The word ‘Science’ will make you think of many different things. An old man(Einstein) with crazy white hair, a huge textbook, astronauts ‘weightless’ in the ISS, coloured liquids bubbling in beakers, white lab coats, microscopes, Bunsen burners, astronomers studying the night sky with a telescope, physicists finding new particles at CERN and “new “animals in a rainforest, strange equations on a blackboard.
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What does SCIENCE do?? It asks questions about the Universe we live. So it helps answer questions about atoms, ecosystems, viruses, renewable energy resources, stars and importantly help push our boundaries of knowledge.
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Currently there is a wide range of scientific knowledge that is used to try and explain the world around us but this is constantly being furthered to help us understand more (but probably not all the mysteries in our Universe!!)
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Science is an on-going process and it will never end. There will always be new mysteries to try and conquer with questions that need answering.
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\n\nDirector of Learning
\n\nMr A. Price
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\n\nDeputy Director of Learning
\n\nMiss C. Newell
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\n\nSubject Teachers
\n\nDr L. Anderson
\n\tMiss A. Hassan
\n\tMrs J. Lancett
\n\tMr G. Rees
\n\tMrs R. Wetherill
\n\tMr D. Williams
\n\tMrs N. Wilmott
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\n\nKey Stage 3
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\n\nOverview
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\n\nA variety of teaching approaches are used that help make pupils more independent learners, and are able to access the skills based science curriculum.
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During years 7, 8 and 9 pupils will work in groups as well as independently to develop their understanding of science in the disciplines of Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
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\n\nAssessment Procedures
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\n\nPupils’ progress at KS3 will be continually assessed by monitoring performance in investigations/practical. Alongside this, pupils will also sit 3 end of theme tests to help prepare for GCSE.
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\n\nHomework
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\n\nHomework will be set to aid classroom learning. Pupils will be set homework which will reflect the learning objectives. In addition, project work may be set to cover several “weeks” of homework where appropriate.
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Marking Policy
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\n\nInvestigation work is assessed under 3 key areas, Planning, Developing and Reflection. Formative feedback is given with guidance on how pupils can improve their learning.
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\n\nIn some cases pupils will complete tasks in class which will be marked using self and/or peer assessment. This provides pupils with instant feedback and a better understanding of the marking process.
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\n\nYear 7
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\n\nIn Year 7, learning takes place within four themes.
\n\nPassport to Science – pupils undergo “Scientist training”.
\n\tBonfire – pupils study autumnal food webs and chains along with the art of fireworks..
\n\tAncient Egypt – pupils become Egyptologists and investigate aspects of ancient Egypt, lead by Dr Anderson, our own Egyptologist.
\n\tHoliday in Bluestone – pupils examine the concept of sustainable holidays.
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Year 8
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\n\nIn Year 8, learning takes place within three more themes with each theme lasting about a term. Lessons are split between the physical and biological aspects of the themes.
\n\nOlympics – pupils explore all aspects linked to the Olympics such as building stadiums to Olympian diet regimes.
\n\tSpace – pupils consider life in our solar system and beyond.
\n\tDeveloping Countries – pupils consider survival in third world countries by looking at topics such as food webs, nutrition, water purification and energy resources.
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Year 9
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\n\nIn Year 9, learning takes place within three more themes with each theme lasting about a term. Lessons are split between the physical and biological aspects of the themes.
\n\nOil is running out – pupils examine the impact fossil fuels have in our society and options available for the future.
\n\tCave raiders – pupils consider aspects from rock structures of caves to examining how bats are adapted to living in caves.
\n\tCSI – pupils become CSI detectives to explore a crime scene and use forensic skills to identify who is to blame.
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Key Stage 4
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\n\nCore and Additional Science
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\n\nCourse content
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\n\nThis course follows the WJEC GCSE Science Suite which is designed to:
\n\nDevelop their knowledge and understanding of the material, physical and living worlds.
\n\tDevelop their understanding of the nature of science and its applications and the interrelationships between science and society.
\n\tDevelop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process through hypotheses, theories and concepts.
\n\tDevelop their awareness of risk and the ability to assess potential risk in the context of potential benefits
\n\tDevelop and apply their observational, practical, enquiry and problem-solving skills and understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments
\n\tDevelop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions
\n\tDevelop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in scientific contexts.
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Year 10 - Core Science
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\n\nCourse Content
\n\nBiology: Adaptation, Evolution and body maintenance
\n\tChemistry: The Earth and its resources
\n\tPhysics: Energy, Radiation and the Universe.
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How will it be assessed?
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\n\nPupils study units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will sit an examination in each in the summer of year 10.
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\n\nYear 11 - Additional Science
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Course content
\n\nBiology: Cells and metabolism, digestion, respiration and biodiversity
\n\tChemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Chemical Change
\n\tPhysics: Electricity, Forces and Nuclear Physics
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How will it be assessed?
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\n\nPupils study units in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will sit an examination in each in the summer of year 11. This is supplemented by one piece of controlled assessment.
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\n\nCareer progression
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\n\nGaining a qualification in GCSE Science opens up a wide range of career opportunities such as apprenticeships or continue into year 12 to study the full range of science level 3 qualifications
\n\nCareer opportunities include fields such as engineering, construction, sport science, health and beauty or data management.
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\n\nKey Stage 5
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\n\nGCE A Level Physics
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\n\nCourse content
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\n\nPhysics is key in help explaining how the universe works. The skills gained in studying a physics qualification are highly valued are easily transferred to a large range of career opportunities.
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\n\nTopics delve into aspects ranging from the atomic scale all the way to the Universe.
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\n\nThe WJEC 'AS/A2' level syllabus provides much opportunity for students to glimpse the problems being solved by physicists on a global and universal scale.
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\n\nEntry requirements
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\n\nThe mathematics requirement has been reduced in the new syllabus but pupils pursuing physics need to be competent at maths, achieving at least a C at GCSE,
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\n\nPupils who attain a C grade at Mathematics and one of the following will be accepted on to the AS Physics course.
\n\nGCSE Core/Additional Science – B in the Physics modules
\n\tGCSE PHYSICS – B Grade.
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\n\nCourse structure
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\n\nAt Tonyrefail School we follow the A level Physics Syllabus of WJEC/CBAC. In the first year (year 12) the course covered is the AS Physics Syllabus. This involves two modules of work, Unit 1 and Unit 2. Successful candidates will be awarded an AS certificate at the end of Year 12.
\n\nUnit 1: Motion, Energy and Charge.
\n\tUnit 2: Electricity and Light.
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\n\nFollowing successful completion of the year 12 course, pupils’ progress to year 13 and study:
\n\nUnit 3: Oscillations and Nuclei.
\n\tUnit 4: Fields and Options.
\n\tUnit 5: Practical assessment.
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Career progression
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\n\n‘A2’ level physics is a useful qualification in a wide range of courses in higher education, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, Architecture, Electronics and Engineering.
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\n\nGCE A Level Chemistry
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\n\nCourse content
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\n\nYear 12
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\n\nThe WJEC/CBAC AS Chemistry course is taught in Year 12 and both CH1 & 2 units are assessed in May/June. Progression to A2 Chemistry in year 13 is dependent on successful completion of the AS course.
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Career progression
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\n\nChemistry is essential for medical, dental, bio-chemistry or material engineering related course. It is useful for engineering, geology and biology based courses.
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\n\nBTEC Applied Science
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\n\nLevel: BTEC Level 3
\n\nSyllabus: Edexcel
\n\nDuration of Course: 1/2 Yrs
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Course content
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BTEC Level 3 Applied Science is a three-unit Certificate, six-unit Subsidiary Diploma or a twelve-unit National Diploma. It offers a specialist qualification that focuses on the work of the technician in industry. The course helps to develop the practical and analytical skills needed in the laboratory and extends the knowledge of scientific concepts already studied.
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What will I study?
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There will be tasks to complete in Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry, and Applied Physics. The course also includes analysis of data, experimental work and health and safety requirements
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How will I be assessed?
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Each task completed will be assessed internally and awarded pass, merit or distinction. All units must be completed in order to achieve the National Certificate qualification
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Career progression
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\n\nThe course has been developed to provide preparation for employment or a progression route to higher education qualifications such as the BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Science or a degree in Science or Applied Science. There are a wide variety of technical roles which can be accessed from this qualification these can be found in such work as quality control, medical laboratory analysis, forensic science analysis and materials science.
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Entry requirements
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\n\nMinimum of grades CC in Core & Additional Science or a BTEC Level 2 at Merit level and above.
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A Level Biology
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\n\nCourse content
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\n\nBiology helps individuals start to appreciate how society makes decisions about science based issues and how science can help contribute to the economy and society in general. Throughout, pupils develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the practical skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works.
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Entry requirements
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\n\nYou should study Biology if you enjoy the subject!. Also, some career paths such as medicine based careers require the knowledge and understand of the A level Biology course. You will need to have studied Science at Double award and have achieved ideally a B in the Biology units.
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\n\nSummary of assessment
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\n\nThis specification is divided into a total of 5 units, 2 AS units and 3 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification.
\n\nAS Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 20% of qualification
\n\nUnit 2: Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
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\n\nCareer progression
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\n\nThe skills developed will aid in areas such as laboratory based work or the childcare and healthcare professions.
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\n\nResources
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\n\nPhysics
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\n\nBelow are useful links for Physics students:
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Chemistry
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\n\nBelow are useful links for your studies in Chemistry:
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GCSE Chemistry
\n\nMy GCSE Science (video lessons): www.my-gcsescience.com/
\n\tBBC Bitesize: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science
\n\tGCSEpod: www.gcsepod.co.uk
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AS and A2 Chemistry
\n\nKnockhardy Chemistry: www.knockhardy.org.uk/sci.htm
\n\tLabmouse: http://sustainability.sellafieldsites.com/resources/labmouse
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Biology
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\n\nBelow are useful links for your studies in Biology:
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