Teachers of Science
- Miss M Ambridge
- Miss K Atherton
- Mr M Bannon (Head of Department)
- Mrs V Barclay
- Miss V Bates
- Mr C Campbell
- Miss L Cook
- Miss H Dare
- Mr L Evans
- Mr M Lenton
- Dr C McGeady
- Miss V J Sears
- Mrs E Temple
- Mr S Young
Our Vision for Science
Students at SJB study science as it helps our understanding of the world around us. Everything we know about the universe, from how trees reproduce to what an atom is made up of, is the result of scientific research and experiment. Human progress throughout history has largely rested on advances in science. From our knowledge of gravity to cutting-edge medicines, students of Science have shaped our modern world. All of these advances can trace their origin back to individuals learning about science as students. That’s why it is in all our interests to promote Science as a subject at SJB; it ensures the next wave of progress in all of the fields that affect our daily lives.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
- Introduction to Science
- Particles and Substances
- Cellular Basis of Life
- Forces of Nature
Year 8
- More on Particles and Substances
- Organisms and the Environment
- Waves
- Acids and Alkalis
- Energy
- Dynamic Earth
Year 9
- Electrocity
- Inheritance and Health
- Materials
- Science of a See-Saw
- Science of Bread
- Science of Glow Sticks
- Science Key Skills
Key Stage 4
Exam Board: Edexcel
Coursework: 0%
Exam: 100%
Exam Structure:
Combined: 6 x 1hr 10min exam papers sat in the summer of Year 11
Triple: 6 x 1hr 45min exam papers sat in the summer of Year 11
Link to specification: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Sciences 9-1 (2016)
Course Overview:
Science should enable students to:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
- develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Key Stage 5
Exam Board: OCR
Coursework: 0%
Exam: 100%
Exam Structure:
Biological Processes Paper – 2hr 15mins
Biological Diversity Paper – 2hr 15mins
Unified Paper – 1hr 30mins
Link to specification: A Level Specification Biology A H420
Course Overview:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology
- 1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- 1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations in biology
- 2.1.1 Cell structure
- 2.1.2 Biological molecules
- 2.1.3 Nucleotides and nucleic acids
- 2.1.4 Enzymes
- 2.1.5 Biological membranes
- 2.1.6 Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
- 3.1.1 Exchange surfaces
- 3.1.2 Transport in animals
- 3.1.3 Transport in plants
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- 4.1.1 Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
- 4.2.1 Biodiversity
- 4.2.2 Classification and evolution
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
- 5.1.1 Communication and homeostasis
- 5.1.2 Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
- 5.1.3 Neuronal communication
- 5.1.4 Hormonal communication
- 5.1.5 Plant and animal responses
- 5.2.1 Photosynthesis
- 5.2.2 Respiration
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
- 6.1.1 Cellular control
- 6.1.2 Patterns of inheritance
- 6.1.3 Manipulating genomes
- 6.2.1 Cloning and biotechnology
- 6.3.1 Ecosystems
- 6.3.2 Populations and sustainability.
Qualification: GCE Chemistry
Exam Board: OCR
Coursework: 0%
Exam: 100%
Exam Structure:
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry Paper – 2hr 15mins
Synthesis and analytical techniques Paper – 2hr 15mins
Unified Chemistry Paper – 1hr 30mins
Link to specification: A Level Specification Chemistry A H432
Course Overview:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
- Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
- Amount of substance
- Acid–base and redox reactions
- Electrons, bonding and structure
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
- The periodic table and periodicity
- Group 2 and the halogens
- Qualitative analysis
- Enthalpy changes
- Reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
- Basic concepts
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols and haloalkanes
- Organic synthesis
- Analytical techniques (IR and MS)
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
- pH and buffers
- Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
- Redox and electrode potentials
- Transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
- Aromatic compounds
- Carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and esters
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymers
- Organic synthesis
- Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)
Qualification: GCE Physics
Exam Board: OCR
Coursework: 0%
Exam: 100%
Exam Structure:
Modelling Physics Paper – 2hr 15mins
Exploring Physics Paper – 2hr 15mins
Unified Physics Paper – 1hr 30mins
Link to specification: A Level Specification Physics A H556
Course Overview:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
- 1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- 1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations of physics
- 2.1 Physical quantities and units
- 2.2 Making measurements and analysing data
- 2.3 Nature of quantities
Module 3 – Forces and motion
- 3.1 Motion
- 3.2 Forces in action
- 3.3 Work, energy and power
- 3.4 Materials
- 3.5 Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
- 4.1 Charge and current
- 4.2 Energy, power and resistance
- 4.3 Electrical circuits
- 4.4 Waves
- 4.5 Quantum physics
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
- 5.1 Thermal physics
- 5.2 Circular motion
- 5.3 Oscillations
- 5.4 Gravitational fields
- 5.5 Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
- 6.1 Capacitors
- 6.2 Electric fields
- 6.3 Electromagnetism
- 6.4 Nuclear and particle physics
- 6.5 Medical imaging
Qualification: Btec Applied Science – Extended Certificate
Exam Board: Edexcel
Coursework: 42%
Exam: 58%
Exam Structure:
Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science – 2hrs
Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills – 2hrs
Link to specification: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Course Overview:
Learners will study four units:
Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science
- Periodicity and properties of elements
- Structure and functions of cells and tissues
- Waves in communication
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
In this unit you will:
- A Undertake titration and colorimetry to determine the concentration of solutions
- B Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves
- C Undertake chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures
- D Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work.
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills.
- Planning a scientific investigation
- Data collection, processing and analysis/interpretation
- Drawing conclusions and evaluation
- Enzymes in action
- Diffusion of molecules
- Plants and their environment
- Energy content of fuels
- Electrical circuits
Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
In this unit you will:
- A Understand the impact of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their associated corrective treatments
- B Understand the impact of disorders on the physiology of the lymphatic system and the associated corrective treatments
- C Explore the physiology of the digestive system and the use of corrective treatments for dietary-related diseases.