Science

Staffing

• Mr S McMahon (Head of Physics)
• Mrs H Drake (Senior Technician)
• Mrs R Harrison (Teacher)
• Dr L Walsh (Teacher)
• Mr J Twigg (Teacher)
• Mrs P O'Hara (Teacher)
• Miss R Kershaw (Teacher)
• Mr N Herbert (Head of Department)
• Mr K Eckersall (Teacher)
• Mr J Eaden (Teacher)
• Dr R Daniel (Teacher)
• Mrs J Connor (Head of Biology)
• Mrs T Adams (Teacher)
• Mrs H Hoult (Technician)
• Mrs A Kinsey (Technician)

Key Stage 3:

The module are taught as outlined in the QCA schemes of work. Pupils have the same teacher(s) all year.

At key stage 3 science offers opportunities for pupils to:

• build on their scientific knowledge and understanding from key stage 2 and make connections between different areas of science;
• use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events;
• understand a range of familiar applications of science;
• think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments for the environment and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions;
• carry out investigations of different types, on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work;
• communicate what they did and its significance;
• learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.

At the end of each term, pupils will take a hour-long written test to assess the progress they are making. Pupils are also set targets to help them move up the National Curriculum levels.

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Key Stage 4:

Core Science
All pupils in Year 10 will have one Science lesson each day and follow the AQA GCSE Science A course. This leads to a single award Science GCSE qualification at the end of Year 10. This course covers all the aspects of a good science education: evaluating evidence and the implications of science for society; explaining and modelling in science; and the technical knowledge of science.

In this course, there is a much greater emphasis on "How science works", which means not just learning theory but also the practical side of science and its relation to the world in which we live. This course offers the opportunity for all pupils to develop the science knowledge; understanding and skills needed for adult life, but also gives a good basis for further study.

The specific feature of this course is that it is assessed by bite-size multiple choice tests. Each test last for 30 minutes and there will be six tests through the year: two each in November, March and June. All together these module tests count for 75% of the total marks.

The coursework in the new Science courses is also changing. New arrangements will allow practical and investigative work to be more stimulating, absorbing and creative. The assessment will be carried out through a classroom test set by the examination board but marked in school. This will count for 25% of the total marks.

At the end of Year 10, all pupils will have completed one Science GCSE and will be awarded a grade for the course.

In Year 11 pupils will follow a variety of different science courses. All these courses will count for at least one Science GCSE. Pupils will continue to have one Science lesson every day. The course will depend on the grade achieved in Year 10, pupils ability in Science and particular post-16 career choices. This will be decided on by the teachers in the department. Brief details of the range of courses on offer are given below:

 Additional Science
The content of this course follows on from the Year 10 course but with a greater emphasis on modelling, theorising and explaining in science. This course deals more with the abstract ideas that would be required if pupils were considering taking Science at AS level.

The assessment for this course is done through three 45-minute papers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The coursework aspect remains the same as the Year 10 course.

 Additional Applied Science
This is another single award GCSE. It emphasizes the procedural and technical knowledge of science practice, so is suitable for students who want to learn more about vocational contexts which are relevant to the modern world. The subject content is set in three vocational contexts: sports science, food science and forensic science.

The assessment for this course will be carried out through a mix of portfolio assessment and written papers.

 Separate Sciences
It will be possible for some pupils to do separate GCSE courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This will be only possible for the highest achieving pupils. This will need to be decided after pupils receive their grades in the KS3 tests in May and by looking at their teacher assessment levels. This course will require pupils to attend some twilight sessions after school but will be an ideal introduction to the concepts covered at AS level in the three sciences.

The assessment for this course will consist of three written papers and one piece of coursework in each area of science.

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AS Level

Biology AS and A2
Biology is the science of living things. Studying their structure and function is of great importance, as our food, medicines and many manufacturing processes depend on this knowledge. Equally, the solution to many environmental problems will depend on an understanding of life processes and how human activity impacts upon them.

The modules in our AS/A level course will cover many aspects of Biology providing a strong basis for any further study, ranging from work on cell structure, genetic engineering to aspects of human health and disease. In addition, the practical element of the course will give students an opportunity to develop their practical skills and will further their understanding of scientific enquiry essential to modern Biology.

There is a significant number of visits through the year, for example, to look at techniques that help us to understand more about DNA.
The entry requirements for the course are grade BB in Dual Science, or B at GCSE Biology and a grade C in Mathematics.

 

Chemistry AS and A2
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of materials: what they are made of, how they interact with each other and their surroundings, and the role they play in living things. As such, chemistry occupies a central position in science, linking disciplines from mathematics to medicine and affects every aspect of our lives. In fact, the benefits of chemistry are so numerous and all-pervading that we often take them for granted. Our clothes, the paper we write on and the food we eat have been improved by people studying chemistry.

At AS level the modules studied build on the work done at GCSE particularly atomic structure, the Periodic Table, reaction rates and organic chemistry. The ability to handle chemicals and apparatus safely and effectively is developed. Practical coursework is an essential part of the course.

At A2 the subject is expanded to cover some of the more modern applications as well as a greater emphasis on calculations.

A Level Chemistry is an essential subject for many degree courses including medicine, pharmacy and dentistry as well as the more obvious Chemistry based subjects.

The entry requirements for the course are grade BB in Dual Science, or B at GCSE Chemistry, and a grade C at GCSE Mathematics

Comment from student:
The Chemistry AS Level expands on topics studied at GCSE, with modular exams making the workload easier to manage. Learning with two teachers means the work is varied and the practical classes involved make is more hands-on than Year 11. The pace of the course pushes us to reach targets and the challenge makes it really rewarding.

 

Physics AS and A2
Audenshaw Sixth Form offers you the opportunity to study the Advancing Physics A-level course.(http://advancingphysics.iop.org) This course has been specially developed by the Institute of Physics to bring the subject up to date in both its content and teaching methods. This particular course has been established and taught at Audenshaw since September 2000.

Advancing Physics: 

• Makes physics exciting and relevant
• Is contemporary in content and modes of delivery and includes  practical work that enables students to learn new skills and investigate for themselves
• Is attractive and accessible to the widest possible variety of students
• Sets physics in a variety of contexts, illustrating connections with everyday life, people, places and cultures
• Rewards students for initiative and commitment and allows them to develop their own interests
• Fully supports and recognizes the use of essential mathematical methods in physics, helping students to understand them

Students are taught by well-qualified teachers who provide the support necessary for success. Students will work in well-equipped laboratories and have access to their own Advancing Physics CD-ROM and course textbook to use both in the classroom and at home.
 
There is not a single career in which Physics does not play a part. It can, therefore, be considered a suitable choice for any career.
 
To be able to study Physics at A-Level requires two grade B`s in Core and Additional Science or a grade B in GCSE Physics. Prospective students will also be expected to have a grade B in GCSE Mathematics.

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