Science
Intent Statement
The Science department at St Paul’s have a vision that every child is born a scientist, asking why and how. Teachers share their passion of science and show students the beauty and importance of science in their everyday lives. Teachers encourage students to seek answers about their world and beyond. St. Paul stated that “love is patient, love is kind” and this is how we approach our teaching of science to all our students.
Our Key Stage Three curriculum is designed to inspire students to develop their key scientific knowledge and practical skills, as well as a keen focus on guiding all students to become fluent in the language of science. We cover the National Curriculum and ensure all students have a firm grasp of concepts they will need as they progress through their Science journey at St Paul’s.
Students begin by learning the cornerstones of Scientific understanding across all three disciplines such as Cells, Atomic Structure, and Energy. These are then built upon as students’ understanding and Scientific vocabulary continues to evolve from Year 7 to Year 9. Our curriculum also builds in key opportunities to develop students’ practical skills, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers through the Scientific method.
In Year 10 our students will begin to study their GCSE’s by undertaking either the AQA Combined Science or AQA Single Science routes. Our Combined Science pathway offers opportunities to refine key transferable skills such as logical thinking, application of mathematical skills and the understanding of abstract concepts. The Single Science pathway takes this a step further and allows students to focus on more detail in all three of the Science disciplines, establishing it as the perfect route into post-16 Science study and a career within a Scientific field. Such pathways beyond St Paul’s can include A-levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics as well as BTEC study in Applied Science or Health and Social Care.
Outside of the classroom, our science students will be given the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and passion for the subject through trips and visits. These include visiting Universities to gain an insight into further study opportunities or receive exciting lectures or experiences in cutting edge Science.
Explore the Science Learning Journey
Biology/Chemistry/Physics
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr McMahon
GCSE EXAM BOARD: AQA
TEACHERS:
Mr Bowden
Combined Science
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr McMahon
GCSE EXAM BOARD: AQA
TEACHERS:
Course Outline
GCSE Combined Science emphasises scientific literacy – the knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which candidates need to engage, as informed citizens, with science-based issues. This course uses contemporary, relevant contexts of interest to candidates, which can be approached through a range of teaching and learning activities.
Course Outline
The 3 GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics emphasise scientific literacy – the knowledge and understanding of Science which candidates need to engage, as informed citizens, with science-based issues.
This course uses contemporary, relevant contexts of interest to candidates, which can be approached through a range of teaching and learning activities.
The Separate Science Course will result in students gaining 3 GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Assessment
There are six 75-minute exam papers which will result in 2 GCSE’s (GCSE Combined Science): • 2 Biology exams • 2 Chemistry exams • 2 Physics exams.
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit their exams at the end of the course at the end of Year 11.
Grading will follow the 9-1 system and as the course is worth 2 GCSE’s each student will receive a double grade (e.g. 6-5).
Assessment
There are six 105-minute exam papers which will result in 3 separate GCSEs (GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics) • 2 Biology exams • 2 Chemistry exams • 2 Physics exams.
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit their exams at the end of the course at the end of Year 11.
Grading follows the 9-1 system and each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Sixth Form: GCE A Level Biology, GCE A Level Chemistry, GCE A Level Physics
There are hundreds of science-based degrees that can be studied at University including Medicine, Engineering and Computing. The Science Sector is one of the largest and most important in the UK. In 2011, the Science Council commissioned a report that showed 20% of the workforce is employed in science roles, a total of 5.8 million people.
There are 1000’s of careers ……here are some: Doctor, Vet, Science Teacher, Astronaut, Aeronautical engineer, Biomedical engineer, Civil engineer, Chemical engineer, Electrical engineer, Petrochemical engineer, Mechanical engineer, Computational scientist, Statistician, Forensic scientist, Government scientist, Healthcare science, Inventor, Psychologist, Research fellow, Biologist, Biomedical scientist, Botanist, Herpetologist, Medical laboratory scientist. Microbiologist, Neuroscientist, Clinical pharmaceutical scientist, Zoologist, Archaeologist, Astronomer, Biochemist, Chemist, Ecologist, Oceanographer, Palaeontologist, Pathologist, Chemist, Physicist, Geologist, Petroleum geologist…….and many more
* All qualifications are subject to change following consideration of any new specifications.
Higher Education Courses/Careers
Sixth Form: GCE A Level Biology, GCE A Level Chemistry, GCE A Level Physics There are hundreds of science-based degrees that can be studied at University including Medicine, Engineering and Computing.
The Science Sector is one of the largest and most important in the UK. In 2011, the Science Council commissioned a report that showed 20% of the workforce is employed in science roles, a total of 5.8 million people.
There are 1000’s of possible careers ……here are some: Doctor, Vet, Science Teacher, Astronaut, Aeronautical engineer, Biomedical engineer, Civil engineer, Chemical engineer, Electrical engineer, Petrochemical engineer, Mechanical engineer, Computational scientist, Statistician, Forensic scientist, Government scientist, Healthcare science, Inventor, Psychologist, Research fellow, Biologist, Biomedical scientist, Botanist, Herpetologist, Medical laboratory scientist. Microbiologist, Neuroscientist, Clinical pharmaceutical scientist, Zoologist, Archaeologist, Astronomer, Biochemist, Chemist, Ecologist, Oceanographer, Palaeontologist, Pathologist, Chemist, Physicist, Geologist, Petroleum geologist…….and many more
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