Science
At Archbishop Holgate’s School we see Science as relevant and exciting. We aim to give all students the best possible preparation for a rapidly changing technological society, through a scientific awareness relevant both to the workplace and to daily life.
“Equipped with his 5 senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science”.
Edwin Hubble
Course description
In Years 7 and 8 all students follow a science curriculum designed to bridge their understanding of science with the world around them. Both Years will study a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics with Year 8 material building on Year 7. They will also have plenty of opportunity to take part in practical work to help them develop skills that will help them to succeed at Key Stage 3 and take these through to their GCSE studies.
Topics covered are similar from Year 7 into Year 8. The content, however, will be different. These topics include:
- Cells
- Electromagnetism
- Chemical Reactions
- Space
- Ecosystems
- The Earth
There are also plenty of opportunities for enrichment throughout students’ lives at Archbishop Holgate’s, including Science club and Science competitions!
Assessments
Students are assessed once per half term. They will have three skills assessments and three content assessments spread out across the year. Students will also have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge after each topic.
Ways to help my child succeed
You can help your child succeed by encouraging your child to engage with topical scientific issues through the media and discuss with them the topics that they are currently studying.
Useful websites
www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p
www.scibermonkey.org/level.asp?page=KS31.1
Science is all the stuff in the universe: from the tiniest subatomic particles in an atom of the metal in your computer’s circuits, to the nuclear reactions that made the immense ball of gas that is our sun, to the complex chemical reactions and electrical signals within your own body that allow you to read and understand these words.
“What is a scientist after all? It is a curious man looking through a keyhole, the keyhole of nature, trying to know what’s going on.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Course description
In Years 9, 10 and 11, students spend a substantial amount of their school week following the Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses. This takes a practical and investigative approach and leads to a single GCSE qualification in each of the Sciences. There are many opportunities for enrichment work and extension work. Throughout their upper school work, students are taught by members of staff with specialist topic expertise.
Exam board
AQA GCSE Biology (8461)
AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)
AQA GCSE Physics (8463)
Past papers
Biology – www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/assessment-resources
Chemistry – www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462/assessment-resources
Physics – www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463/assessment-resources
Ways to help my child succeed
Encourage your child to discuss their current work with you and to follow current scientific and technological issues and stories in the media. All assessments will require careful revision.
Useful websites
www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv
www.docbrown.info/page03/page03.htm
Science is all the stuff in the universe: from the tiniest subatomic particles in an atom of the metal in your computer’s circuits, to the nuclear reactions that made the immense ball of gas that is our sun, to the complex chemical reactions and electrical signals within your own body that allow you to read and understand these words.
“What is a scientist after all? It is a curious man looking through a keyhole, the keyhole of nature, trying to know what’s going on.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau
Course description
In Years 9, 10 and 11, students spend nearly 20% of their school week studying Combined Science: Trilogy. This course is designed to teach fundamental ideas in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course has practical and investigative approaches and leads to two GCSE grades. There are opportunities for enrichment and extension work.
Exam board
Past papers
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464/assessment-resources
Assessments
Assessment is by short test using past exam questions at the end of each topic, approximately every 4 to 5 weeks. In addition there will be formal mock exams at the end of Year 10. The final two grades are achieved through terminal assessment at the end of Year 11. It is 100% exam.
Ways to help my child succeed
Encourage your child to discuss their current work with you and to follow current scientific and technological issues and stories in the media. All assessments will require careful revision.