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)

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

Biology	Chemistry	Physics
Cell structures Human Biology Plants as Organisms Genetics	Acids, Bases and Salts Bonding and structure The Periodic Table Rates of Reaction	Forces Waves Electricity Nuclear Physics

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

Biology A Level aims to build on concepts and skills that will have been developed in the GCSE Science specifications, presenting Biology as exciting, relevant and challenging. It presents essential principles in contexts that students find interesting and stimulating and develops practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles.

These are the subjects covered in the first year of the 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 the 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 A Level aims to stimulate and sustain an interest and enjoyment of Chemistry. It also demonstrates the relationship between the development of the subject and its application, recognising the value of Chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly. Students will develop skills in laboratory procedures and techniques.

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

• Atomic structure and Bondin
• Energetics, Kinetics and Redox
• Groups 2 and 7 Chemistry
• Organic Functional Group Chemistry

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

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

Physics

Physics A Level aims to build on concepts and skills that will have been developed in the GCSE Science specifications, presenting Physics as exciting, relevant and challenging. It presents essential principles in contexts that students find interesting and stimulating and develops practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles.

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

1. Measurements and their errors
2. Particles and radiation
3. Waves
4. Mechanics and materials
5. Electricity
   
   Sections 6 – 8, plus ONE optional section from 9 – 13 are designed to be covered in the second year of the A Level. At Lingfield we have chosen Astrophysics as our optional topic.
    
6. Further mechanics and thermal physics
7. Fields and their consequences
8. Nuclear physics

        Optional topics:

4. Astrophysics
5. Medical physics
6. Engineering physics
7. Turning points in physics
8. Electronics