Science

Science is relevant to everyone, and the study of it, helps us to learn and discover the world we live in. Skills learnt in Science such as critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning, are transferable into many workplace situations and are highly valued by employers.

Students have the option of taking one of two routes for studying Science. During the summer term of Year 10, they are guided by their Science teachers, who will advise which route is the most applicable for them.

1. Combined Science Trilogy Route: (two GCSEs)
   Students study all three Sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics but with a reduced course content. This allows pupils to focus on the core concepts in each science specification and results in two GCSEs.

1. Separate Sciences Route: Biology, Chemistry and Physics (three GCSEs)
2.  

Both the Combined Science Trilogy and the Separate Science specifications follow the same topics as listed below:

Did you know?

Are you fascinated by the night sky and exploration of the Universe?
You can choose to study GCSE Astronomy as an extra option through our co-curricular programme.

Biology

A Level Biology is designed to engage and inspire by showing how understanding contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental biological concepts. Studying Biology teaches the skills of asking questions, making observations, evaluating evidence, and solving problems. The course builds on the concepts and skills developed in GCSE Science. Biologists learn how living things work, interact with one another, and evolve. Biology is presented as an exciting, relevant, and challenging subject. The combination of academic rigour and practical focus ensures that the course is both stimulating and exciting.

These are the subjects covered in the first year of A Level:

• Biological Molecules
• Cells
• Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment
• Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms.

These are the subjects covered in the second year of A Level:

• Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms 
• Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments 
• Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems 
• The Control of Gene Expression 

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of substances, what they are made of, their interaction with each other and the role they play in living things. Plainly, it helps us understand the world in which we live. This A Level course is a fascinating exploration of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactions of organic and inorganic chemicals and builds upon knowledge and understanding from GCSE. The subject is academically rigorous but also hugely rewarding; students will learn the value of Chemistry, both in subject and application, the impact it has on society today and how it may be used responsibly.

These are the subjects covered in the first year of A Level:

• Atomic structure and Bonding
• Energetics, Kinetics and Redox
• Groups 2, Alkaline Earth Metals and Group 7, Halogens
• Organic Functional Group Chemistry

These are the subjects covered in the second year of A Level:

• Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
• Acids and Bases
• Period 3 and Transition Metal Chemistry
• Functional Group Chemistry
• Organic synthesis and analysis

Physics

Physics is an exciting subject that allows students to appreciate how fundamental science works, from both the smallest particles to the vastness of galaxies and the universe. It is deemed vital in the modern world, to develop new materials, machinery, and technology to improve our lives and help us explore the universe further. Studying it is a challenging but rewarding route to understanding the world around us. The A Level course builds on the concepts and skills that will have been developed at GCSE Science, presenting Physics as exciting, relevant and challenging. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and application of physics ideas in interesting and novel contexts, as well as the acquisition of knowledge. There is also a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills.

These are the subjects covered in the first year of A Level:

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity

These are the subjects covered in the second year of A Level:

• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics
• Astrophysics

Practical Skills Assessment The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A Level qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics. Throughout the course, students undertake 12 practical sessions in which they will demonstrate their competency. Practical skills are internally assessed and moderated externally. A practical skills endorsement is reported alongside (but does not contribute to) the A Level grade.