Science
Head of Department - Mrs L Rolleston
- Link to the Examination Board for GCSE Biology
- Link to the Examination Board for GCSE Chemistry
- Link to the Examination Board for GCSE Physics
- Link to the Examination Board for A Level Biology
- Link to the Examination Board for Applied Science Level 3 Extended Certificate
The Science department is a strong and passionate department, who are dedicated to delivering scientific concepts and skills to young people so that they can gain the confidence to critically question and evaluate the world around them. We believe that students should be guided to think deeply in their science lessons, and all year groups are expected to communicate their ideas and what they have learned through extended written responses to thought provoking questions. Science at PRS is relevant, current and innovative, and our staff deliver our bespoke curriculum which equips our students to be lifelong learners.
Scientific enquiry and practical work runs deeply throughout our curriculum, and students will be expected to complete Required Practicals and write them up in a scientific way at all key stage levels. Feedback to students is regular and consistent, with an expectation that they, the students, respond to feedback in order to improve their knowledge.
Please use the links to find out more information about the Science curriculum, the teachers and our resources.
Curriculum Maps are below - Click to expand.
KS3
Our bespoke KS3 course is delivered over 3 years to Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Each year is split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics and students have end of topic tests at the end of each half term, as well as regular retrieval practice interspersed throughout lessons. KS3 students’ learning is underpinned by experimental and investigative work. Students are expected to complete a minimum of one required practical for each topic, but in reality will be completing many more, as our department believes that practical work is vital for the enjoyment but more importantly the understanding of crucial scientific topics. Key Stage Three sees students able to achieve in Science through interleaved retrieval of key knowledge and application of that knowledge through extensive personalised lessons.
KS4
In KS4 all students study the AQA Single Sciences GCSE specifications. The Single Sciences were traditionally referred to as Triple Science. Students take separate exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of Year 11 and attain three Science GCSE grades.
AQA Single Sciences
- Students will complete a minimum of 21 required practicals which they may be examined on in their GCSE papers
- There will be 2 exam papers for each individual Science at the end of Year 11, meaning 6 papers in total
- There is no coursework for this course
- Students sitting the Higher Tier papers are expected to memorise 23 physics equations
- Students sitting the Foundation Tier papers are expected to memorise 22 physics equations
Students will be assessed regularly by their teachers through class tasks, homework and end of topic tests. There will be internal end of year exams where students get to showcase what they have learned throughout the course. For parents who want to help their children with Science, helping them with learning all the Physics formulae would be a good place to start!
KS5
We run enjoyable, robust courses at A Level and at BTEC Level 3. Students develop their scientific skills and knowledge to become highly confident scientists throughout Years 12 and 13. All students have the opportunity to carry out independent scientific research and record their investigations to a truly professional standard.
We offer four courses for KS5:
- A Level Biology - AQA specification
- A Level Chemistry - AQA specification
- A Level Physics - AQA specification
- BTEC Level 3 Applied Science - Edexcel specification
Learning Resources
KS3 & KS4
BBC Bitesize (http://www.bbc.co.uk/education) is an excellent online revision resource for KS3 and KS4 students. BBC Bitesize offers revision notes, animations and videos, as well as short multiple choice quizzes to check understanding.
Just a quick hint, you may find it easier to search for the topic you want to revise using Google rather than searching within BBC Bitesize itself. For example, “BBC Bitesize periodic table” – and then click on one of the top links.
KS4
As well as BBC Bitesize that has been detailed above, course resources can be found via the following links:
Biology: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Chemistry: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
Physics: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
KS5
KS5 students are advised to read around their chosen subject or subjects using a wide variety of different sources. However, fantastic lecture style videos can be found at www.khanacademy.com for almost every KS5 topic (and across all subject areas). The lectures are aimed at KS5 / first year of University level so are ideal for students studying for their A Levels or BTEC Level 3 qualification.
