Curriculum >

Science

Kingsmead’s science department strongly accentuates the provision of teaching in the three separate sciences of Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The separate teaching of each of these disciplines is a key to the teaching and learning within the department.

Small classes allow the needs of each group to dictate the pace of learning, and material often taught elsewhere at KS4 is often accessed by Kingsmead students towards the end of KS3. GCSE courses, therefore, can begin in Year 9 rather than Year 10, giving pupils extra time to understand vital concepts which will lead ultimately to a higher grade at GCSE.

The senior science department works closely to enhance and develop the teaching of science throughout the whole school, and makes its facilities, resources and expertise available to all students.

GCSE Curriculum

There are four options at GCSE. These are the three disciplines named above, plus a core science option. The core science course supports those who find the subject difficult, whilst the other choices challenge and stretch those for whom science is a career option.

Biology

Biology - the study of life - is the most popular of the separate sciences nationally. At GCSE level it involves the study of plant, animal, human and environmental biology. To study biology you need good written skills, a memory for details and scientific understanding. It is an essential subject for Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Food and Agricultural Careers.

Most pupils find the subject very enjoyable, mixing both practical and theory work. A variety of teaching methods are used including experiments, videos, computer simulations and demonstrations. The topics covered relate directly to human life, scientific, ethical issues and modern Biology.

The course consists of three units, each of which is worth 25% of the total marks. Each unit may be re-sat on any number of occasions, with the best score counting. The remaining 25% comes from assessment of practical work and is assessed by the teachers in school. It consists of a 45 minute test paper relating to an investigation previously conducted by the student, plus some data interpretation questions. There is no cumulative final exam.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a linchpin subject for students who are excited by the study of natural phenomena and who may need good science qualifications for further study or job applications,. It goes well with either Biology or Physics and the most scientifically-minded students will follow all three separate sciences.

Chemistry is the only compulsory subject required at A-level for applications to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science and other biomedical sciences.

The course is divided into three units of study each of which is assessed by a 45 minute paper available in January and June of Years 10 and 11. Each unit is worth 25% of the total marks and may be re-sat on any number of occasions, with the best score counting.

The final 25% of marks are allocated for practical work assessed by the Science staff in school. It consists of a further 45 minute test paper relating to an investigation previously conducted by the student plus further questions on extra data provided. A few marks are also set aside for the teacher to judge the student's practical skills in the laboratory. These assessments may also be done a number of times with the best result going towards the final total.

Physics

Through their study of Physics students learn to question and discuss science-based issues that affect their own lives and may act as a spur to critical and creative thought relevant to the rapidly changing technology of the 218t century.

When considering their requirements for further study and career opportunities post-16, Physics would count as an impressive addition to any curriculum vitae. In order to achieve the higher grade, a degree of mathematical competence is required.

The course is divided into three units, each assessed by a 45 minute paper which can be sat in January and June of Years 10 and 11. Each unit is worth 25% of the total marks and may be re-sat on any number of occasions, with the best score counting.
The final 25% of marks are allocated for practical work assessed by the Science staff in school. It consists of a further 45 minute test paper relating to an investigation previously conducted by the student plus further questions on extra data provided. A few marks are also set aside for the teacher to judge the student's practical skills in the laboratory. These assessments may also be done a number of times with the best result going towards the final total.

The department has consistently achieved grades above national averages, and enjoys ‘value-added’ scores amongst the best in the region. It is true also that a higher than average number of students progress from Kingsmead to Advanced Level studies elsewhere.

Science – single award

The core GCSE in Science may be taken as a single subject encompassing Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The depth of study is not too great and it is ideally suited to students who find Science difficult and are unlikely to progress with specialist Science studies beyond GCSE. It is also ideal for students who wish to follow Kingsmead's minimum requirement of one GCSE in Science, but does not want to choose between the separate Sciences.

The course is broken down into six half-units of study, two each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each of which is assessed by a 30 minute multiple choice paper available in November, March and June sittings. Each half-unit is worth 12.5% of the total marks and may be re-sat on any number of occasions, with the best score being counted.

The final 25% of marks are allocated for practical work and is assessed by the science staff in school. It consists of a test paper relating to an investigation already carried out by the student as well as questions concerning extra data provided. A few marks are also allocated for the teacher to assess the student's practical skills in the laboratory. These assessments may be done more than once with the best result going towards the final total.