Science at Millom School
In the science department our expectations of all students are very high and staff work closely with them so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities being offered; ensuring that students are engaged in their learning and promoting achievement. We have comprehensive schemes of work for all key stages and excellent resources tailored to the students’ needs.
Taught by:
Miss N Tyson
Mr N Barrett
Mrs L Wilkinson
Mrs L Falconer
Mrs S Irving
All students study Science at KS3.
Key Stage 3 – Programme of Study
Students in Year seven begin their course being taught in mixed ability tutor groupings. The students are then placed into sets, based on ability, in preparation for the spring term.
The science department follow to a scheme of learning that has been developed by the department, adhering to QCA guidelines. The programme of study covers the three main science subjects on a rotational model, which sees Chemistry, Physics and Biology topics covered on a half yearly cycle. Year seven students begin their studies with an introductory science topic which aims to develop scientific skills essential in their science studies. By Easter in Year nine students will have completed the Key Stage three curriculum and will then engage in a programme of revision to prepare them for their Key Stage three exams (internal assessment) during the final week of the first summer half term. In the final half term of summer, our Year nine students begin to study the GCSE science curriculum.
Useful links:
KS3 BBC Bitesize Science: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
(also available as an App.)
KS4 – Science at Millom School
Key stage four Science (GCSE)
Students in Year ten and eleven choose from either Triple or Combined Science. Students are then ‘set’ according to option choice as well as the ability profile of the student.
Triple Science – AQA Specification.
Students studying this AQA course will be awarded three GCSE qualifications graded from 1-9 in Chemistry, Biology and Physics at the end of Year 11.
The students are required to cover 8 ‘required practical’ assignments for each subject. These practical assignments will feature in the written exams. There is no controlled assessment/coursework element for this course.
The course content is listed below
Combined Science – AQA Specification.
Students studying this AQA course will cover topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics over a two year period. At the end of which they will be awarded the equivalent of 2 GCSE grades. There will be a 17 point grading scale, from 9*-9, 9-8 through to 2-1, 1-1.
As part of the course content there will be 16 ‘required practical’ assignments. These practical assignments will feature in the written exams. There is no controlled assessment/coursework element for this course.
The course content is listed below
Reading list:
CGP Trilogy textbooks (apps available) – for combined science.
CGP Chemistry, Physics and Biology textbooks (apps available) – for triple science.
Useful links:
AQA website (exam board) – http://www.aqa.org.uk/
KS4 BBC Bitesize – http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv
KS5 – Science at Millom School
Key Stage 5 Science (A/AS-Levels)
At AS and A2 Level we offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics following the AQA syllabus.
Students starting Key Stage 5 follow the new linear curriculum; the AS and A2 courses are stand-alone (AS no longer counts towards the A2) and are examined at the end of Year 12 & 13 respectively.
The students’ practical skills and data processing acumen will be assessed through throughout the qualification, with a practical certificate awarded alongside the A – Level qualification if the students display an appropriate skills set during twelve ‘required practical’ assignments. The practical certificate does not contribute to the overall A – Level grade.
Alternatively, students can opt to study a BTEC Certificate or Extended Certificate in Applied Science. This qualification is equivalent to one A-level after 2 years of study. It comprises theoretical and practical elements of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. It is assessed through a mixture of external examinations, internally-assessed coursework and practical examinations. Any students interested in this course should speak to Mrs Vance.
Reading list:
CGP Biology AS & A2 textbooks (apps available)
CGP Chemistry AS & A2 textbooks (apps available)
CGP Physics AS & A2 textbooks (apps available)
Useful links:
AQA website (exam board) – http://www.aqa.org.uk/
Biology
AS Biology is a stand-alone qualification and does not contribute to the A – Level course.
It includes all of the types of questions that are in the A-level, but at a lower level, helping students to progress toward the more challenging A-level.
The examinations are taken at the end of Year 12.
A-level Biology is a two year course; students are examined in the full course content at the end of the second academic year.
If students have completed the AS qualification it does not count towards the A-Level qualification, subject knowledge will be re-examined at the end of year 13.
Chemistry
AS Chemistry is a stand-alone qualification and does not contribute to the A level course.
It includes all of the types of questions that are in the A-level, but at a lower level, helping students to progress toward the more challenging A-level.
The examinations are taken at the end of Year 12.
A – Level Chemistry is a two year course; students are examined in the full course content at the end of the second academic year.
If students have completed the AS – Level qualification it does not count towards the A-level qualification, subject knowledge gained through studying the AS course will be re-examined at the end of Year 13.
Physics
Physics is a great subject for students wishing to gain a wide understanding of science and the world around them, from the smallest particles of matter, to the workings of a Black Hole.
Subject content
AS Physics is a stand-alone qualification and does not contribute to the A – Level course.
It includes all of the types of questions that are in the A – Level, but at a lower level, helping students to progress toward the more challenging A – Level.
The examinations are taken at the end of Year 12.
A-Level Physics is a two year course; students are examined in the full course content at the end of the second academic year.
If students have completed the AS qualification it does not count towards the A-Level qualification, subject knowledge gained through the study of the AS-Level course will be re-examined at the end of Year 13.
