Science

Welcome

Science provides the foundations of understanding the world around us. Through the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that will help them to lead an interesting and successful life. Problem solving, thinking skills and decision making are so important in life and in careers within and beyond the Science sector. Through practical work students develop the ability to; collect, analyse and evaluate observed data, using tables and graphical detail accurately. Social, ethical, and environmental issues tackled in Science allow students to become more aware and better informed to make judgements and be contributing citizens.

The Science industry is only going to continue to grow as society becomes more dependent on technology. We need to adapt to our surroundings, build on theories using evidence to promote a healthy, sustainable future for all. We aim to do this through interesting and exciting methods whenever possible so that we harness the natural curiosity of our students.

Key Stage 3

Through year 7 to 9 students cover the National Curriculum in Science to develop skills and understanding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The specific topics can be found in the DCHS Science @ KS3 document.

KS3 National Curriculum (not examined) – Science Programmes of Study: Key Stage 3

Science @KS3 Y7, Y8 and Y9 2021-22

Key Stage 4

During KS4 students can study AQA Combined Science: Trilogy or AQA Biology, Chemistry or Physics GCSE. Studying three GCSE’s in Science in an option choice that students make in year 9. The topic teaching order for these routes can be found in the DCHS Science @ KS4 document.

Science @KS4 Y10 and Y11 2021-22

Key Stage 5

See specific pages for Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Assessment

Through all year groups students answer longer answer questions that are supported using a level ladder and assessed using the whole school assessment strategy (*EBI→ areas of strength and opportunity for development with time to make improvements).

Each topic is tested using exam style questions where some questions require retrieval of knowledge from previous topics in the year or previous year of study.

Each GCSE is assessed in formal exams in May/June of year 11. All students do 6 exams; 2 each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. GCSE Combined Science exams are 1 hour 15m. GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics exams are 1 hour 45m.

Examination Boards

GCSE AQA

A-Level AQA

GCSE Biology- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461

GCSE Chemistry- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462

GCSE Physics- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

GCSE Combined Science- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Resources to Support Learning

The BBC Bitesize website is a fantastic resource for Science. The following links take you directly to the relevant pages for each year group and course.

– GCSE Combined Science- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h

– GCSE Biology- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zpgcbk7

– GCSE Chemistry- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/z8xtmnb

– GCSE Physics- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zsc9rdm

Some homework will be via Educake Click here for our guide to Educake

– Educake- https://www.educake.co.uk/

– Kognity (Y11 only)- https://app.kognity.com/

– GCSE Pod- https://members.gcsepod.com/login

– KS3 Science- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p

– DCHS Science Revision Site- https://sites.google.com/dchs-alnwick.uk/sciencerevisiondchs

Careers Links

Studying Science gives students a wide range of transferable skills that employers look for in potential candidates. The Science Industry is expanding to deliver the needs of today and the future. There will continue to be a demand for a skilled Science workforce.

Students take part in Science careers lessons during careers week and link their learning to the work of real scientists.

A list of jobs in the Science Industry with further information can be found here; https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/science-and-pharmaceuticals/graduate-jobs-in-science-and-pharmaceuticals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zjb8f4j/jobs-that-use-science/1

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/science-and-research

https://www.unifrog.org/know-how/getting-in-for-stem-6-tips

https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/science/315115-choosing-a-degree-and-university-for-your-science-career

Non-graduate routes into STEM careers- https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch