Science

Head of Department

Welcome to our Science Department.

Cardinal Pole has extensive science facilities throughout the school. We have 7 modern laboratories increasing the use of practical and problem solving approaches to teaching and learning Science. The user friendly design provides a calm but exciting environment that promotes group work and encourages investigative and experimental work to deliver the National Curriculum.

We aim to provide an enrichment and engagement of the Science Curriculum. This includes seven courses in the 14-19 age range, a strengthened transition from Key stage 2 to 3 and between key stages 3, 4 and 5. This has improved progression and continuity in teaching and learning.

With the improved ICT resources we also offer technically enriched teaching and learning with exposure to a wider context of information by using outside speakers, museums, university partners and industry. Additional support has created extra classes in years 10 & 11, enhanced provision for the separate sciences and a textbook and virtual learning environment for every pupil for home study support.

At key stage 3 pupils follow an investigative/curiosity approach to the curriculum. We encourage questioning and fact finding skills. The topics at keystage 3 are purposely planned and we develop our own resources for our students, they cover the four main areas of science. All pupils are assessed through end of term examinations with feedback to their tutor and Head of Year. We set challenging targets and encourage parents with us to monitor these throughout the year.

At key stage 4 pupils study either the separate GCSE sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics or GCSE Core science and Additional science. Each year we support pupils with after school classes, holiday revision groups and lunch time intensive support. Examination results have improved in all the science courses and we see this improving again this year. We always help to give students a better appreciation of higher education courses and industry and business, thus enabling them to make a more informed choice of career.

At key stage 5 we offer the Biology, Chemistry and Physics we are taught by our specialist teachers in the department.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)

At Key Stage 3 pupils are placed into three separate bands and taught most subjects within those bands.

Students learn about science across the following topics; matter, organisms, forces, energy, chemical reactions, waves, ecosystems, genetics and electricity. They cover all of these topics in year 7 and then again in year 8 but building on their prior knowledge. Assessments occur twice a year; at Christmas and again in the summer term.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11)

Students begin studying the GCSE curriculum at the start of Year 9 and will study the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course, which covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules. At the end of the course in Year 11, students will sit 6 exam papers, two for each discipline. Each exam paper will cover the topics for half of a subject area and include a variety questions, such as multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. Each year we support pupils with after school classes, holiday revision sessions and lunch time intensive support. We offer a range of activities, lectures and excursions which aim to give our students a better appreciation of higher education courses, industry and business, thus enabling them to make a more informed choice of career.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form, Years 12-13)

Students can choose to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A level. These are taught by two specialist teachers and prepare the students for a wide range of university courses. All three A levels are assessed at the end of year 13 when students sit 3 papers, the first two have a weighting of 37% each and the final synoptic paper counts for 26%.

Extra curricular activities

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 8)

Science World Club

Science World Club brings together Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It will provide the opportunity for pupils to enhance their scientific enquiry skills by participating in investigations which draw upon real life scenarios and areas of science of interest to young people. Students will explore science and technology out of a classroom context and work on developing projects. This will help students to build on their research and development skills-skills required to embark upon a career in a scientific industry. The club will also support scientific workshops involving collaboration with industries and trained professionals in scientific fields. Students will gain an insight into many of the wide variety of careers in science. Science World Club is the perfect platform in which students can channel their inner scientist.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9 – 11)

Science World Club (Year 9 students only-see above)

Year 11 Targeted Revision

In order to thoroughly prepare students for their 6 exam papers, selected Year 11 students will participate in small group sessions that cover specific areas of the curriculum highlighted as requiring further development.

Students are offered a weekend residential trip to Sayer’s Croft ahead of their GCSE exams where they revise content and develop revision skills alongside fun, team building activities such as rock climbing and caving.

Key Stage 5 - (Sixth Form)

Chemistry Revision

These sessions will take place weekly for both Y12 and Y13 Chemistry students and will specifically target the areas of the course which students find most challenging. The sessions will also focus on exam technique.

Biology Revision

These sessions will take place weekly for both Y12 and Y13 Biology students and will specifically target the areas of the course which students find most challenging. The sessions will also focus on exam technique.

Physics Revision

These sessions will take place weekly for both Y12 and Y13 Physics students and will specifically target the areas of the course which students find most challenging. The sessions will also focus on exam technique.