George Salter Science Department is a dynamic place to learn and is one in which students learn about the way in which the world around them works. The staff are committed in their desire to instil the awe and wonder of science into all pupils. They do this by delivering relevant, engaging and fun lessons. Students learn to be curious, to question why things happen and to experiment to aid their discovery of the laws underpinning the universe. Through the experience of practical investigations, students learn many different analytical skills that are invaluable, not only for academic success but also beneficial beyond the classroom.
Throughout the year, the science staff offer a range of opportunities that allow all students to engage actively in science. This includes the chance to take part in practical investigations that go beyond the realms of the National Curriculum and maintain their curiosity in the world around them. In addition to relaying all the key concepts during additional study sessions, we provide students with study tips and strategies, that help them go on to gain academic success.
Mrs K Jabeen (Head of Science Department), email: [email protected]
“Science at George Salter is exciting and each lesson is full of new experiences.”
“The work in Science is hard and tests your knowledge, but the rewards are life changing.”
“The experience of the Space Centre in Leicester was very interesting and gave me lots of knowledge about space.”
“The Science teachers are very helpful and great at explaining things.”
The KS3 curriculum in science aims to create awe and wonder for students and develop a much deeper understanding of how the world and Universe works around us. Students are taught core knowledge and concepts which traverse all three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, enabling students to not only make inter curricular, but also cross curricular links.
The students are introduced to the principles of scientific method through the teaching of different themes across the 3 years. Some GCSE content is introduced in year 9, but the students are not likely to notice because the transition between KS3 & KS4 should be seamless.
Assessment:
The students will complete Knowledge Recall assessments at the end of each topic. They will also complete an accumulative assessment at the end of each term, which will assess both their skills and their knowledge.
Enrichment:
The KS3 science club runs every Tuesday after school. There is a different theme for each term, so that the students have the opportunity to enjoy all 3 principles of science. They plan and carry out practical investigations each week. At the end of each term, the students are given the opportunity to go on a trip, which is linked to the theme for the term.
At key stage 4 all students follow AQA GCSE (9-1) Science qualifications. Students are selected by aptitude and ability to begin studying either the GCSE Trilogy or GCSE Triple science courses from year 10.
The AQA Trilogy Science course introduces students to fundamental ideas in scientific theory and helps them learn practical skills through mandatory practical activities.
The specification covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is a linear course with all the examinations at the end of year 11. Students will sit six examinations, two in Biology, two in Chemistry and two in Physics. Each examination is one hour and fifteen minutes in length and worth 16.7% of the final grade. Students can be entered at either Foundation or Higher tier and will attain the equivalent of two GCSEs at 9-1 grades.
Year 10 Trilogy Biology Curriculum Map
Year 10 Trilogy Chemistry Curriculum Map
Year 10 Trilogy Physics Curriculum Map
Year 11 Trilogy Biology Curriculum Map
Year 11 Trilogy Chemistry Curriculum Map
Year 11 Trilogy Physics Curriculum Map
Students following triple sciences will gain three separate GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These courses build on fundamental scientific ideas and develop student skills through mandatory practical activities. At the end of Year 11 students will sit two examinations in each subject; each will be one hour and forty five minutes in length and worth 50% of the final grade. Students can be entered at either Foundation or Higher Tier.
Year 10 Triple Biology Curriculum Map
Year 10 Triple Chemistry Curriculum Map
Year 10 Triple Physics Curriculum Map
Year 11 Triple Biology Curriculum Map
Year 11 Triple Chemistry Curriculum Map
Year 11 Triple Physics Curriculum Map
Students receive weekly Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons over the course and study the following topics:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
2019 – 9-7 – 0.9%, 9-4 – 34.4%, 9-1 – 98.3%
2020 – 9-7 – 6%, 9-5 – 24.2%, 9-4 – 46.8%
2019 Biology 2020 Biology
9-7 – 23.5% 9-7 – 27%
9-4 – 84% 9-5 – 73.7%
9-1 – 98.8% 9-4 – 92.9%
2019 Chemistry 2020 Chemistry
9-7 – 21% 9-7 – 34.2%
9-4 – 82.7% 9-5 – 64.5%
9-1 – 98.8% 9-4 – 84.2%
2019 Physics 2020 Physics
9-7 – 19.8% 9-7 – 19.7%
9-4 – 82.7% 9-5 – 53.9%
9-1 – 98.8% 9-4 – 82.9%
At KS5, the Science Department offers the following courses-
Biology- A Level
Chemistry- A Level
Physics- A Level Please view our dedicated Sixth Form section for more information.
Year 12
Year 12 Biology Curriculum Map
Year 12 Chemistry Curriculum Map
Year 13
Year 13 Biology Curriculum Map