This month in Science: July

July in Science is a time to celebrate and not only just the weather! With the completion of the Year 10 and 11 GCSE’s we are now focussing on the fantastic things we can do in Science. The wonderful weather allows us to explore nature and get outside more with our lessons, resulting in many more photosynthesis investigations, outdoor demonstrations and bottle rocket launches!

Mr Ghosh’s STEM Club have completed their paperwork for their CREST award and are now conducting their own explosive investigations complete with a colossal amount of toothpaste for an elephant. With the end of exams comes the end of Mrs Germain’s revision club which, while they are pleased exams are over, will be sorely missed by her students! A huge thank you to Mrs Germain and her massive efforts this year with her students. Ms Bartoszek’s club is also coming to an end this time as our year 10’s are now off on work experience. Many students have had a wonderful time creating their own bath bombs and lipsticks and have also sent off their paperwork for their CREST awards.

We welcome our brand-new year 7’s for a few days in July to discuss and have some new lessons in Science. This year’s theme is “The lion, the witch and the wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. We are very excited to welcome our new students and excited for them to start next year!

We’ve given you a practical this time in hope for good weather! If we don’t get it then this one may not work as well so this really is a shot in the dark!

We here in Science wish you an outstanding summer break and if you are joining us next year we can’t wait to welcome you to our wonderful school.

Sunshine Absorbency 

Proverbs 6:8 “Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.”

Science

Intent:

To develop learners who can:

• Promote the natural inquisitiveness, enthusiasm, passion and creative talents of students learning.

• Be reflective learners who are able to set their own learning goals and reflect on their own progress.

• Be curious and creative in lessons.

• Understand the contribution science makes to society.

• Have a passion to pursue STEM subjects and careers.

Implementation:

• A curriculum which implements inquiry skills which can be applied to investigations

• A curriculum that gives pupils a wide range of practical experiences.

• A practical based curriculum where students develop group work skills.

Outcomes

GCSE Combined Science

Year Grade 9-4 % Grade 9-5 % Grade 9-7%

2019 50.0 21.0 1.2

2020 (CAG) 78.7 41.8 4.1

2021 (TAG) 78.8 47.8 13.5

GCSE Biology

Year Grade 9-4 % Grade 9-5 % Grade 9-7%

2019 98.7 76.9 29.5

2020 (CAG) 100 98.6 34.3

2021* (CAG) 100 100 30.9

*Qualification taken during year 10 and awarded grade via CAG system (GCSE Biology is studied in year 10 since 2020, prior to this GCSE Physics was taken as early entry)

GCSE Chemistry

Year Grade 9-4 % Grade 9-5 % Grade 9-7%

2019 92.3 76.9 26.9

2020 (CAG) 100 98.6 30.0

2021 (TAG) 100 100 34.5

GCSE Physics

Year Grade 9-4 % Grade 9-5 % Grade 9-7%

2019* 94.9 74.4 17.9

2020** 98.6 80.0 15.7

2021 (TAG) 100 96.4 52.7

* Qualification taken early during year 10

*Qualification taken early during year 10 before CAG grade system (Final year of early entry GCSE Physics)

Science Clubs

STEM

STEM Club is for Y7 and 8 students every Thursday 3:15-4pm to explore various Scientific investigations, chosen by students themselves.

This year we have done 2 major investigations:
Researching the ingredients in fizzy drinks and how to make our own fizzy drinks too! Once the students formulated their own recipe, they made their own fizzy drink, which they tasted to great satisfaction!

The second project involved growing their own herbs in the Lab.

This required the students to find out about different edible plants, mainly herbs, their growing conditions and requirements. They then came up with best method for growing them in the Lab using the resources provided.

They managed to grow common plants, including barley, wheat, salad greens, thyme, cress and basil. They monitored the conditions and measured their growth (height & leaves) which allowed them to draw graphs to reach conclusions about the ideal conditions for optimum growth.

They also got to take the herbs home and use it in their cooking! We have submitted this project on plants for the Bronze CREST award, a prestigious STEM award, which has been approved and they should be receiving this certificate soon! We will be doing more exciting projects next year and will try to achieve the Silver CREST award. CREST awards are recognised by colleges as worthwhile achievement to show commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, so complements the GCSEs students will achieve by the end of Y11.

Cosmetic club

Cosmetic Club is for currently for year 10 students every Thursday! Ms Bartoszek aims to show students a different side of science by sharing her passion and knowledge about Cosmetic Chemistry. Y10’s are formulating their own bath bombs and lip products using the same ingredients and technology as real cosmetics producers, as well as facing the same challenges as first-time manufacturers. They learn how to create a long-lasting fizz and make sure they don’t accidentally turn any bath bomb enthusiast a different colour! This club also includes the CREST Award which provides a scientific challenge. As part of creating a great cosmetic product, students need to consider their packaging and manufacturing/transporting aspect as well. Completing CREST projects will enhance their future college, university and work applications and it’s definitely worth the extra time!

Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9)

Year 7  

Students will complete a short introductory unit followed by twelve full length units.  

Introductory Unit: 

Working Safely in a Lab – An introduction on how to work in laboratory. Here we learn how to use new equipment safely in a laboratory setting.

Biology Units (7A-7D): 

Cells, Tissues - Organs and Systems – In this unit we learn about all life from the smallest to the largest, and how this builds up into a human body.

Sexual Reproduction in Animals – In this unit we teach about how animal life begins and the different ways fertilisation can occur. 

Muscles and Bones – In this unit we learn about how the body systems work in synergy with each other to make sure we are functioning correctly.

Ecosystems- In this unit we learn about the natural world and how we rely on it as much as it relies on us as well as what effects we have on it.

Chemistry Units (7E - 7H): 

Mixtures and Separation – In this unit we learn about the different types of mixtures, how to put them together and how we separate them again.

Acids and Alkalis – In this unit we explore the roles of acidic and alkaline substances both in the natural world and in the household.

The Particle Model – In this unit we learn how particles make up all things and how their arrangement changes from solids to liquids to gases. 

Atoms, Elements and Compounds - In this unit we discover the basic building blocks of the universe and how they make the substances we use every day.

Physics Units (7I - 7L): 

Energy – In this unit we learn about how energy flows around us in different forms and how humans transfer energy for our own use as fuels. 

Current Electricity – In this unit we begin talking about the basics of electricity, learning new keywords like current, potential difference and resistance. 

Forces – In this unit we expand on KS2 teaching of forces including: types of forces, friction, pressure and how we can calculate forces.

Sound- In this unit we uncover how sound travels in air, solids and liquids as well as discovering how humans use sound to aid us in our work. 

Year 8  

Students will study twelve units throughout the year. 

Biology Units (8A-8D):

Food and Nutrition – In this unit we work closely with the P.E.

department to expand on the food plate, reading food labels and testing for nutrients.  

Plants and Reproduction – In this unit we broaden previous work on plants to look at what these plant structures do and how they assist in seed dispersal and fertilisation. 

Breathing and Respiration – In this unit we focus on the key differences of respiration and breathing, the different types of respiration and how the lungs are adapted to their function. 

Unicellular Organisms - In this unit we focus on the smallest organisms form Bacteria to Yeast, what they do and how they were discovered.  

Chemistry Units (8E-8H):  

Combustion – In this unit we expand on the uses of combustion in science in the context of the Earth, reactions and how combustion is affecting current events. 

The Periodic Table – In this unit we discover the history of the atom and the Periodic table. We go on to learn how we read the periodic table and the trends of it. 

Metals and Their Uses – In this unit we develop ideas on the properties of metals vs non-metals, their uses and how metals have changed through time. 

Rocks- In this unit we work closely with the Geography department to widen our view on rocks and what they can tell us about the history of the Earth.  

Physics Units (8I-8L):  

Fluids – In this unit we learn about liquids and gases, atmospheric and deep-sea pressures as well as how we use floating and sinking to our advantage.  

Light – In this unit we broaden ideas about how light travels and how we see the world around us with key focuses on the eye and how we see light.

Energy Transfers – In this unit we look at how we transfer heat to substances in different ways. We also look at how we insulate homes to lower energy bills. 

Earth and Space - In this unit we see all aspects of space starting with simple navigation using stars and constellations to then finish with looking at satellites and an expanding universe.  

Year 9  

Students will study twelve units throughout the year.  

Biology Units (9A-9D): 

Genetics and Evolution – In this unit we start to begin setting up for KS4 units while looking at the links between extinction, evolution and variation. 

Plant Growth – In this unit we continue to build for KS4 by further deepening our learning on plant structures and photosynthesis. 

Biology Revision and Projects – In this unit we will discuss and design a biological project to complete in our lessons, finishing with concluding our findings. 

Biology Transition to GCSE - In this unit we focus on key concepts travelling through all of KS4 including human transport systems and diseases.

Chemistry Units (9E-9H):

Making Materials – In this unit we discuss the properties and uses of key materials in life including Ceramics, polymers and composites. 

Reactivity – In this unit we broaden our look at chemical reactions and why some elements are more reactive than others, as well as looking at how these reactions are useful to us. 

Chemistry Revision and Projects – In this unit we will discuss and design a chemistry project to complete in our lessons, finishing with concluding our findings.

Chemistry Transition to GCSE. – In this unit we focus on the key concepts of Chemistry during GCSE including reactions, bonding and the use of modern materials. 

Physics Units (9I-9L):  

Forces and Motion – In this unit we look at how forces shape motion and what laws control it, we begin to look at speed calculations and levers also. 

Force Fields and Electromagnets – In this unit we discover the true force fields and the different types of them as well as beginning to look at magnets and their many uses. 

Physics Revision and Projects – In this unit we will discuss and design a Physics project to complete in our lessons, finishing with concluding our findings.

Physics Transition to GCSE - In this unit we focus on the key concepts of Physics during GCSE including the use of equations, magnetism and energy transfers. 

Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11)  

Exam board – Pearson Edexcel

Most students will complete GCSE Combined Science. For Triple Science (3 separate Science GCSEs), please scroll down…

GCSE Combined Science (1SC0)

All examinations are completed at the end of Year 11 (6 exam papers - each worth 16.67%). A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examinations. All papers to be completed at either Foundation tier grades 1-1 to 5-5 or Higher tier grades 4-4 to 9-9.

Paper 1: Biology – Key Concepts in Biology - Cells and Control - Genetics - Natural Selection and Genetic Modification - Health, Disease and the Development of Medicine (1SC0/1BF, 1SC0/1BH) 

Paper 2: Biology – Key Concepts in Biology - Plant Structures and Their Functions - Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis - Exchange and Transport in Animals - Ecosystems and Material Cycles (1SC0/2BF, 1SC0/2BH) 

Paper 3: Chemistry – Key Concepts in Chemistry - States of Matter and Mixtures - Chemical Changes - Extracting Metals and Equilibria (1SC0/1CF, 1SC0/1CH)

Paper 4: Chemistry – Key Concepts in Chemistry - Groups in the Periodic Table - Rates of Reaction and Energy Changes - Fuels and Earth Science (1SC0/2CF, 1SC0/2CH)

Paper 5: Physics – Key Concepts of Physics, Motion and Forces - Conservation of Energy - Waves - Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum – Radioactivity (1SC0/1PF, 1SC0/1PH) 

Paper 6: Physics – Key Concepts of Physics - Energy - Forces Doing Work - Forces and Their Effects - Electricity and Circuits - Magnetism and the Motor Effect - Electromagnetic Induction - Particle Model - Forces and Matter (1SC0/2PF, 1SC0/2PH) 


Triple Science
3 separate GCSE’s covering concepts in greater detail.

GCSE Biology (1BI0)
Examinations completed at the end of Year 10 (2 exam papers - each worth 50%). A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examinations. All papers to be completed at either Foundation tier grades 1 to 5 or Higher tier grades 4 to 9.

Paper 1: Biology – Key Concepts in Biology - Cells and Control - Genetics - Natural Selection and Genetic Modification - Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines (1BI0/1F or 1BI0/1H) 

Paper 2: Biology – Key Concepts in Biology -Plant Structures and Their Functions - Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis - Exchange and Transport in Animals - Ecosystems and Material Cycles (1BI0/2F or 1BI0/2H) 

GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)
Examinations completed at the end of Year 11 (2 exam papers - each worth 50%). A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examinations. All papers to be completed at either Foundation tier grades 1 to 5 or Higher tier grades 4 to 9.

Paper 1: Chemistry – Key Concepts in Chemistry - States of Matter and Mixtures - Chemical Changes - Extracting Metals and Equilibria - Separate Chemistry 1 (1CH0/1F or 1CH0/1H)

Paper 2: Chemistry – Key Concepts in Chemistry - Groups in the Periodic Table - Rates of Reaction and Energy Changes - Fuels and Earth Science - Separate Chemistry 2 (1CH0/2F or 1CH0/2H)

GCSE Physics (1PH0)
Examinations completed at the end of Year 11. (2 exam papers - each worth 50%). A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. Calculators may be used in the examinations. All papers to be completed at either Foundation tier grades 1 to 5 or Higher tier grades 4 to 9.

Paper 1: Physics – Key Concepts of Physics - Motion and Forces - Conservation of Energy - Waves - Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum - Radioactivity – Astronomy (1PH0/1F or 1PH0/1H) 

Paper 2: Physics – Key Concepts of Physics - Energy - Forces Doing Work - Forces and Their Effects - Electricity and Circuits - Static Electricity - Magnetism and the Motor Effect - Electromagnetic Induction - Particle Model - Forces and Matter (1PH0/2F or 1PH0/2H) 

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