Science

Welcome to the Science Department at

Holy Family College

If you have any questions regarding the Science Curriculum at Holy Family College or any queries you would like assistance with, please email the Head of Science, Mr Easby at the address below.

If you would like to contact your son/daughter’s teacher to ask about your son/daughter’s science work or seek clarification on homework etc., please use the email address below that member of staff’s name.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP WITH THEIR CHILD’S SCIENCE WORK

In addition to monitoring homework, parents can help their child by encouraging him/her to watch informative television programmes such as "Horizon", “Bang goes the theory”,“ Spring/Autumn watch”, “Coast” etc.

The reading of magazines, newspapers and science-based books, as well as visits to museums, zoos and exploratories can all provide added stimuli to promote and develop an enquiring mind. There are also a number of links to useful internet sites that can be found in the ‘links’ section.

Staffing

Mr C Easby BSc Hons (Biology with Psychology), PGCE

Head of Science/Curriculum Development Manager

Contact: hfcceasby@hfch.co.uk

Miss V Brooks (BSc Secondary Science with QTS)

Contact: hfcvbrooks@hfch.co.uk

Mr M Luke (Fellow of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Studies), PGCE

Contact: hfcmluke@hfch.co.uk)

Miss R Murden BSc Hons (Human Biology), PGCE

Contact: hfcrmurden@hfch.co.uk

Mr C Rothera BSc Hons (Biology), PGCE

Contact: hfccrothera@hfch.co.uk

Mr C Ridsdale (Lab Technician)

Mrs L Bell (Science Teaching Assistant)

Mr P Dixon (Science Teaching Assistant)

Rationale

Science is a core National Curriculum subject and the Science Department aims to provide pupils of all abilities with a broad, balanced and relevant experience of the subject. They will develop an understanding of key concepts from all Sciences and an appreciation of the role of Science in their lives. Through theoretical and practical work, in laboratories, they will acquire skills and abilities relevant to both Science and everyday life, in areas such as experimental design, good laboratory practice, safety, organisation and communication.

Students at Holy Family College follow a wide variety of routes through school depending on a variety of factors. Most students will complete a three year modular Key Stage 3 and study for two GCSE Science awards in Years 10 and 11. Some students will complete an accelerated Key Stage 3 in years 7 & 8 and complete a Triple Science GCSE in Years 9, 10 and 11. Other students will study a three year Key Stage 3 and complete an Applied Science Course in Years 10 and 11.

Success within the department

Allotment

In the summer term of 2008 we heard that the local Allotment Society had designated part of their site for community use. We applied for a plot and we were provided with a large poly tunnel with a raised bed full of good quality soil and a similar sized raised bed outside. Through 2008-2009, Mr. Luke regularly visited the plot with the year 7, 8 and 9 vertical group, Mr. Rothera took over in 2009 -2010 and it is currently tended to by the ASDAN group. The students have gained a valuable insight in seed sowing, planting, digging, weeding, irrigation and harvesting of produce. Additionally the students now know where some of their food comes from and which parts of the plant we eat. We collected over 9,000 Morrisons vouchers in the first release, claiming a large amount of basic equipment and last year collected enough for a greenhouse.

Exam successes

In the school year 2009 -2010 our A* - C target was 59%

A* to C grades at GCSE were 79% against 62% nationally.

A* -G grades were 100% and 59% of students left with two good science grades A* - C.

These results exceeded both National and local average pass rates.

Department Calendar 2010/2011

GCSE examinations:

CORE SCIENCE:

NOVEMBER 12^th, MARCH 4^th, JUNE 17^th

ADDITIONAL SCIENCE:

STRUCTURED PAPER : NOVEMBER 9^th, MARCH 2^nd, JUNE 7^th

MULTIPLE CHOICE PAPER: NOVEMBER 11th, MARCH 3rd, JUNE 15^th

Description of Courses

Key Stage 3

The study of science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.

The Science department currently offer the Longman Exploring Science KS3 course. The course is split into 3 Years; 7,8 & 9 and each year is split into 12 modules (4 Biology, 4 Physics and 4 Chemistry).

Assessment

Tests – The pupils will sit a test paper every term, the results of which will help determine the sets the pupils are placed in.

APP – the pupils will also be assessed using APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) tasks. These are small projects for the pupils to complete partly in lessons and partly as extended pieces of homework. The work is internally assessed and feedback to the students so they are aware of what level they are working at.

Key Stage 4

During key stage 4, pupils learn about the way science and scientists work within society. They consider the relationships between data, evidence, theories and explanations, and develop their practical, problem-solving and enquiry skills, working individually and in groups. They evaluate enquiry methods and conclusions both qualitatively and quantitatively, and communicate their ideas with clarity and precision. All pupils develop their ability to relate their understanding of science to their own and others’ decisions about lifestyles, and to scientific and technological developments in society. Most pupils also develop their understanding and skills in ways that provide the basis for further studies in science and related areas.

At Holy Family we currently offer the Edexcel 360 course which includes GCSE Core Science and GCSE Additional Science. The GCSE course is designed to:

- Ensure progression from Key Stage 3.

- Make science accessible to all students.

- Provide flexibility through teaching and assessment to tailor make the science course to meet the individual students needs.

The Core Science course is made up of three modules; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is taught on rotation so that pupils will only study one module at a time. When the module is complete they will be assessed and then begin a new module. The students will sit three sets of exams; one set at the end of each module in November, March and June. The Additional Science course is taught in the same way.

Core Assessment

External assessment will make up 60% of the overall GCSE based on six multiple choice tiered tests (two tests at the end of each module). Each test lasts for up to 20 minutes.

Internal assessment will make up a further 30% and will be based on three IAA’s (Internal assessment activities), devised by Edexcel, marked by teachers to a mark scheme issued by Edexcel and externally moderated.

The final 10% will be allocated from practical skills which will be assessed internally.

Additional Assessment

External assessment will make up 60% of the overall GCSE based on three multiple choice tiered tests and three structured answer tests. The structured papers last up to 30 minutes and require full written answers. The pupils will be entered for either Foundation or Higher based on their proven ability from previous results and through discussion with the pupils.

The internal assessment will take the same format as with Core, however there is an alternative option of a Centre devised assessment (written coursework) which can take the place of an IAA if this suits the particular needs of the pupil.

A further 10% will still be allocated through practical skills.

OCR

We also offer OCR Nationals in Science. OCR Nationals are an exam-free alternative to GCSEs, taking a more engaging, practical approach to learning and assessment. There are no specific requirements or restrictions for entry to this course and it can be tailor made to suit the needs of the student. The assessment is internal with guidelines supplied by OCR and moderated by an external OCR moderator.

OCR Award

The Award is made up of 3 units; Best Practice in Science, Materials Science and The Science of the Universe and Humanity. The Award is equivalent to two GCSE’s A* - C.

OCR National

The OCR National is a continuation of the Award and comprises a further three units; Forensic Science, Food Science and an optional unit (e.g. Sport Science). The National is equivalent to a further two GCSE’s A* -C.

Assessment

Candidates build a portfolio of evidence to meet assessment objectives for each unit. This can be:

I. Coursework/project task – this can be written work, presentations or IT based tasks e.g. power points/podcasts/videos etc.

II. Observation from members of staff

III. Statements from witnesses

IV. Personal statement

The particular advantage of this course is that there are no timetabled exams required, all work is part of a continuing project that can be revisited and amended during the year. The work is graded holistically as Pass, Merit or Distinction and the units are centre assessed (by the teachers) and moderated by visiting OCR moderator.

Resources for students

Here you can find a wealth of information available to students to help them with their KS4 work. Included are practice papers revision guides and other useful things for GCSE students as well as Task information and help for OCRNational students. This link is password protected and the details for accessing this material has been given to students (and should be stuck in to log-books).

Please follow this link to get to them.