Science

 Subject: Science

Head of faculty: Mr Hook

Staff: Mrs Leonard, Mr Gray, Mr Griffiths, Miss Vellenoweth, Mr Commander, Mr Selwyn, Miss Oakley, Miss Bridgford

Introduction and ethos of subject

Students at WCSA engage in a spiralled curriculum starting from a broad, balanced and bespoke key stage 3 curriculum in years 7 and 8 followed by a GCSE transition period in year 9. They continue their learning at key stage 4 following the AQA combined science Trilogy scheme of learning for their GCSEs or the AQA separate science scheme of learning if they decide to undertake triple science.

Students in KS3 have three science lessons per week whereas students in KS4 have either 5 lessons, with the exception of students taking triple science as an option who receive additional teaching hours to cover the increase content and extra GCSE.

At all key stages, lessons will consist of theory and practical activities with an emphasis on applying knowledge, and developing exam and practical skills as set out by the AQA exam board.

Our Ethos:

‘Our hope is to inspire students about our subject and empower them to learn independently and constantly ask questions about the world around them.’

KS3

Students in KS3 are taught a bespoke curriculum covering broad range of topics across biology, chemistry and physics. Lesson offer plenty of opportunities for practical work allowing for the development of scientific skills and team work. Students complete ‘required’ practical’s to match the expectation of the 9-1 GCSEs, and teacher assessment allows students to refine their skills and understanding following these lessons.

Each topic has an end of topic assessment consisting of multiple choice and long answer questions. Assessments have been written in line with the new GCSEs which test understanding of key concepts, application of knowledge, and skills used in required practical lessons.

Within each learning cycle, students in KS3 will also work through scientific skills lessons where they continue to develop their ability to ‘think and work like a scientist’. These lessons will focus on areas such as: graph work, maths skills and asking scientific questions.

The topics covered in Year 7:

·         Cells

·         Contact forces

·         Reproduction

·         Substances and particles

·         Electrical circuits

·         Changing substances

·         Interdependence

·         Energy transfer