Science

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Our overall Science progress is a remarkable +0.21.

GCSE Biology and GCSE Chemistry progress is even higher at +0.74.

70% and above of our students achieved grades 9-4 in GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Physics.

(GCSE results, 2019)

‘Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’ – Marie Curie

The Science Department at Holy Trinity Catholic School aims to ensure that all pupils irrespective of ability are given the opportunity to:

  • nurture their love of and curiosity for learning
  • develop excellent scientific knowledge and a deep conceptual understanding through effective Teaching and Learning of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
  • develop an understanding of the nature, processes and various methods of inquiry which helps pupils to answer scientific questions and apply their understanding to various contexts.
  • improve their scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science today and for the future.

In Science pupils are curious and active. As a department we strive to encourage pupils to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond by not being afraid to ask questions. As a result, the Science curriculum aims to foster a healthy curiosity in pupils about our wonderful universe and promotes a respect of and a love of learning. We strongly believe Science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes and as such the curriculum is designed with this in mind. The AQA Key Stage 3 and GCSE Specifications, in addition to programmes of study and the National Curriculum are vital tools used to inform Teaching and Learning within Science at Holy Trinity Catholic School. This enables all pupils to acquire, develop and embed a wide range of key knowledge that has been identified within each module, and across each Key Stage.  

With Science being a dynamic and practical subject, every effort is made to develop pupils’ practical skills in order to foster pupils’ curiosity, consolidate understanding and encourage effective recall of learning overtime. Therefore, practical skills are interwoven into the fabric of the curriculum and are progressive in nature, building various skills across and within Key Stages. The skills developed are designed in accordance with the Working Scientifically skills expectations of the National Curriculum, in which pupils are given the opportunity to acquire key scientific knowledge through several processes such as practical experiences using specialist Scientific equipment, conducting experiments, analysing findings, writing conclusions and evaluations. Most importantly, we aim to build pupils’ confidence so that they can explain their ideas with confidence.

The Science Department’s approach to the Teaching and Learning of Science takes into account pupils’ own unique contexts, by ensuring we have specialist dedicated teachers from diverse backgrounds with expertise in their respective disciplines and a wide range of scientific interests. Teachers create a safe and positive learning environment within their classrooms, in a fun and engaging manner, helping to reinforce our unwavering expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving the very best outcomes.

Curriculum maps:

Science curriculum map

 

Assessment

Formative assessments take place on a day-to-day basis during teaching and learning, allowing teachers and pupils to assess progress more frequently. Summative assessments occur at the end of each topic area which are regularly monitored to inform targeted intervention. In addition to this, there are also terminal mock examinations towards the end of the end of the academic year.  

The majority of pupils will sit six papers at the end of Year 11: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. The examinations are as follows:

  • AQA Combined Science Trilogy: Biology (1 hour and 15 minute assessment).
  • AQA Combined Science Trilogy: Chemistry (1 hour and 15 minute assessment).
  • AQA Combined Science Trilogy: Physics (1 hour and 15 minute assessment).
  • AQA Biology (Triple Science): 1 hour and 45 minute assessment.
  • AQA Chemistry (Triple Science): 1 hour and 45 minute assessment.
  • AQA Physics (Triple Science): 1 hour and 45 minute assessment.

Pupils on the GCSE Biology only route will sit two Biology examinations at the end of year

Websites/ Useful Links

Revision guides are an essential tool in supporting pupils throughout their GCSE. The following revision guides can be purchased from school at Student Services.

Combined Science pupils in Year 10 and Year 11 should purchase the following revision guides:

  • Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science: AQA Revision Guide with Online Edition – Higher
  • Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science: AQA Revision Guide with Online Edition – Foundation

 Triple Science pupils in Year 10 and Year 11 should purchase the following three revision guides:

· Grade 9-1 GCSE Biology AQA Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition

·  Grade 9-1 GCSE Chemistry AQA Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition

· Grade 9-1 GCSE Physics AQA Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition

 The following websites (hyperlinks) are also very useful revision tools which will aid pupils across KS3 and KS4 in developing their independent learning skills, which will enable them to be effective learners: