BGS Science Curriculum
The BGS Science Department is committed to developing curious, independent, critical thinking and highly motivated responsible learners, setting the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We offer a diverse and balanced curriculum with engaging lessons and enrichment that enables outstanding progress for all pupils across all science disciplines. By building up a body of key foundational knowledge, concepts and skills, students will be able to recognise the power of evidence to rationalise and explain the world and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will understand how science can be used to explain, predict and analyse. At the conclusion of their school career, our students will:
Intent
Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all students are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to teaching and learning of science involves the following:
Impact
The successful approach at Burnham Grammar School results in a fun and engaging high quality science education that provides students with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Our engagement with local industries and universities ensures that students learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside of lessons is embedded throughout the science curriculum. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, students have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital for the world's prosperity. Students learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connections with national agencies such as STEM association and visits to local science industries, and learn from and work with professionals ensuring they have access to positive role models within the field of science from the immediate and wider local community. From this exposure to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds, all students feel they are scientists and are capable of achieving. Students at Burnham Grammar School overwhelmingly enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with a sound scientific understanding.
Key Stage 4
The science curriculum is taught as either the Separate Sciences or Combined Science, with the latter covering almost 75% of the content of the separate sciences. Students taking the separate sciences will be awarded individual GCSEs in the respective science subject, whilst the combined science students will be awarded a double GCSE e.g. Grade 7/7 but will be assessed across the three science disciplines.
AQA Scheme of Assessment
In Separate Sciences, there will be two examinations for each science subject at the end of Y11. Students are required to complete between 8 to 10 required practicals per science discipline throughout the course. These are not formally assessed, but the theory of practical work and How Science Works will be examined in the final written papers. Maths skills are also tested in all three science qualifications (10% of Biology exam marks, 20% of Chemistry exam marks and 30% of Physics exam marks).
Further details are available on the websites below:
Combined Science Triology 8464
In Combined Science, students will sit two examinations for each of the science disciplines at the end of Y11. Students are required to complete a total of 21 practicals throughout the course. These are not formally assessed, but the theory of practical work and How Science Works will be examined in the final written papers together with Maths skills.
Internal KS4 Science assessments
Year 11 students will sit assessments in all three Sciences in the Autumn and Spring terms to inform their progress grades. They will also sit formal mock examinations in December which consist of one or two papers per science discipline, akin to the AQA exams. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
Year 10 students will sit assessments in the Autumn and Summer term to inform their progress grades and the mock examinations for year 10 are in the Spring term, which consist of one paper per science discipline. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
All year 9 students will sit assessments in the Autumn and Spring term to inform their progress grades and they will have internal science exams in the Summer term, which consist of one paper per science discipline. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
PHYSICS
EXAMINING BODY : OCR B Advancing Physics (H557)
Advancing Physics aims to give you an understanding of the world around us. We go from the forces which hold atoms together to exploring evidence for how the Big Bang occurred. We look at the latest 3D ultrasound technology and consider the historical context of Newton’s work. In addition to computational physics we look into areas of quantum thinking that shaped the 20th century. The course is modern and relevant to today, e.g. how digital devices such as CDs, mp3s and digital cameras work, whilst also giving you the grounding in traditional physics needed for further study.
For more information, refer to the specification :
Rather than memorising mathematical methods, Physics A-level demands that you are able to interpret problems in novel contexts and apply skills accordingly. The level of Mathematics involved is a significant step up from GCSE Physics. The year 12 course has topics on imaging, electricity, materials, waves and quantum behaviour and mechanics.
In year 13 the topics are exponential relationships, gravity, the Universe, ideal gases, fields and radioactivity.
OCR B Scheme of Assessment
A Level Advancing Physics is assessed through three exam papers assessing all of the material covered in years 12 and 13. Practical coursework is not directly assessed, but experience of practical working is essential to some exam questions, particularly in Paper 3. To gain the Practical Endorsement students need to have personally completed each of the required practical and recorded/processed/displayed/analysed the results in their lab-books.
PROGRESSION
Studying Physics at A-level will advance your problem solving abilities. The skills you will develop will be invaluable both directly and indirectly in a wide variety of careers. Physics is essential for entry into a wide range of scientific careers including astronomy, aeronautics, architecture, communications, electronics, and engineering. It is also a recommended qualification for medicine, veterinary science and for those seeking to work in business and finance.
Internal Assessment
Year 12 students will sit assessments in Autumn and Spring, based on typical A level exam questions to inform their progress grades.
They will also sit a formal mock exam in Summer which will consist of short multiple choice questions and longer, more demanding, A level questions to test their application and practical skills. The results of this will be used to inform their predicted grades for UCAS.
Students are also assessed throughout the year with topic tests after each module of teaching.
In Y13, students will be assessed in Autumn and will also sit mock exams in Spring covering all of the content of the course taught up to this point. The assessments will focus on short (multiple choice) and longer, more demanding, A level exam questions.