There is a strong emphasis placed in our lessons on working scientifically which is a key component in the GCSE specifications. Science lessons involve students actively constructing their learning, often via practical activities. Developing our students’ analytical skills will benefit their subject understanding and they can apply these skills in their future studies.
A group of keen scientists in Year 10 represent the school at the annual Siemen’s Challenge and we take selected students to listen to eminent scientists speak at GCSE Science Live. We have invited university professors to speak to our students to inspire them to study Science further. Recent topics have been developments in stem cell research and robotics.
Physics
Practical experiments, group and pair work, individual research topics, class discussions and demonstrations.
All three Sciences are popular choices for further study at A Level, with many of our students electing to study Science or Science-related courses at some of the top universities in the country. We follow the AQA syllabus for all our KS5 qualifications. Students are offered opportunities to attend lectures and to participate in National competitions including Olympiads.
“Life, The Universe and Everything”. Physics is the study of why everything is the way it is and how the Universe works. A level Physics begins to explore the fundamental workings of the world around us, from the particles that make up all matter to the forces involved in the Big Bang, taking in the bizarre possibilities of Quantum physics along the way.
Topic 1: Particles and radiation
Topic 2: Waves
Topic 3: Mechanics and materials
Topic 4: Electricity
Topic 5: Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Topics 1 – 5 are taught in Year 12. Also in Year 12 students complete 6 required practicals. These will be assessed in public examinations.
Topic 6: Fields and their consequences
Topic 7: Nuclear Physics
Topic 8: Optional Topic: Astrophysics; Medical Physics; Engineering Physics; Electronics; Turing Point in Physics
Topics 6 – 9 are taught in Year 13. Also in Year 13 students complete six more required practicals. These will be assessed in public examinations.
