Science
CURRICULUM STATEMENT
- 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 that help students to answer scientific questions about the world around them and apply them to other areas of study in eg. maths, English, geography, PE, history
- Ensure they are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all students are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:
- 5 year AQA curriculum plan around key themes in biology, chemistry and physics. This allows progression in scientific skills and knowledge building on KS2 and progressing to KS5
- Students are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills. Regular assessment focuses on identifying students’ strengths and areas to improve in scientific knowledge, application of scientific knowledge and data analysis and evaluation.
The successful approach at Heanor Gate Science College results in an engaging, high-quality science education, that provides students with the foundations for understanding the world and further study at university, college and in future careers.
- Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, students have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.
- Students learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM learning, IOP and Royal Society of Chemistry. Students learn from and work with professionals from a range of different scientific backgrounds at all levels.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEWS
We follow the AQA 5 year scheme of learning.
ks3
KS3 Staff Contact: Mrs E Parkin – e.parkin@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
GCSE - AQA COMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY (AQA SINGLE SCIENCE BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND PHYSICS)
Students are studying the new GCSE Combined Award in Science. It is a combined science course worth two GCSEs. This qualification is linear, this means that students will complete all exams at the end of the course, summer 2020 . There is no coursework component to the new GCSE, all practical skills will be covered in lessons and assessed in the written exams. Students will be identified at the end of Year 10 to follow Seperate Science Course worth three GCSEs in biology, chemistry, and physics.
SUPPORT
Revision guides and workbooks are available to purchase on ParentPay. Our dedicated revision website can be accessed via Google login here - https://sites.google.com/heanorgate.org.uk/science/home
KS4 Staff Contact - Miss R Baker – rbaker@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
A LEVEL BIOLOGY - EDEXCEL SALTERS NUFFIELD
Staff Contact: Miss R Baker – rbaker@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
A LEVEL CHEMISTRY - AQA
Staff Contact: Dr G Heald – gheald@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
A LEVEL PHYSICS - EDEXCEL
Staff Contact: Mr T James t.james2@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
BTEC LEVEL 3 APPLIED SCIENCE EXTENDED CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA
Ceritificate Teaching Plan
Diploma Teaching Plan
Staff Contact: Mr T James t.james2@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk