Science

In key stage 3 science the pupils have 3 science lessons a week. In year 7 they will cover topics such Cells, Reproduction, Chemical Reactions and the Solar System. In year 8 they will cover topics such as Digestion, Microbes, Elements &Compounds and Light & Sound. In year 9 pupils will cover topics such as Photosynthesis, Drugs, and Chemical Patterns and will further develop their revision skills ready for their level tests.

Science club runs once a week on a Wednesday evening 3pm – 4pm and is open to all pupils in Key Stage 3 atSmithsWoodSportsCollege.

In key stage 4 science the pupils have 4 lessons a week and are split into academic and vocational routes. The academic routes follow a core GCSE in year 10 and additional GCSE in year 11 with Edexcel. The vocational routes follow two year Edexcel BTEC programme, gaining two equivalent GCSE grades.

In KS4 pupils study Science for 4 hours each week. Pupils will follow 2 distinct pathways for 2 years:

Option 1:

Edexcel GCSE Core Science in year 10 and GCSE Additional Science in year 11.

Each GCSE is comprised of 3 externally assessed modules (exams) and 1 controlled assessment unit (coursework).

Each GCSE offers a Foundation or Higher exam. The modules include Influences on Life, Chemistry in World, Universal Physics, The Components of Life, Discovering Chemistry and Physics for your Future.

From June 2013 These GCSE exams will only be available in the summer term (Linear qualifications)

Useful link:

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/GCSE-science 2011/Pages/default.aspx

Option 2:

Btec Firsts in Applied Science (Equivalent to 2 GCSE’s)

The Principles of Applied Science in year 10 and the Application of Science in year 11.

Each award consists of 4 mandatory modules, 3 of which are internally assessed (course work) and 1 which is externally assessed (exam).

The modules include: Principles of Science, Chemistry and our Earth, Energy and Our Universe, Biology and our Environment, Applications of Chemical Substances, Applications of Physical Sciences, Health Applications of Life Sciences and Scientific Skills.

The exams will be available in November, March and June of each year.

Useful link: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts2012/appliedscience/Pages/default.aspx

Pupils who wish to take science at Key Stage 5 have the option of Chemistry AS/A2, Physics AS/A2 and Human Biology AS/A2.

Staff List:

Mrs Edwards – Curriculum Assistant Principal, Head of Faculty and Head of Department

Miss Kharod – Deputy Head of Department and Head of Key Stage 4

Mrs Walji – Head of Key Stage 3

Miss Hurd – Head of Key Stage 5

Mr Beasley – Assistant Principal and Teacher of Science

Mr Tobi – Teacher of Science

Mr Grocott – Teacher of Science

Miss Barnes – Teacher of Science