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Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Teaching Staff
Teaching Staff
Mandi Schultz - Head of Science
Carolyn Botha-Cornew
Julia Johnson
Gordon Smith
Francesca Zanetti-Fox
Intent Statement
Intent Statement
At Cobham Free School the Key Stage 3 science curriculum provides the foundation for understanding the world through biology, chemistry and physics. Students are taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science and are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation while developing a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
We strive to support students in developing their investigative and ‘working scientifically’ skills through practical teaching and promoting a love of science through classroom discussions, extra curricular activities and trips.
At Key Stage 4 and 5, we aim to create the very best Biologists, Chemists and Physicists by challenging them to think, act and speak like those working in the field would. This is achieved through quality teaching and adhering to an established scheme of work while encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and facts and applying these to unfamiliar contexts.
Key Stage 3 - Science
Key Stage 3 - Science
Year 7
Year 7
Induction - working scientifically & lab safety
Physics:
Forces: Speed & Gravity
Electromagnets: Potential difference, resistance & current
Energy: Energy costs & Energy transfer
Waves: Sound & Light
Chemistry:
Matter: Particle model & separating mixtures
Reactions: Acid & Alkali & Metals vs Non-metals
Earth: Rocks & Universe
Biology:
Organisms: Movement & Cells
Ecosystem: Interdependence & Plant reproduction
Genes: Variation & Human reproduction
Year 8
Year 8
Physics:
Forces: Contact forces & pressure
Electromagnets: Magnetism & electromagnets
Energy: Work & Heating and cooling
Waves: Wave effects & wave properties
Chemistry:
Matter: Elements & the Periodic table.
Reactions: Types of reactions & chemical energy
Earth: Climate & Earths resources
Biology:
Organisms: Breathing & Digestion
Ecosystem: Respiration & Photosynthesis
Genes: Evolution & Inheritance
Year 9
Year 9
At Cobham Free School, Science students start their GCSE material in Year 9.
Biology:
Bioenergetics - Photosynthesis & Respiration
Infection and response - Communicable diseases
Chemistry:
Atomic structure - History of the atom and Atomic structure
Earth’s atmosphere & Earth’s resources
Physics:
Motion - Velocity & Acceleration
Energy - Conservation & Dissipation of energy
Assessments
Assessments
In lessons students will regularly be assessed using recall activities at the beginning of the lesson, exam style questions as homework and progress quizzes for revision at the end of a topic.
At Key Stage 3 students are assessed on their knowledge on each topic in the form of online tests and will complete formal written test on topics covered at least once a half term.
Key Stage 4 - Science
Key Stage 4 - Science
Option 1: Separate science (AQA 8461, 8462 & 8463)
Option 1: Separate science (AQA 8461, 8462 & 8463)
One class (26 students) will be Invited to take separate sciences based on their end of KS3 exam and year 9 exam results.
Students receive a total of 10 lessons per week to study biology, chemistry and physics and are awarded 3 separate GCSE grades.
The separate science course provides 3 GCSE grades and greater preparation for A-level science, however 50% more content is covered in the same lesson time as combined science. In addition the maths content is more, (10% in biology, 20 % in chemistry and 30% in physics) which is why we expect students to complete a higher level of independent work, have good attendance (above 96%) and an excellent attitude to learning.
Option 2: Combined science (AQA 8464)
Option 2: Combined science (AQA 8464)
All students receive a total of 10 lessons per week to study biology, chemistry and physics and are awarded 2 science GCSE grades. These grades are awarded as a combined grade on a 17 point scale from 1-1, 1-2 up to 9-9.
In both courses, students complete a minimum of 16 required practicals in lessons and 15% of exam questions are related to these.
Assessments
Assessments
In lessons students will regularly be assessed using recall activities at the beginning of the lesson, exam style questions as homework and progress quizzes for revision at the end of a topic.
At GCSE level science students sit regular ‘End of topic’ tests to assess progress throughout the three year course and also write summer exams using exam board questions. In addition Year 11 students sit formal mock exams prior to their GCSE exams.
Exams:
Exams:
Separate science students : 2 x 1 hour 45 min papers on biology, chemistry and physics
Combined science students: 2 x 1 hour 15 min papers on biology, chemistry and physics
All exams are at the end of the course (linear) and there is no coursework.
Extra-curricular opportunities
Extra-curricular opportunities
Key Stage 3 students all take part in a ‘Science club’ ECA on rotation which exposes them to investigative thinking skills. In addition, a weekly after school science club allows students to complete a ‘Crest award’ which is a national award at Bronze to Gold level.
The science department endeavours to offer students a variety of science trips including a Year 7 trip to Kings college in London to experience staining a tissue sample in the Histology department and visiting the Museum of Life Sciences. Other trips include giving students an opportunity to participate in STEM competitions / Olympiads and visiting the industries involved in engineering as part of our ‘careers in science’ provision.
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