Science
Key Staff
Director of Study
Mr P Griffith - Head of Department - email |
Assistant Directors of Study
Teachers
Mr C Beever (Associate Deputy Head) - email
Mr J Bowers - email
Mrs J Cox - emailMiss R Downs - Numeracy in science and Science Club - email
Mrs H Dutton - Science Club - email
Ms J Dwyer - email
Miss E Evans - Science Club - email
Mrs D Fernandez - email
Mrs H Hornby - email
Mrs S Perkins - email
Science at Stockport School
Our curriculum intent statement
As a science department we collectively devised the following intent statement, which we see as key to science here at Stockport School.
“To equip all students with the knowledge and skills to understand the impact of science on their lives through engaging, challenging and inspirational experiences.”
Science KS3 Curriculum
Our broad and considered science curriculum in KS3 involves learning key concepts in biology, chemistry and physics . Working Scientifically is included throughout.
The KS3 science curriculum is taught across Years 7-9 (2½ years) through the topics shown in the table below.
| Year | Block 1 | Block 2 | Block 3 | Block 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Transition Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems Mixtures and Separation Energy | Sexual reproduction in animals The particle model Current electricity | Muscles and Bones Atoms, Elements and Molecules Forces | Ecosystems Acids and Alkalis Sound |
| 8 | Food and nutrition The periodic table Fluids | Breathing and Respiration Metals and their uses Light | Unicellular organisms Combustion Energy transfers | Plants and their reproduction Rocks Earth and Space |
| 9 | Genetics and Evolution Reactivity Forces and Motion | Plant Growth Making materials Force fields and Electromagnets |
Our students learn the scientific knowledge they need to better understand the world around them, including how science impacts our lives.
Students participate in a wide range of practical activities focussing particularly on the scientific skills used by scientists and needed for KS4 and beyond.
Students are assessed during the year using classwork and independent learning tasks. Students are tested in biology, chemistry and physics using end of unit tests and a formal mock exam. These assessments include aspects of working scientifically.
Science KS4 Curriculum
Students study either GCSE Combined Science or GCSE Separate Sciences (Triple).
The KS4 science curriculum is taught across Years 9-11 (2½ years) through the topics shown in the table below.
| Year | Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Key Concepts in Biology | States of Matter and Mixtures Atomic Structure Ions | Conservation of energy Key concepts of physics |
| 10 | Cells and Control Genetics Natural Selection and Genetic Modification Health, Disease and the Development of medicines Plant Structure and their Functions | Ionic bonding and structures Metallic bonding and Metals Electrolysis Chemical and Fuel Cells (TRIPLE) Covalent bonding and structures Acids Quantitative Chemistry (TRIPLE) Equilibria Dynamic equilibria (TRIPLE) | Forces and Motion Waves Light and the EM Spectrum Radioactivity Astronomy (TRIPLE) Energy, Forces and their Effects |
| 11 | (Plant Structure and their Functions) Animal co-ordination, Control, and Homeostasis Exchange and Transport in Animals Ecosystems and Material Cycles | Groups in the Periodic Table Rates of Reaction Energy Changes Testing for ions (TRIPLE) Materials (TRIPLE) Hydrocarbons. Alcohols and Carboxylic acids. Polymers. (TRIPLE) Fuels Earth and Atmosphere | Electricity and Circuits Static Electricity (TRIPLE) Magnetism and the Motor Effect Electro-magnetic Induction Particle Model Forces and Matter |
Combined Science (Edexcel): This course leads to two GCSE grades and all examinations are sat at the end of Year 11. Students study topics from biology, chemistry and physics with no controlled assessment. Grades are based on the GCSE 9-1 grading system and the examinations can be sat at higher tier (grades 99 - 44) or foundation tier (grades 55 - 11). Students sit the same tier in all six of their combined science exams.
Separate Sciences "Triple" (Edexcel): This course leads to a total of three GCSE grades: one GCSE in each of biology, chemistry and physics. All examinations are sat at the end of Year 11 with no controlled assessment. Grades are based on the new GCSE 9-1 grading system and the examinations can be sat at higher tier (grades 9 - 4) or foundation tier (grades 5 - 1). Students can sit different tiers for the different sciences.
Both courses involve students being assessed using classwork, independent learning tasks, end of topic reviews and a series of formal mock exams. It is recommended that students carry out their preparation little and often throughout their 2½ GCSE course, and this is linked into our assessment model.
Science Enrichment / Extra-curricular
Year 7 & Year 8 Science Club are separate enrichment sessions which provide an accessible and fun environment to develop and discuss ideas about science. It facilitates students to develop communication and teamwork skills. An opportunity to do science outside of lessons.
Year 11 Study Support enrichment sessions help to consolidate learning. Both teacher-led and workshop formats are provided to allow students opportunity to revise what they need and how is most suitable to them.
Homework and Independent Study
Both the KS3 curriculum and the KS4 curriculum are accessible to students via the school's online learning platform Firefly.
To support student learning, the compulsory homework tasks in science use Seneca Learning to improve recall, understanding and accurate use of keywords.
Extra-credit homework tasks are devised to allow student's opportunity to develop literacy skills and considering science outside of lessons, including current and a wider range of topics.
To consolidate learning and prepare for assessments, students are encouraged to access websites such as bbc bitesize or consider purchasing a resource based on individual need and choice. The school shop stocks a range of CGP resources.
Past exam papers and other resources to support revision by students are made available on Firefly.
Learning & Revision Pay and collect at the main office:
Please note science GCSE courses are Pearson Edexcel
If required, CGP also sell text books, work books and answers. | |