Science
Science Department Intent
Our science curriculum aims to foster curiosity, understanding, and appreciation of the natural world, enabling students to become successful global citizens. We strive to develop scientific literacy so students can make informed decisions about their daily life, as well as connecting science to real world issues and global challenges. When theory is paired with ample practical work opportunities, students will be able to think critically and apply their knowledge to a range of situations and succeed, regardless of their background.
Key Stage 3
What do students study?
Our KS3 curriculum is based on the National Curriculum. Lessons contain a strong practical element and are all taught by specialist Science staff. Students study a wide range of topics including from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and are taught in mixed ability groups.
In year 9, students transition from KS3 to KS4 and begin studying their GCSE course shortly after December.
We celebrate Sidmouth Science Festival in October and British Science Week in March, with activities in and out of lessons, as well as offering the opportunity for local or national Science competitions.
How are students assessed?
Students' progress is measured in a variety of ways throughout the year, including observations of practical skills, multiple choice quizzes, and written tests. Assessment points are strategically placed to ensure content is revisited throughout the year.
Key Stage 4
All students study Science, which contributes to a minimum of two GCSEs comprised of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
We offer two pathways of study: AQA Combined (Trilogy) Science which provides two Science GCSEs, or AQA Separate Science, which provides one Biology, one Chemistry, and one Physics GCSE.
Students choose which path to take as part of the options process in year 9. If studying Combined Science, students are taught by two teachers with different specialisms. If they choose Separate Science, they are taught by three specialist teachers, one per GCSE.
The GCSE exams constitute 100% of the final grades, and are comprised of two Biology papers, two Chemistry papers, and two Physics papers. Each Combined Science exam is 1 hour 15 minutes long, whereas Separate Science papers are 1 hour 45 minutes long. All exams are sat at the end of year 11.
Under the new GCSE grading system, Combined Science students will be awarded two paired grades, e.g. 9-9, 9-8 through to 2-1 and 1-1.
WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO POST 16?
Both Combined and Separate Science GCSEs allow students to progress onto A levels, AAQs, and T levels. Sidmouth College (and most other FE course providers) requires a minimum of two Grade 6s to be accepted onto science courses. Although not compulsory, a Grade 6 in maths is preferred.
FOR WHAT CAREERS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?
An aspect of science can be found in most careers, allowing students vast diverse opportunities after secondary education. Some examples of careers include but are not limited to: medicine (including dentistry, veterinary, pharmacology, and midwifery), clinical research, electrical and mechanical engineering, robotics, genetic engineering, nuclear chemistry, forensics, psychology, and ecology.
The transferrable skills developed by scientific study are highly sought after by employers, including public and private sectors, as well as the armed forces.
Key Stage 5
Biology
Introduction
Biology is the study of living things, from cells to ecosystems. If you are fascinated by the huge variety of life on Earth, and wish to gain an insight into how organisms work and interact, then Biology could be for you.
What do students study?
At Sidmouth College we follow the AQA level qualification. A level Biology lasts two years with all examinations taking place at the end of two years. Practical investigations are an essential part of the course.
Core Content
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchanging substances and energy with each other and their environment
- Organisms responding to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression
How are students assessed?
Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study modules over the two years, leading to an A Level qualification in this subject.
Chemistry
Introduction
Chemistry is all around us; from our sinks to our medicine cabinets, from our cosmetics to the colour of our clothing, and from our fuels, metals, plastics and polymers to the silicon, vital to the computer hardware that we use every day.
What do students study?
At Sidmouth College, we follow the AQA A Level Chemistry course. Many chemical molecules and materials are studied in depth at A Level because of their importance in our increasingly diverse and technological world. The core content that you will study is listed below.
Core Content
- Physical chemistry— including atomic structure, structure and bonding, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics
- Organic chemistry— alkanes, alkenes, amines and organic synthesis
- Inorganic chemistry— group 1 and 7, transitions metals and periodicity.
How are students assessed?
Assessment is carried out primarily through examinations. Students will study modules over the two years, leading to an A Level qualification in this subject.
Upon successful completion of the assessed practicals you receive an A level with practical endorsement.
Physics
Introduction
Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know. They probe the furthest reaches of the Earth to study the smallest pieces of matter. Join us to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience.
What do students study?
Throughout Physics A Level you will study a variety of topics including:
- Particles and Radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Gravitational Fields
- Electric Fields
- Magnetic fields
- Nuclear Physics
An option subject from the following; Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning points in Physics or Electronics
How are students assessed?
At Sidmouth College we are following the AQA A Level Physics over two years. Practical investigations are an essential part of the course and students will leave with an A level, as well as practical endorsement.
Applied Science
Introduction
Designed for those interested in Science but not wanting to specialise yet, or those who prefer coursework over exams, OCR’s Cambridge National AAQ Extended Certificate offers another pathway into science after schooling. Equivalent to one A-level and designed in collaboration with Universities, students have the opportunity to study a range of topics, and apply knowledge holistically, choosing to study the topics most interesting to them.
What do students study?
There are five units of study, three mandatory and two student choice.
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Mandatory units |
Optional units |
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How are students assessed?
Two units are assessed through exams, and the other three through coursework (also called NEA). Students can achieve a range of grades from D* - D – M – P, which are equivalent to A levels A* - A – C – E in terms of UCAS points.