Science

Topics studied at KS3

We teach Key Stage 3 within two years rather than the more traditional three years. Students have nine lessons of science every two weeks and study a wide variety of units covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Topics covered in Year 7

Cells
Reproduction
Differences
Classification
Acid reactions
Particles
Elements and Compounds
Chemical reactions
Electricity and Magnetism
Energy
Forces
Space

Topics studied in Year 8

Life support
Keeping Healthy
Environment & Photosynthesis
Shaping life
Inside Materials
Metal reactions
What’s in rocks
Heating and cooling
Light
Sound
Forces

KS4:

Examination board: AQA

At KS4 students follow either the Combined Trilogy course leading to two qualifications or Separate Science course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics leading to three qualifications.

The separate science course is ideal for students who may go on to further study in a variety of science subjects and students aiming for specialised science careers. The course leads to three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Applications for separate science can be made to the Head of Department during the options selection process. The Head of Department, with the support of the classroom teacher(s) will then select the pathway which will offer the greatest chance of success for further study of science.

At Babington Academy, if students have a passion for science, we want to ensure that they achieve the grades needed for further A-Level or Vocational studies.

Topics studied at KS4:

Separate science students study the same topics but to a greater depth than students following the Combined science course.

Biology	Chemistry	Physics
Cell Biology Organisation Infection and response Bioenergetics Homeostasis and response Inheritance, variation and evolution Ecology	Atomic structure and the periodic table Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Energy changes. The rate and extent of chemical change Organic chemistry Chemical analysis Chemistry of the atmosphere Using resources.	Energy Electricity Particle model of matter Atomic structure. Forces Waves Magnetism and electromagnetism Space(Separate Physics only)

AQA GCSE Science examinations:

All GCSE Science exams are linear and will take place in the summer of year 11.

Combined trilogy: There are 6 papers: Two Biology, two chemistry and two Physics. Each paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes, marked out of 70 and worth 16.7% of the overall GCSE. Questions are a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

Separate (Triple) Science: Separate science students will undertake 2 x 1hour 45 minute papers for each of the sciences (6 papers altogether).

Trips and visits:

The Science faculty provide an extensive range of extra-curricular provision, including

STEM roadshows
University visits
STEM club
Year 11 after-school intervention sessions
Lunchtime KS3 intervention sessions
Talks by STEM ambassadors
Year 9 trip to the Big Bang fair – NEC Birmingham
There are other trips which are offered to different year groups to inspire and enthuse students as well as to demonstrate scientific concepts.

Homework

Homework is set regularly to supplement learning in school.
Ask your child if they have any homework.
Encourage your child to complete homework on time.
Remind them to put adequate effort into their homework.
Here are some websites that may help with your child’s homework.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ BBC GCSE bitesize has lots of useful revision and self testing pages for GCSE students

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/ Ideal for Key Stage 3 revision and short tests.

http://www.darvill.clara.net/ Andy Darvill’s science site has useful revision resources to help your child understand different science topics.