Science

Key Stage 3 Science

Pupils are immediately involved in active learning when they begin to study science at PHC. Previous experience is supported and reinforced whilst new material is tackled enthusiastically in a laboratory environment. Practical skills and techniques are developed with regard to safety, effective learning and meaningful contexts.Science is taught as a single subject in Year 7 and Year 8. There are twelve topics in each year and they divide into four biology, four chemistry and four physics. Earth science is incorporated to match the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 scheme of work.

In Year 9, the science course is split into the three separate sciences, partly as a preparation for GCSE. Once again, there are four topics for each science subject.

The main supporting resources are taken from the Cambridge Essentials Scheme. Pupils are issued with the appropriate textbooks. Practical work, group work, the production of display materials, experimental investigations, mini-projects, internet research, visits and presentations are some of the activities which pupils undertake.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 the student study either GCSE Science together with GCSE Additional Science (double award), or GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemisty and GCSE Physics (triple award). All the courses are based on AQA specifications.

Aims

Students will be given opportunities to:

• Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, science
• Develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
• Aquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
• Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning

Assessment Objectives

Students will need to demonstrate abilities under the following assessment objectives:

• Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding of science
• Apply skills, knowledge and understanding of science in practical and other contexts
• Analyse and evaluate evidence, make reasoned judgements and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Subject Content

GCSE Science is divided in four areas:

How Science Works

• Unit 1 Biology B1
• Unit 2 Chemistry C1
• Unit 3 Physics P1

Assessment consists of three 1 hour written examinations (B1, C1 and P1) and 25% controlled assessment, which is based on practical work and data processing.

GCSE Additional Science covers the following areas:

How Science Works

• Unit 1 Biology B2
• Unit 2 Chemistry C2
• Unit 3 Physics P2

Assessment consists of three 1 hour written examinations (B2, C2 and P2) and 25% controlled assessment, which is based on practical work and data processing.

GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics constitute triple award i.e. three separate GCSE certificates. These courses contain all the material from GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science as well as further individual subject content. There is no extra controlled assessment.

• Unit 1 Biology B3
• Unit 2 Chemistry C3
• Unit 3 Physics P3

Assessment consists of three 1 hour written examinations (B3, C3 and P3).