Welcome to the Science Department

In year 7 we introduce students to the fundamentals of scientific investigation and enquiry. We learn how to design, carry out and analyse the results of an investigation in a range of contexts. These skills are learned and developed through the year as we develop our knowledge of the three sciences.

We study biology (by studying the cell and microscopes, reproduction and ecology), chemistry (by studying what are particles, pure and impure substances, and types of chemical reactions) and physics (by studying the solar system, particles, energy and forces).

This is work is assessed by series of formative assessments where teachers will give the students pointers and advice on how to improve and excel further in their exploration of scientific ideas.

In year 8, this work continues, with students continuing to develop their understanding and skills. They split their time evenly between the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics looking at ideas in more depth and developing their interpretation and evaluative skills.

Topics studied in year 8 are:

Biology

• Organs and Organ systems
• Plants
• Skeletons and Muscles

Chemistry

• The Periodic Table
• The Earth and Rocks
• Acids and Bases

Physics

• Waves
• Electricity
• Magnetism

During year 9 students begin to lay down firm foundations for their GCSE studies. They will take units that are core to both combined and single (triple) science. Their assessments during this year will help them decide if triple science is suited to them.

Practical Investigations in year 9 ensure that students are prepared for the rigours of GCSE. The interpretations are developed to ensure full understanding of ideas and concepts.

We study topics in the depth required for GCSE, however our emphasis in year 9 is still on developing investigative skills and an interest in Science.

Topic Studied in year 9 are:

Biology

• Photosynthesis
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Infection, response and health

Chemistry

• Atoms, elements and compounds
• Chemical reactions
• Environmental Science

Physics

• Forces
• Energy
• Waves
• Pressure

During year 9 students have the option to study AQA Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) or to continue to study the Combined Science: Trilogy GCSEs.
Studying all three sciences at GCSE is a demanding path and requires dedication and a keen interest in Science. At Wollaston we have excellent science teachers with a strong background in teaching and learning in Science. As such we strive to give you a subject specialist in each science if you choose separate (triple) science.
The courses are graded by students taking 6 exams (2 of each discipline) at the end of year 11. 100% of the final grade is based on these exams.
Over the course of their GCSEs students will take a number of end of topic tests and complete mock exams at the end of year 10 and periodically over year 11.
For further information, please see the AQA website links below:

Combined Science Trilogy

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

This qualification is linear. The courses are graded by students taking 6 exams (2 of each discipline) at the end of year 11. 100% of the final grade is based on these exams.

Course: AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464)

Subject content
Biology
• 1. Cell biology
• 2. Organisation
• 3. Infection and response
• 4. Bioenergetics
• 5. Homeostasis and response
• 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
• 7. Ecology
Chemistry
• 8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
• 9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
• 10. Quantitative chemistry
• 11. Chemical changes
• 12. Energy changes
• 13. The rate and extent of chemical change
• 14. Organic chemistry
• 15. Chemical analysis
• 16. Chemistry of the atmosphere
• 17. Using resources
Physics
• 18. Energy
• 19. Electricity
• 20. Particle model of matter
• 21. Atomic structure
• 22. Forces
• 23. Waves
• 24. Magnetism and electromagnetism
Assessments
There are six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.
For further information, please see the AQA website links below:

Combined Science Trilogy

Setting

In Year 10 students are split into classes based on whether they are doing the Combined Science course or the Separate (Triple) Science course. We traditionally have two Separate Science classes and eight Combined Science classes. In Year 10 all classes will be mixed ability. At the end of Year 10 the mock exams are used to help ‘soft’ set the classes for Year 11 based on whether they sit the Higher or Foundation papers. The Year 11 mock exams pre-Christmas will be the final opportunity to determine which tier of entry students will be sitting for the summer exams. After Christmas the Combined Science classes will be adjusted so that all students in each group are sitting the same tier (either Higher or Foundation). For the Separate Science students there will be no class changes but students will be advised after the Year 11 mocks if they will be sitting the Higher or Foundation tier for the summer exams with appropriate support being provided.

This qualification is linear. The courses are graded by students taking 6 exams (2 of each discipline) at the end of year 11. 100% of the final grade is based on these exams.

Biology Subject content

Course: AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

• 1. Cell biology
• 2. Organisation
• 3. Infection and response
• 4. Bioenergetics
• 5. Homeostasis and response
• 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
• 7. Ecology
• 8. Key ideas

Chemistry Subject Content

Course: AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
• 2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
• 3. Quantitative chemistry
• 4. Chemical changes
• 5. Energy changes
• 6. The rate and extent of chemical change
• 7. Organic chemistry
• 8. Chemical analysis
• 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
• 10. Using resources

Physics Subject Content

Course: AQA GCSE Physics (8463)

• 1. Energy
• 2. Electricity
• 3. Particle model of matter
• 4. Atomic structure
• 5. Forces
• 6. Waves
• 7. Magnetism and electromagnetism
• 8. Space physics (physics only)

Wollaston School has a long and successful history of teaching sciences at A-level. We deliver A2 courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We are proud that a significant number of our students go on to study science degrees at the top universities in the UK.

Each of our A-level subjects are taught by experienced specialists for five hours a week, in average class sizes of 15 students. Lessons comprise of both practical and theoretical components.

Candidates considering any of the science courses at A-level will be expected to have achieved a minimum of five 9-5 grades at GCSE. In addition, we would require them to have gained a minimum of Grade 6 in the Separate Science that they wish to study at A Level or 7-7 in their Combined Science course. Although it may make the transition from KS4 to KS5 easier, there is no prerequisite for students to have studied Separate Sciences at GCSE in order to be considered for A-Level.

Biology

Course OCR Biology A

A Biology course will provide you with a strong foundation for further studies in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, as well as a range of bio-science degrees such as biomedical sciences, biology, ecology and zoology related subjects.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology Learners develop and practise a wide range of practical skills throughout the course to enhance their understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying Biology at a higher level. The skills acquired are assessed in the written examinations and the Practical Endorsement.

Module 2 – Foundations in Biology This module gives learners the opportunity to use microscopes to study cell structure. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water and nucleic acids are studied with respect to their structure and function. The structure and mode of action of enzymes in catalysing biochemical reactions is studied as well as membranes within, and at the surface of, cells, and the division and subsequent specialisation of cells.

Module 3 – Exchange and transport Learners study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in animals and plants. The significance of surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasised.

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease In this module learners study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and the ways in which biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasising practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The learners also study pathogens and disease.

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy It is important that organisms are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. The formation and use of ATP and the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are also considered.

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA are considered and their therapeutic medical use. Learners gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in biotechnology and in recycling, maintaining balance within ecosystems, as well as the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity.

Chemistry

Course: AQA Chemistry

The study of chemistry is important for understanding numerous processes that occur on the planet, whether inside the earth, in the atmosphere or in biological organisms. During this course you will study the theoretical background to why chemical reactions occur and why different materials possess their particular properties.
After studying A Level Chemistry, you could progress on to a laboratory-based position in a science organisation, an industry-based apprenticeship, or university course in chemistry, applied chemistry, applied science or chemical engineering.
A-Level Chemistry is required as entrance for most health sciences courses such as medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, biomedical sciences and pharmacy.

Course Outline
First Year of the A level
Physical Chemistry – Including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, oxidation and reduction and redox equations.

Inorganic Chemistry – Including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17) the halogens.

Organic Chemistry – Including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.

Second Year of the A level
Physical Chemistry – Including thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant (Kp) for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, acids and bases.

Inorganic Chemistry – Including properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution.

Organic Chemistry – Including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, and chromatography.

Practical
• AQA provide a list of practical activities that students must carry out. There will be no internal assessment that leads to marks that contribute towards the A-level grade.
• Practical work will be assessed in the written papers. 15% of the total A-level marks will be for practical knowledge and understanding.
• A separate ‘endorsement’ of practical work will be assessed by teachers. This will not be graded. If students pass, it will be reported on their certificate.

Assessment
Examination (100%)
Examining Board – AQA.
There are 3 written papers all are 2 hours long:
Paper 1: Inorganic chemistry, with relevant physical chemistry and relevant practical skills.
Paper 2: Organic chemistry, with relevant physical chemistry and relevant practical skills.
Paper 3: All content and all practical skills.

Physics

Course: Edexcel Physics

There has never been a better time to study physics: we are at the beginning of our understanding of dark matter and dark energy, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has already discovered the Higgs Boson, and we expect more amazing discoveries from the LHC in the next few years.
As a result, models in physics may be re-written, which will change our understanding of nature and the origins of the universe.

An A Level in Physics will open up a broad range of career possibilities; Astronomy, Biophysics, Engineering, Oceanography, Geology, Business, Law and Finance. If you choose not to go to university, an A Level in Physics will be seen as a valuable qualification to all employers. If you are a confident mathematician, enjoy practical work, have an enquiring mind and want to know more about how the world works, then A-Level Physics may be just for you.

The aim of the course is to improve knowledge and understanding of many areas of physics as well as to develop skills in various scientific methods. The foundation principles of energy and forces are taught and then applied in topics such as electricity, materials, cosmology, quantum and particle physics. You will learn about how objects move, how mechanical systems operate, how light, waves and sub-atomic particles behave, how electric and gravitational fields affect the world around us and how Physics applications shape the world of the future. You will be expected to solve numerical problems and to describe and discuss your understanding of physical concepts. You will have the opportunity to develop your practical skills and will perform experiments that illustrate scientific theory.

There will be three exams at the end of the course, two of which are 1 hour 45 minutes testing specific aspects of the syllabus and one of 2 hours 30 minutes assessing general practical principles. There are also 16 required practical’s which must be completed to achieve a science practical endorsement certificate.

To be successful in your post-16 studies in science you will be a highly dedicated and motivated individual ready to spend extra time outside the lesson looking at ideas and concepts that you need to get to grips with.

You will be expected to contribute to your lessons in sixth form (as with the rest of the school) in producing reports and presentations for your subject. A large number of our sixth form science students go on to good universities and we in the science faculty prepare them well for this.