Richmond School
School Departments | Science
SCIENCE
Key Stage Three
In Year 7 and 8 we introduce our students to secondary science through our own theme-based topics. These have been developed within the department and draws on the years of experience we have in delivering engaging and challenging lessons whilst encompassing new developments in the teaching and learning of science. The topics we teach are:
• James Cook Hospital
• Forensics
• Going to Another Planet
• Safari
• Sports
• Food Festival
• Richmond Live
• Sustainable Living
These 8 topics are designed to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum for Science and use the Assessing Pupils Progress (APP) method of assessment. This allows our students to monitor their development of the key science skills which are:
1. Thinking scientifically
2. Understanding the application and implications of science
3. Teamwork and communication skills in science
4. How to design and carry out good investigations
5. How to evaluate data and evidence and how to refine and improve our way of working
Students track their development of these skills and are regularly set tasks to see how they are progressing. We focus on real world examples to set science in context and we encourage our students to research and present information themselves. Many of our lessons involve group work activities designed to develop collaborative learning and interpersonal skills.
Above all we aim to deliver a science programme that stimulates and engages our learners, preparing them with the knowledge and skills they will need to progress onto the GCSE science course in Year 9.
GCSE Science
Awarding body: OCR (21st Century Science)
In Year 9 all of our students start on the GCSE Science course. We follow the OCR 21st Century Science specification which we feel provides the right mixture of traditional scientific concepts brought to life using real examples of how science influences our modern lives.
GCSE Science aims to enhance scientific literacy and lead to better public understanding of science. It helps students make sense of the science they encounter in everyday life and appreciate what it can tell them about themselves, the environment and the Universe.
• In the Biology units you learn about genes and gene technology, infections and health risks, the environment and evolution.
• In the Chemistry units we study fuels and air pollutants, materials and their properties, extracting minerals and using chemicals sustainably.
• In the Physics units we look at the earth and the universe, electromagnetic radiation and global warming, energy and its generation.
These units are taught by two teachers in Year 9. In Year 10 you have the choice of pursuing the GCSE Additional Science qualification, the ‘Triple’ award qualification where you get one GCSE each in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or you may choose the BTEC route.
GCSE Additional Science
Awarding body: OCR (21st Century Science)
We complete the GCSE Science course started in Year 9 and then progress onto the GCSE Additional Science course in Year 10, which we finish in Year 11. The course is taught by two teachers.
GCSE Additional Science uses different contexts to relate science concepts to their applications. Focusing on scientific explanations and models, it gives students an insight into how scientists help develop our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. GCSE Additional Science provides distinctive and relevant experience for students who wish to progress to Level 3 qualifications.
• In the Biology units we study chemical reactions in living organisms and energy transfer, growth and control of development, the brain and the nervous system.
• In the Chemistry units we look at chemical patterns and the properties of elements, the atmosphere and metals, chemical synthesis and the uses of chemicals.
• In Physics we study forces and motion, electric circuits and electric motors, radioactive materials and their uses.
Triple Award GCSE (GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics)
Awarding body: OCR (21st Century Science)
The course is taught by three teachers and leads to three GCSE qualifications at the end of it.
Studying GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics provides the opportunity to further develop understanding of scientific explanations, how science works, and aspects of science relevant to scientific careers. It is particularly useful for students wishing to study Science A Levels as it leads to a deeper understanding of the broad range of key scientific concepts that will be met in A level Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
You study the same content as the Additional Science GCSE but you do an extra unit in each of the three sciences.
• In GCSE Biology you also study movement and exercise, circulation, energy balance, ecosystems and new technologies.
• In GCSE Chemistry you also study green chemistry, homologous groups, energy changes in chemistry, reversible reactions and analysis.
• In GCSE Physics you also study light telescopes, mapping the universe, the Sun and the astronomy community.
BTEC Level 2 – Applied Science
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Some students may feel that a Science GCSE may not be right for them. For these students we offer a BTEC Level 2 qualification in Applied Science. The BTEC Level 2 Applied Science course covers all of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Science, but there are key differences in the way the course is delivered and how it is assessed compared to the Science GCSE.
When studying the BTEC way, progress is measured throughout the course, allowing student to gauge their own performance on a continuing basis, just like in a real workplace. Students can see their own progress through the course rather than waiting to the end to sit an exam. For some learners, the BTEC route with all work assessed through the year and no final exams could be the better option than the more traditional GCSE alternative.
In Year 10 we complete the 15-credit Level 2 Certificate which is a work-related qualification in science. The Certificate offers a practical, hands-on approach to learning Science. Students have to undertake three units for which they present evidence, based on actual work and studies. This allows them to demonstrate their skill and knowledge.
In Year 11 we add to the work produced in year 10 to complete the 30-credit Level 2 Extended Certificate. This extends the work-related focus from Year 10 allowing students to demonstrate further skills and knowledge.
Continuous assessment
Students may be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction depending on the work they produce across the two years. The Extended Certificate is broadly equivalent to two GCSEs.
Biology AS/A2
Awarding Body: AQA
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either...
The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology... and the work they do is vital to us all.
AS level
• Unit 1 – Biology and Disease
• Unit 2 – The Variety of Living Organisms
• Unit 3 – Investigative and practical skills
In the first year you will have a 75 minute paper on ‘Biology and disease’ which accounts for 17% of your total A Level marks and a 105 minute paper on ‘The variety of living organisms’ which accounts for 23% of your total A Level marks. You will also carry out a practical assignment which will account for 10% of your A Level marks.
A2 level
• Unit 4 – Populations and Environment
• Unit 5 – Control in Cells and in Organisms
• Unit 6 – Investigative and practical skills
In year two you sit a 90 minute paper on ‘Populations and environment’ which will accounts for 17% of your total A Level marks and a 135 minute paper on ‘Control in cells and organisms’ which will account for 23% of your A Level marks. The A2 practical assignment accounts for 10% of your A Level marks.
Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.
To be successful you will need two Science GCSE passes at grade B or above (including Additional Science) or a GCSE Biology pass at B grade or above. In addition to this we expect student to have Maths and English GCSE passes at grade C and above.
Chemistry AS/A2
Awarding Body: AQA
If you enjoyed chemistry at GCSE, you’ll love this AS/A2 level course. In two years that will fly by you’ll get a real in-depth knowledge of this fascinating subject, preparing you for further education or giving you the credentials to enhance your job options straight away.
Chemists have greatly improved the quality of life for the majority of people. Our A Level course is underpinned by the practical skills that we call ‘How Science Works’. You also find out how chemists are real innovators, designing solutions to the problems that affect modern life.
AS level
• Unit 1 – Atomic structure, periodicity, organic chemistry.
• Unit 2 – Kinetics, alkenes, analytical techniques.
• Unit 3 – Investigative and practical skills
In the first year you’ll have a 75 minute written paper on Unit 1 (33% of your year marks) and a 105 minute paper on Unit 2 (47% of your year marks). The remaining 20% of your marks for the year are awarded for the Unit 3 practical work. A pass in year one is recognised with an AS level. Half your marks are carried forward to the second year as a credit.
A2 level
• Unit 4 – Equilibria, polymers, aromatic chemistry
• Unit 5 – Thermodynamics, energetics, inorganic chemistry
• Unit 6 – Investigative and practical skills
In the second year you’ll have a 105 minute paper on Unit 4 (40% of your year marks) and a 105 minute paper on Unit 2 (40% of your year marks). The remaining 20% of your marks for the year are awarded for the Unit 6 practical work. Half your year two marks are added to half your year one marks... and a pass is recognised with a prestigious A Level.
Chemistry is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, nursing, biochemistry, dentistry or forensic science. It will also equip you for a career in industry, for example in the petrochemical or pharmaceutical industries.
To be successful you will need two Science GCSE passes at grade B or above (including Additional Science) or a GCSE Chemistry pass at B grade or above. In addition to this we expect student to have a Maths GCSE at grade B or above, and GCSE English at grade C or above.
Physics AS/A2
Awarding body: AQA
Science helps us make sense of the natural world. Physics examines the most fundamental questions: What are the particles that matter is made of? What holds them together? What are space and time? In the course you will meet strange new theories like relativity and quantum mechanics. You might deal with familiar applications, medical physics, car engines, nuclear power, or speculate about the origins of the universe. Physicists need to be curious about how things work and to be adaptable and enjoy challenges.
A Physics A-Level is excellent preparation for further study in physics and natural sciences, and other science based courses, such as material science, engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine. Even if you decide that you don't want to work in any physics-related industry, the skills and knowledge that you develop by studying physics will help you in whichever area you go into.
AS level
• Unit 1 – Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity
• Unit 2 – Mechanics, materials and waves
• Unit 3 – Investigative and practical skills in AS Physics
In the first year you will have three assessments. Units 1 and 2 are 75 minute written papers, each of which accounts for 20% of your A-Level mark. Unit 3 is a practical assessment, the skills for which you will develop during the study of units 1 and 2. Unit 3 accounts for 10% of the A-level marks.
A2 level
• Unit 4 – Fields and further mechanics
• Unit 5 – Turning points in physics (discovering the electron, relativity and quantum physics)
• Unit 6 – Investigative and practical skills in A2 physics
Assessment in year two is almost identical to year one. Units 4 and 5 are 105 minute written exams, each contributing 20% to the A-Level total. Unit 6 is another practical assessment which provides the final 10% of the marks for the A-Level.
To be successful you will need two Science GCSE passes at grade B or above (including Additional Science) or a GCSE Physics pass at B grade or above. In addition to this we expect student to have a Maths GCSE at grade B or above, and GCSE English at grade C or above.
Science in Society AS/A2
Awarding body: AQA
Science in Society is a qualification designed to develop the knowledge and skills that are needed for students to understand how science works, analyse contemporary issues involving science and technology and communicate their scientific appreciation and understanding to others.
Some students who choose predominantly Arts or Humanities A-level subjects wish to study a Science A-level to balance their choices. For many of these students, Science in Society is the best choice. The course is designed to develop interest and engagement in science by focusing on How Science Works skills. It does this by developing broad scientific principles and applying these to a range of issues.
Topics covered in Science in Society include:
AS level
• Disease and infection
• Transport issues
• Ethical issues in medicine
• Reproductive choices
• Radiation: risks and uses
• Lifestyle and health
• Evolution
• The universe
• Who are we and where we are: Are we alone?
A2 level
• Cells, chemicals and the mind
• Nature and nurture
• Watching the brain working
• Responding to global climate change
• Energy futures
• Sustaining the variety of life on Earth
At AS and A2 you’ll be assessed by taking a paper that will cover the skills and knowledge you have explored through various issues. Each paper accounts for 60% of your marks for the year. At AS, your research report and account of reading is assessed by your teacher, at A2 you will do a case study in an exam paper. These parts will account for 40% of your marks for the year.
To be successful on the course you will need two or three Science GCSE passes at grade C or above. You will also need C grades for GCSE English and Maths.
Contact Information
All staff can be contacted by telephone on (01748) 850111 or email admin@richmondschool.net:
Mr R Haye – Lead Teacher in Science
Ms S Pike – Assistant Lead Teacher in Science
Mrs C Eastwood – Teacher with Responsibility in Science
Miss K Dowling
Dr J Eastwood
Mr G Greening
Mrs A Hope
Mr J Raper
Mr K Sandell
Mr R Sharp
Mrs A Singh
Mrs A Snape
Mrs N Walker
Mr P Hunt – Senior Science Technician
Mrs A Fawcett – Senior Science Technician
Mrs B Price – Senior Science Technician
Mrs C Gayton – Science Technician