Science
“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.”
Albert Einstein
Vision
The Science Department believe we have the responsibility to inspire learners to become confident, resilient scientists. Ones who develop a love of learning science and understand the importance of science and its impact on the world around us.
We aim to create a caring, supportive, and stimulating environment that integrates discovery and exploration into learning, taking into account individual needs, strength and starting point. One where students are recognised, valued and encouraged to be curious about the world around them.
What you can expect studying Science at Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College
In Science, you will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and be taught by teachers who love to observe how the world works and explain it. You will study a wide range of topics form the microscopic world to the vast laws that make up the universe. You will develop a range of skills in scientific enquiry, that will allow you to collect evidence and question how effective it is. Learning will be placed in the context of real-life situations, allowing you to see how and why things happen.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE Curriculum
The intent of our KS4 curriculum is for students to begin the GCSE science course, to broaden their knowledge and build on prior knowledge from KS3. We offer both separate science course and trilogy science course. Providing opportunity to all our students and equipping them with the knowledge required for future study.
At GCSE students will be taught all three of the science disciplines, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Content will be taught through a variety of approaches including the use of tablets, group work and independent research., That are designed to challenge and support students’ progress. Hands on practical skills will be taught though out the course, this includes the required practical students need to complete. Which will cover a range of enquiry skills, from planning and risk assessment, through to analysis and evaluation.
To ensure students are fully prepared for the linear CGSE assessment we have developed a curriculum which puts exam technique and application of knowledge at the heart of very lesson. With a sting focus on the mathematical requirement in each subject.
How we assess at KS4
Key Stage 4 – Combined Science, Trilogy
In Years 10 and 11, pupils studying the AQA Science Trilogy course will have lessons in all three of the science disciplines. As well as the 21 required practical students need to complete.
Students will be assessed via six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each paper is out of 70 marks, and consists of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions. These questions will include assessing both the required practicals and mathematical skills requirements of the course.
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Biology Paper 1 – Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
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Biology Paper 2 – Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology
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Chemistry Paper 1 – Chemistry topics 8–12: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
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Chemistry Paper 2 – Chemistry topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
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Physics Paper 1 – Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.
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Physcs paper 2 – Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism
Key Stage 4 – Separate Science
In Years 10 and 11, pupils studying the AQA Separate Science course will have lessons in all three of the science disciplines. As well as the 28 required practical students need to complete.
Students will be assessed via six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each paper is out of 100 marks, and consists of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions. These questions will include assessing both the required practicals and mathematical skills requirements of the course.
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Biology Paper 1 – Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
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Biology Paper 2 – Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology
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Chemistry Paper 1 – Chemistry topics 1–5: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
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Chemistry Paper 2 – Chemistry topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
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Physics Paper 1 – Physics topics 1–4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.
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Physcs paper 2 – Physics topics 5–8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space
Other Useful Information
There are various study guides and workbooks that pupils can buy. There are also many different websites and phone apps to help with the learning and remembering of the course content. Below are a list of useful resources and websites.
Additional Revision Resources/ Links we recommend
Your children also need to make sure they spend time revising the following..
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Exam technique – think about the wording of your answer. Does it need to be written as a comparison? Avoid “it” “they” and “affect” as these are too vague.
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Do not forget to revise the meanings of keywords such as “precision” and “accuracy”.
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Chemistry Equations!
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Physics Equations!
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
We always encourage students to take an active involvement in Science outside of the classroom and in the real world. In the last few years we have had a regular visit to Chester Zoo, to explore the adaptations of organisms within their habitats, as well as visits to such events as ‘GCSE Science live’, where students were able to experience lectures and demonstrations from some of the world’s most prominent scientists.