Introduction
Welcome to the Faculty of Science.
We have a staff comprising of thirteen teachers, three technicians and a teaching assistant. Amongst the team there are specialist teachers in the three traditional Sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics and teachers with experience of various aspects of Applied Science. This is reflected in the courses offered at GCSE and Post 16.The broad spectrum of staff specialisms coupled with a high level of ICT skills have led to a Science curriculum that encompasses a range of learning styles and encourages students to develop skills that encourage them to examine the world around them.
In response to the abolition of Key Stage 3 SATS exams, the Faculty has designed a new course. In the first term of Year 9 there is a focus on practical and research skills, development of the skills associated with experiment design and reporting. The new course has an emphasis on how Science is relevant to students lives and the philosophy associated with ‘How Science Works’.
Most students complete two GCSE’s in Science over the course of years 10 and 11. Since 2006 students have had the option of studying the three separate sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE and this has become increasing popular over the last three years, with the number of students taking this option doubling over the last three years. As a consequence there has been a substantial increase in the number of students going on to study the Sciences further at Post 16.
Year 9
The new course for the first term is designed to develop students skills in a number of areas that prepare them for GCSE.
The activities include:
Researching a scientific question (a key component of GCSE Core Science coursework)
Strategically planning to test a scientific idea, collecting relevant data, analysis and evaluation of the data collected.
Examine key ideas in science
Study the way that scientific discoveries have led to an understanding of the world around us and how this is relevant to us in our everyday lives.
The course is designed around the new Assessing Pupils Progress framework which replaces the SATS exams and aims to assess students’ skills in a number of key areas.
At the end of the first term students will begin the Core Science GCSE.
Core Science
The course aims to develop scientific literacy. There are two main strands:
• key science explanations which help us to make sense of our lives
• ideas about science which show how science works.
This course views science from the perspective of a member of the public and is taught in the context of topics of current and cultural interest. Future scientists will also benefit from learning about how science works.
The GCSE is divided into 9 modules split equally over the three area of science and assessed through examination (66.6%) and two pieces of centre assessed work; a ‘Case Study’ and ‘Data Analysis’ (33.3%).
Additional Science
Additional Science features science for scientists. It prepares students for progression to study AS and A-levels in the sciences. By giving more emphasis and space to more fundamental ideas in the sciences, it provides a stimulating, preparation for more advanced study.
The GCSE is divided into 9 modules split equally over the three area of science and assessed through examination (66.6%) and a single piece of coursework which accounts for the final assessment (33.3%).
In year 9 students can select to study the three separate sciences at Key Stage 4. This requires students to study all the material in Core and Additional Science along with extra material related to topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The additional units are designated Unit 7 and encompass ideas related to topics in each separate science.
B7 Further Biology: Biology across the ecosystem
• Living organisms are interdependent - energy flow through ecosystems. Soil.
• Photosynthesis - importance of photosynthesis in the food chain.
• Heterotrophic nutrition - symbiosis and commensalisms. Parasites.
• New technologies - DNA technologies; social, ethical and economic implications.
• Respiration - respiration and exercise.
• Circulation - components of blood; blood types; the circulation system.
• Skeletal systems - skeletal system; health and fitness.
C7 Further Chemistry: Chemistry for a sustainable world
• Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters. Organic molecules and functional groups; alcohols; carboxylic acids; esters.
• Energy changes in Chemistry. Why are there energy changes during chemical reactions?
• Reversible reactions and equilibria - introducing dynamic equilibrium
• Analysis - analytical procedures; chromatography; quantitative analysis
• Green Chemistry - the chemical industry; the characteristics of green Chemistry; making ethanol.
P7 Further Physics: Observing the Universe
• Observing the sky with the naked eye - stars, planets and satellites.
• How does a telescope work? Making a real image with a converging lens and the use of a second lens to create a telescope.
• What are the objects we see in the night sky and how far are they? Spectra and brightness of stars; parsec; Cepheid variables; Hubble constant.
• What are stars? Birth and death of stars; nuclear processes.
• How do astronomers work together?
Post 16 Courses
At Post 16 level four courses are offered. AS/A2 Applied Science, AS/A2 Biology, AS/A2 Chemistry, AS/A2 Physics.
This range of Advanced level courses offers academic or applied routes to higher education. The number of students studying one or more Post 16 Science course has increased over the last three years. Many of the students have been inspired to continue to study Science related subjects at University and frequently return to Q.E. or stay in contact to share their experiences.
Level
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AS/A2 Applied Science (AQA)
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Entry Requirement
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3
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The AQA GCE Applied Science course will allow you to study how science is applied in many different types of professions and industries. The focus of the course is scientific usage, concentrating on how scientists and others use science in their work. During the course you will be given the opportunity to visit scientific workplaces and meet people who use science on a daily basis. You will also learn how science contributes to our lifestyle and the environment in which we live. The course is designed to allow you to spend a considerable amount of your time in the laboratory, working on the kind of practical projects that may be undertaken by employees working in science-based industries.
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Unit Title
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Weighting
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Nature of Assessment
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AS Units
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Investigating science at work
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33%
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Portfolio
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Energy Transfer Systems
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33%
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Examination
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Finding out about substances
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33%
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Portfolio
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A2 Units
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Planning and carrying out scientific investigation
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33%
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Portfolio
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One from:
Medical Physics
Controlling Chemical processes
The healthy body
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33%
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Examination
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Ecology, conservation and recycling
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33%
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Portfolio
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What could I do next?
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The qualification allows for a number of progression routes:
• Higher Education: the Advanced awards provide a sound basis for progression to a range of HE courses, e.g. biochemical science, chemistry, food technology, human physiology, materials science, medical physics, nursing, sports science or any science based course.
• Employment: the specification aims to maintain and support the recognised standards demanded for science education and training in order to meet the requirements of various science sectors: chemical industry, health care, leisure and associated industries, medical and laboratory based science, food and catering industries.
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Who should I contact for some more information?
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Course code(s)
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Mr M Howard
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mhoward@qe.dorset.sch.uk
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8771,8776
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Level
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AS/A2 Biology (AQA)
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Entry Requirement
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3
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Why study Biology?
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Students develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works, they will learn to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Students will be able to participate in day trips and fieldwork.
This Biology course has proved to be both popular and successful in terms of the number of students achieving or exceeding their MEG, especially at A2, and is complementary and overlaps with other courses.
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Unit Title
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Weighting
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Nature of Assessment
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AS Units
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Unit 1 (BIOL 1)
Biology and disease
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33.33% of total AS marks
16.67% of total A-level marks
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1¼ hour examination paper (100 UMS) (60 raw marks)
5 – 7 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions.
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Unit 2 (BIOL 2)
The variety of living organisms
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46.67% of total AS marks
23.33% of total A-level marks
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1¾ hour examination paper (140 UMS) (85 raw marks)
7 – 9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions.
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Unit 3 (BIOL 3x)
Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology
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20% of the total AS marks
10% of total A level marks
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Externally marked route (50 raw marks/60 UMS)
Practical skills verification (PSV) +
Externally marked practical assignment, EMPA (50 raw marks)
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A2 Units
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Unit 4 (BIOL 4)
Populations and environment
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16.67% of total A-level marks
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1½ hour examination paper (100 UMS) (75 raw marks)
6 – 9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
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Unit 5 (BIOL 5)
Control in cells and in organisms
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23.33% of total A-level marks
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2¼ hour examination paper (140 UMS) (100 raw marks)
8 – 10 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions
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Unit 6 (BIOL 6x)
Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology
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10% of total
A-level marks
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Externally marked route (50 raw marks/60 UMS)
Practical skills verification (PSV) +
Externally marked practical assignment, EMPA (50 raw marks)
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What could I do next?
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Degree level courses in Biology related disciplines such as Applied Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Conservation or Scientific Law, Forensic Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biomedical Sciences
Employment with Environmental agencies, laboratory work, e.g. research & development or quality control or veterinary assistants.
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Who should I contact for some more information?
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Course code(s)
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Mr S Acton
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sacton@qe.dorset.sch.uk
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2410
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Level
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AS/A2 Chemistry (AQA)
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Entry Requirement
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3
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Why study Chemistry?
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Advanced level Chemistry students complete a course that builds upon Science at Key Stage 4, developing thinking and practical skills with new experiences and ideas. Chemistry can be taken as part of a diverse combination of post-16 studies for students that are yet to finalise their route into Further Education or as part of a Science focused combination to lead on to greater specialisation within the discipline. Chemistry meets the needs of all students providing the stretch and challenge needed to stimulate the high achievers, whilst offering centre assessed coursework with ‘can-do’ activities for practical skills that link to the curriculum to support learning so that students can meet and exceed their target grades.
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Unit Title
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Weighting
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Nature of Assessment
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AS Units
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Foundation Chemistry
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16 2/3 %
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Written paper, 1 1/4 hours
70 marks, 100 UMS
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Chemistry in Action
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22 2/3 %
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Written paper, 1 3/4 hours
100 marks, 140 UMS
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Investigative and practical skills in AS Chemistry
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10%
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AS Centre-Assessed Unit (50 marks/60 UMS)
Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA – 38 marks)
Practical Skills Assessment (PSA – 12 marks)
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A2 Units
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Kinetics, equilibria and organic Chemistry
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20%
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Written paper, 1 3/4 hours
100 marks, 120 UMS
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Energetics, redox and inorganic Chemistry
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20%
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Written paper, 1 3/4 hours
100 marks, 120 UMS
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Investigative and practical skills in A2 Chemistry
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10%
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AS Centre-Assessed Unit (50 marks/60 UMS)
Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA – 38 marks)
Practical Skills Assessment (PSA – 12 marks)
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What could I do next?
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Chemistry at Advanced GCE is a prerequisite for many courses in Higher Education and for many areas of employment. It is also a long-established and respected qualification that can allow progression into a number of career areas. The AS GCE provides for candidates who may wish to follow a chemistry course for only one year in order to broaden their curriculum.
Many universities and employers value the strengths of the ‘broader student’. Other
candidates will progress for a further year extending their course to Advanced GCE. Such a course serves the needs of candidates desiring to progress into further or higher education to follow courses in chemistry, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge and understanding of chemistry would be useful.
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Who should I contact for some more information?
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Course code(s)
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1421/2421
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Level
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AS/A2 Physics (AQA)
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Entry Requirement
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3
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Why study Physics?
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Physics is a highly regarded, rigorous and academic course with clear progressions and a multitude of eventual careers. It is a massively versatile course with students demonstrating logical and analytical thought processes, numeracy, information technology skills, organisation and the ability to see straight to the heart of a problem. These skills are widely transferable and are part of the reason why Physics is such a highly regarded qualification. Physics offers a broad and deep insight into the functioning of the universe on length scales ranging from particles within a single proton up to the expansion and subsequent evolution of the universe since the beginning of time. It is this unique experience of scale that physics can offer from within the classroom.
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Unit Title
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Weighting
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Nature of Assessment
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AS Units
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Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
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20% each
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Written Examination
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Mechanics, Materials and Waves
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Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics
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10%
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Practical Skills assessment and Investigative Skills Assessment
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A2 Units
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Fields and Further Mechanics
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20% each
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Written Examination
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Nuclear and Thermal Physics
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PHYA6 – Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics
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10%
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Practical Skills assessment and Investigative Skills Assessment
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What could I do next?
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Physics, Engineering or Mathematics Higher Education opportunities and careers in Management, Financial sector, Academic Research, Journalism or Broadcasting, Education, Industrial or Military Research.
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Who should I contact for some more information?
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Dr C Hillman
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chillman@qe.dorset.sch.uk
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Contact details
Mr M Howard, Head of Science mhoward@qe.dorset.sch.uk
Mr S Acton, Teacher of Biology sacton@qe.dorset.sch.uk