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Science

The Science Department at Barnwell:

• is well resourced in a suite of six purpose built laboratories on each of the two sites
• in addition to dedicated preparation rooms; stock rooms and staff work areas
• has the latest ICT technology to maximise Teaching and Learning
• two dedicated ICT suites located within the Science Department
• has twelve well qualified staff who are enthusiastic about their teaching
• has excellent technical support from four qualified technicians

We aim to ensure that our students:

• understand the relevance of science in their everyday lives
• develop skills of investigation, observation, and problem-solving
• become confident citizens who will continue with their interest in science after leaving school
• enjoy their practical work which is an integral part of the learning experience
• become confident citizens in an ever increasing technological world
• have After School clubs to inspire students and extend the work they have done in lessons

What courses are followed?

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8)

Science at Key Stage 3 places an emphasis on the process of scientific enquiry as well as accumulation of knowledge. Students receive three hours of science per week and are taught in ability bands

The course followed by students is the scheme published by Oxford called SCIENCE WORKS.

The course helps the students to:    

- Develop understanding of scientific ideas
- Work out scientific ideas for themselves by using results from investigations
- See how science is used in every day life
- Think about how science can be used for benefit of mankind.

The course is divided into modules covering aspects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Environmental Science as follows:

 

Year 7	Year 8
Being a scientist	Life Support
Cells	Keeping Healthy
Reproduction	People and Environment
Differences	Shaping Life
Classifications	Periodic Table
Acid Reactions	Using Elements
Particles	Metal Reactions
Elements and Compounds	What's in Rocks
Chemical Reactions	Heating and Cooling
Electricity & Magnetism	Light
Energy	Sound
Forces	Moving Around
Space

Students are assessed at the end of each module.

Key Stage 3 (Year 9)

In Year 9 all students follow a course which is specifically designed to:

• Form a foundation for GCSE and other courses 
• Encourage interest in all aspects of scientific study 
• Deveop understanding of scientific ideas
• See how science is used in everyday life

The course is mainly pracitcal and should appeal to students of all interests and abilities.

Some of the modules studied are as follows:

Heart and Respiration	Eyes and Vision
Drugs Education	Genetics
Life on Earth	Ecological Studies
Chemistry of cooking & perfumes	Paints and pigments
Strength of materials	Rates of Reaction
Heat Transfer and Insulation	Seismic Waves
Generation of Electricity	Radioactivity
Space

The Year 9 Field Trip is an ecological study of the neighbourhood area which include's Ridlin's Wood and Stevenage Brook. This forms an integral part of the Year 9 course and links classroom learning with 'real world' science.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

At Key Stage 4 (GCSE) we offer a variety of options aimed to maximize student enjoyment and aspiration for all. The subject is taught over 4 periods a week and provides a good foundation for Post 16 Science courses. Students are taught in ability sets across three bands.

The course followed at Key Stage 4 (GCSE) is OCR’s Science B specification - Gateway Science. All students complete the Core Science element of the course in Year 10, and the then opt between Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Applied Science in year 11. Students also have to build a coursework portfolio throughout the course, which involves the use of ICT. The Core and Option Science is taught over 4 periods per week although Applied Science, due to its practical nature, is taught over 5 per week. Separate science options are also available to students in year 10 as part of their option chopices in Year 10.

Core Science

Core Science is made up of 6 modules and a coursework portfolio

• B1 - Understanding ourselves
• C1 - Carbon chemistry
• P1 - Energy for the home
• B2 - Understanding the Environment
• C2 - Rocks and metals
• P2 - living for the future

The coursework portfolio is made up of:

• Science in the news - report on current scientific affairs
• Can do tasks - practical skills

Seperate Sciences (Taken as an option in Year 10 and/or Year 11)

These courses provide a more thorough background in both theoretical and practical aspects of the three separate sciences. A variety of teaching styles will be used including discussion, practical work, written assignments, presentations and the use of ICT resources.

Each are made up of 6 modules and a coursework portfolio

Biology	Chemistry	Physics
B1. Understanding Ourselves	C1. Carbon Chemistry	P1. Energy for the home
B2. Understanding the Environment	C2. Rocks and Metals	P2. Forces and Transport
B3. Living and Growing	C3.The Periodic Table	P3.Forces and Transport
B4. It's a Green World	C4. Chemical Economics	P4. Radiation for Life
B5. The Living Body	C5. How Much?	P5. Space for Reflection
B6. Beyond the Microscope	C6. Chemistry	P6. Electricty for gadgets

The coursework portfolio is made up of a:

• Research Task on an historic or innovative scientific discovery
• Data Task on a laboratory investigation

Applied Science (An option available in Yr11)

Applied Science is made up of a portfolio of 3 units:

Unit 1 – Science in the workplace: a study of science in industry and the workplace

Unit 2 – Science at work: 3 module exam:

· Food science

· Forensic science

· Sport science

Unit 3 – Scientific investigation: a choice of investigation into one of the three Unit 2 modules

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)

At Key Stage 5 (Post 16) we offer AS and A2 awards in all three sciences. We usually have two sets in Biology; one in Physics and Chemistry at AS and A2 level. Each of these groups will be taught by two specialist subject teachers over 5 hours per week. We also offer BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science for students who wish to continue in the subject in a more applied setting. This course offers the opportunity for students to study modern scientific techniques and research and is assessed by portfolio. All Post 16 students have the opportunity to visit the Natural History and Science Museums in London. We also offer short field trips (AS Biology) where students can develop their knowledge and understanding in the theory and practice of Ecology.

Science and ICT

Timetabled lessons in the dedicated Science ICT suite(s) form an integral part of the Teaching and Learning experience for all students studying Science at Barnwell. We offer a variety of ICT experiences designed to enthuse students and enhance learning in Science for all students. Here are some of the exciting and engaging ways that we use ICT in Science:

• Use of Quizdom Interactive System where students have their oen remote controls to answer questions and win games
• Use of digital cameras in taking pictures and recording movies/presentations for the whole class to use
• Using LogITs (data capture devices) in investigations to process data, draw graphs and analyze results
• Students can use software such as PowerPoint or Publisher to produce presentations and documents of their own
• We use Windows Movie Maker to prudce movies and record commentary
• Interactive Whiteboards in every laboratory provide access to a wealth of interactive features and games that help bring Science to life
• Using electronic resources such as animations and movies to improve learning in the classroom

Our GCSE groups also make extensive use of ICT Suites to research and complete coursework during normal time.

Extra–curricular activities

A science club runs on a weekly basis for an extended period each term. Students can take part in trips and competitions. This is a more informal setting to inspire and promote creative thinking.

There are also after school revision workshops and coursework support for the GCSE students, who can take advantage of the extra help out of lesson time. The Department also runs Easter booster classes for Year 9 students before their SAT’s and GCSE students to support their Summer module exams.

Some other activities:

• visiting speakers
• local / national science completions
• field trips in the locality
• visits to museums and industry
• business and enterprise activities

The Science Department staff strive to make science as relevant as possible; to comment on current affairs and to enable our students to make informed decisions in their adult life. The application of science to everyday life is highlighted whenever possible.

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