Science in Key Stage 3
In years 7-9 students follow a course that prepares them for the challenges of GCSE Science. 30 sections are taught over the 3 years which between them cover a huge variety of scientific topics from Space to Chemical Reactions to Diet and Simple Genetics. Most lessons have 2 foci. One is to broaden scientific knowledge and the other is to improve scientific skills, which is why the students carry out a range of practical activities.
Science in Key Stage 4
From September 2006, students will be taught a new GCSE Science course, developed by OCR, called 21st Century Science. There are two parts and two qualifications to be gained.
In Year 10 the students will follow the GCSE Science course. This aims to give them a wider understanding of the world by putting science into familiar, everyday contexts. This will yield one GCSE at the end of Year 10.
In Year 11 students will follow either GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Additional Applied Science. The Additional Science course is aimed at those students who wish to pursue Science at A-Level and beyond or who have a deep rooted interest in the subject. The Additional Applied Science course is for everyone else and will look at a few familiar and sometimes controversial topics such as health care (Superbugs), agriculture (organic or not) and communications (are mobile phones a health risk?). Both of these lead to a second GCSE qualification.
OCR website
8C have recently been studying the area of mixed habitats outside the Science Block. Their aim was to determine why different creatures lived in each habitat. They attempted to explain their conclusions by producing posters like this one by Robyn, Vicky and Hannah.