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (Foundation and Higher Tier) 100 marks

50% of GCSE

     Questions

Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.

GCSE Physics

Award: GCSE

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 8436

Specification Website: AQA GCSE Physics

As part of the Triple science course, GCSE Physics covers all of the Physics components of the  the new Key Stage 4 Science Programme of Study. This specification encourages the development of knowledge and understanding in science through opportunities and working scientifically. It is a very demanding and challenging course which is particularly suited for conscientious students who are passionate about science and are highly motivated to succeed.

The course has been developed so that students become more ‘scientifically literate', i.e. they are able to make reasoned judgements about scientific issues which may affect them in their everyday lives. and includes a detailed look at investigative skills.

Programme of Study

• Energy, 

• Electricity, 

• Particle model of matter and atomic structure, 

• Forces, 

• Waves, 

• Magnetism, 

• Electromagnetism, and 

• Space physics.

Assessment

Internal

•  Six end of Topic Exams

External

Paper 1: 

• • 1 Hour 45 Minutes, 

  • 50% of the GCSE Marks

  • Topics:

    • Energy; Electricity; 

    • Particle model of matter; and 

    • Atomic structure. 

Paper 2:

• • 1 Hour 45 Minutes

  • 50% of the GCSE Marks 

  •  Topics:

    •  Forces; 

    • Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; 

    • Space physics

Mathematical Skills

• 30% of marks will be devoted to mathematical skills

Practical Skills

• Practical skills will be assessed within the two papers.

• They will be based on 8 Physics specific required practicals which will be carried out over the two GCSE Science Years (10 & 11)

Award: A-Level Biology

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 7402

Specification Website:  A-Level Biology

Institution:  Bayside/Westside

At this level, this subject involves a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts in a wide range of Biological subject areas. We also look at the social and ethical implications in areas like biotechnology and human impact on the environment. 

Biology is essential to many medical and scientific careers e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Optometry, Zoology, Marine Biology, Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy amongst others. It also gives students many transferable skills, which can be applied to industry and business.

The demands of studying Biology at this level are much higher than what students have experienced at GCSE.   Please see entry requirements for this subject.

Subject Content

1. Biological Molecules 

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms need to respond to changes in their internal and external environment

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression

Assessment

At least 15% of the overall assessment of the A-level will assess knowledge, skills and understanding of practical work.

Overall, at least 10% of the marks in assessments for Biology will require the use of mathematical skills. These skills will be applied in the context of Biology and will be at least the standard of the higher tier GCSE Mathematics.

Paper 1

• • Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills

  • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 35% of A-level

Paper 2 

• • Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills

  • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 35% of A-level

Paper 3

• • Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills

  • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 30% of A-level

Award: A-Level Chemistry

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 7405

Specification Website: AQA AS and A-Level Chemistry

Institution: Bayside/Westside

The A-level qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills in GCSE.  To understand Chemistry students will need to know a number of facts and understand the basic principles derived from these facts and apply this knowledge to everyday situations.

The course integrates theory and practical work, which are developed at different levels throughout the course.  Students will need to be able to communicate effectively, research and think critically about chemical problems.  Students should be aware that there is a huge ‘jump’ from GCSE to A-level and that to do well requires them to work very hard and independently.

Chemistry is fundamentally an experimental subject.  The course provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.   Furthermore, a rich diet of practical work is essential to develop students’ manipulative skills and understanding of the processes of scientific investigation.  

Practical assessments are divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments.  Overall, at least 15% of the marks in the papers will relate to practical work.  A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level.  This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

Subject Content

A-Level Chemistry is divided into three branches

Physical chemistry 

• • Atomic structure

  • Amount of substance (Quantitative Chemistry)

  • Bonding

  • Energetics

  • Kinetics

  • Equilibria

  • Redox reactions

  • Thermodynamics

  • Equilibrium constants

  • Electrode Potential and Electrochemical Cells

  • Acids, Bases and Buffers

Inorganic chemistry 

• • Periodicity

  • Group 2, the Alkaline Earth Metals

  • Group 7, the Halogens

  • The Transition Metals

  • Reactions of inorganic compounds in aqueous solutions

Organic chemistry 

• • Introduction to Organic Chemistry

  • Alkanes

  • Halogenoalkanes

  • Alkenes

  • Alcohols

  • Organic Analysis

  • Nomenclature and Isomerism

  • Compounds containing the Carbonyl group

  • Aromatic Chemistry

  • Amines

  • Polymerisation

  • Amino acids, Proteins and DNA

  • Organic Synthesis

  • Structure Determination 

  • Chromatography

Assessment

Paper 1

What’s assessed

• • Physical chemistry topics

  • Inorganic chemistry

  • Relevant practical skills

How it’s assessed

• • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 105 marks

  • 35% of A-level

Questions

• 105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 2

What’s assessed

• • Relevant physical chemistry topics

  • Organic chemistry

  • Relevant practical skills

How it’s assessed

• • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 105 marks

  • 35% of A-level

Questions

• 105 marks of short and long answer questions

Paper 3

What’s assessed

• • Any content

  • Any practical skills

How it’s assessed

• • Written exam: 2 hours

  • 90 marks

  • 30% of A-level

Questions

• • 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and data analysis

  • 20 marks of questions testing across the specification

  • 30 marks of multiple choice

Award: A-Level

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: 7408

Specification Website: AQA A-Level Physics

Institution: Bayside/Westside

Physics is the science of matter and its motion, as well as space and time. It is the science that deals with basic concepts such as force, energy, mass, and charge. Physics is the general analysis of nature, conducted to understand how the world around us behaves.

Advances in Physics often translate to the technological sector, and sometimes influence the other sciences, as well as mathematics and philosophy. Physics is fundamental to courses in engineering and computing, and extremely useful in the medical sciences and related subjects.

Students should be aware that the ‘A’ Level Physics course is very demanding and requires a high level of understanding of both GCSE Physics and Maths. 

Subject Content

Section 1: Measurements and Their Errors

Section 2: Particles and Radiation

Section 3: Waves

Section 4: Mechanics and Materials

Section 5: Electricity

Section 6: Further Mechanics & Thermal physics

Section 7: Fields and their consequences

Section 8: Nuclear Physics 

Section 9: Option topic. Current options available are:

• • • Astrophysics

    • Medical Physics

    • Engineering Physics

    • Turning Points in Physics (current one offered)

    • Electronics

Assessment

Paper 1

• • Assessed Content: Sections 1-6

  • Written exam of 2 hours duration

  • 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

2. Paper 2

• • Assessed Content: Sections 1-9

  • Written exam of 2 hours duration

  • 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

3. Paper 3

• • Assessed Content: Sections 1-10

  • Written exam of 2 hours duration

  • Section A is worth 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis from the content in Sections 1-9,

  • Section B consists of 35 marks of short and long answer questions from the content in Section 10 only.

NOTE: Mathematical demand will be high. Approximately 40% of the marks are allocated to Mathematical skills.

Required Practicals 

• There are 12 required practicals which have to be carried out throughout the 2 years. 

• Students will be assessed against a variety of CPAC’s (Common Practical Assessment Criteria). Success will result in a practical endorsement. This is an important part of the course as Universities will likely require a pass in the practical endorsement for entry into science related degrees.