Science

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

Albert Einstein

Science is taught in purpose-designed laboratories by subject specialist teachers who are passionate about their subject and keep themselves up to date with the latest developments through regular training.

We promote a love of science through interactively imparting knowledge alongside opportunities to investigative scientific phenomena - proactively involving parents and guardians along the journey.

We align with the school ethos of enabling all pupils to excel by removing barriers to learning science so all can succeed equally and provide an enrichening education by going beyond the classroom to highlight how science appears in society and shapes our world.

We aim to empower all students from all backgrounds to become scientifically literate citizens, confident in interpreting, analysing and critiquing information throughout their life.

For those with the greatest passion we will enable them to continue the pursuit of science into higher education to become the scientists of the future.

Science though the key stages:

From year 7 onwards, we develop pupils scientific knowledge across Chemistry, Biology and Physics. In addition to this we focus on improving students’ numeracy skills with dedicated lessons looking at analysing data, presenting conclusions, interpreting and drawing graphs, algebra, geometry and number.

We also develop the ability to “work scientifically” through regular scientific investigation and opportunities for other scientific skills such as communication, peer review, ethics and technology.

Our curriculum is designed to stimulate pupil’s curiosity and make them well-rounded individuals. We actively make efforts to increase student’s cultural capital by making links to what students learn in lessons with everyday life events, provide career opportunities and highlight routes into further education.

Staff

Mr W. Stevens - Head of Department
Ms E. Aherne
Ms M. Alisandarage - Science Technician
Mr R. Ankers
Ms Z. Ranegar
Ms H. Barnes - Teacher in Charge of Psychology
Ms J. Carleton
Ms J. Kouassi
Mr D. Osborne
Mr J Mak

Want to find out more?

If you wish to find out more about Science at St George’s please feel free to contact Mr W Stevens at W.Stevens@stgeorgesrc.org.

For more information on A Level Psychology or BTEC Science please see the designated tabs below.

KS3

During KS3 students build excellent foundations in scientific knowledge and investigative skills. We guide our students through the scientific curriculum covering the theoretical concepts with engaging lessons and dedicating lessons to the planning, conducting and analysis of scientific investigations. We see KS3 as an opportunity for students to investigate, ask questions and build a love for the subject.

Throughout the year we provide opportunities for scientific trips, arrange a zoo visit to our labs and host dissections after school for our KS3 students. We also organise a number of events for Science Week every year!

There are dedicated lessons to developing numeracy and “working scientifically” skills to ensure students are able to interpret and understand science in lessons and everyday life.

Year 7 Scheme of Work:

Biology:

Cells
Tissues, organs and organ systems
Breathing system
Digestive system
Enzymes
Balanced diet
Interdependence
Classification or vertebrates and invertebrates

Physics:

Energy
States of matter
Diffusion and pressure
Thermal energy
Speed
Distance and time
Sound
Use of sound
Electricity
Solar system

Chemistry

Elements, compounds and mixtures
Mixtures and separation
Acid and alkalis
Salts
Rock cycle

Skills:

Line graphs
Formula and algebra
Bar graphs
Equipment and lab safety
Scientific questioning and variables
Review of theories

Year 8 Scheme of Work:

Biology:

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Photosynthesis
Plant fertiliser and growth
Animal reproduction
Pregnancy
Plant reproductive
Pollination
Seed dispersal
DNA and inheritance
Variation
Evolution
Speciation
Extinction

Physics:

Forces
Hooke’s law
Work done
Magnets and electromagnets
Light

Chemistry:

The periodic table
Group 1/7/0
Chemical and physical changes
Exothermic and endothermic
Combustion, thermal decomposition and oxidation
Reactivity series of metals
Metals from the ore
Recycling metals
Carbon cycle and the greenhouse effect

Skills:

Scatter graphs
Line graphs
Scientific questioning
Mean / mode / median / range / anomalies
Evidence and sources
Bar Graphs
Ethics and science
Scientific peer review

Year 9 Scheme of Work:

Biology:

Cells
Microscopes
Digestion
Enzymes
Diffusion and active transport
Surface area and volume
Osmosis
Food tests

Chemistry:

Elements, compounds and mixtures
Separation techniques
Atom structure
Periodic table
Metals and non-metals
Reactivity series

Physics:

Energy
Work done
Power
The states of matter
Density
Internal energy
Particle motion in gases

Skills:

Line graphs
Percentage change
Types of error
Risks and benefits in science
Decimals and significant figures
Formulas / algebra
Standard form and orders of magnitude
Calculating area and volume
Frequency tables and histograms
Critiquing claims and justifying opinions
Evidence and sources
Peer review
Scientific communication

KS3 Science Resources

Key-Knowledge-needed-for-KS3

KS4

We begin our scientific journey through KS4 science in year 10. The majority of our pupils read the Combined Science: Trilogy syllabus, with a smaller, select group studying the triple Science course.

Start of KS4 is an opportune time for pupils to expand their scientific knowledge. They conduct more than 24 practical activities to put their theory into practice. Teachers regularly mark and assess pupil work to provide them with developmental feedback. Teachers dedicate their spare time to further support pupils through after school and Saturday revision sessions.

We continue to provide dedicated lessons to numeracy and “working scientifically” skills to advance our students’ abilities in interpreting and explaining science through data and understand the investigative approach in greater detail.

Pupils also have the opportunity of completing work experience in St. George’s university, attend workshops on engineering and medicine and attend trips allowing them to expand their knowledge outside of classrooms.

Pupils study AQA syllabus, specification for which can be found here:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Year 10 Core

Biology:

Respiratory system
Heart and blood
Health and immunity
Respiration and exercise
Metabolism
Plant tissue and photosynthesis
Ecology
Nutrient cycles
Biodiversity
Global warming
Sampling

Chemistry:

Earth’s atmosphere
Hydrocarbons
Earth’s resources
Recycling and LCAs
Potable and waste water
Atomic structure
Group 1/ 7 / 0
Bonding
Acids and alkalis
Acids and metals
Soluble salts
Purity and formulations
Tests for common gases

Physics:

Atomic structure and history
Radiation
Current, voltage and resistance
Circuits and devices
Resistors
Electricity supply
Forces
Magnets

Skills:

Scatter diagrams and data patterns
Graph drawing
Models and their uses
Applications of science in technology
Careers in science from national grid
Unit conversions
Ratios and fractions
Probability
Frequency tables and histograms
Key equation recap

Year 10 triple

Biology:

The respiratory system
The heart and blood.
Heath and diseases
Vaccinations and antibiotics
Developing drugs
Culturing microorganisms
Plant diseases and defense
Respiration and exercise
Photosynthesis
Plant tissues and organs
Ecology
Adaptations in plants and animals
Trophic levels
Water and carbon cycles
Decomposition
Classification and biodiversity
Water and land pollution
Global warming
Quadrats and transects
Impact of environmental change
Food security and role of biotechnology in farming

Chemistry:

The atmosphere
Renewable & non renewable energy
Greenhouse gases & carbon footprint
Crude oil and fractional distillation
Resources and sustainability
Life cycle assessments
Alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids
Polymerisation
States of matter
Periodic table and groups
Ionic and covalent bonding
Ionic, simple and giant covalent structures
Nanoparticles
Properties of transition metals
Metallic bonding
Alloys and their uses
Corrosion
Ceramics, polymers and composites
Acids and alkalis
Reactions of acids and metals
Soluble salts practical
Gas test, flame tests and ion tests
Carbonates, halides and sulphates
Instrumental methods and flame emission spectroscopy
Potable water
Waste water treatments
Analysis and purification of water practical

Physics:

Static and electric fields
Circuits, current and potential difference
Series and parallel circuits
Resistance practicals
Thermistors, diodes and LDR’s
Resistance and I-V characteristics
Resistance across components practical
Electricity
Power and energy transfer
Power and resistance
The national grid
Vectors and scalar quantities
Weight and centre of mass
Resultant forces
Resolving forces
Hooke’s Law and practical
Moments, levers and gears
Pressure in fluids
Atmospheric pressure
Floating and sinking
Pressure in gases
Magnets and electromagnets
The motor effect
Induced potential difference
AC generators vs dynamos
Microphones vs loud speakers
Transformers
Atomic structure
Radioactive decay
Half life
Nuclear fission and fusion

Skills:

Scatter diagrams
Graph drawing
Models and their uses (Mathematical)
Theories
Mean, medium, mode and uncertainty
Rations and fractions
Probability
Applications of tech
Percentages and percentage change
Conversions and algebra
Hypothesis and variables
Frequency tables and histograms
Estimates
Uncertainty in measurements
Decimals and significant figures
Standard form

Year 11 core

Chemistry:

Metal extraction
Redox
Electrolysis
Quantitative chemistry
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Rate of reaction
Reversible reactions
Le Chatelier’s principle

Physics:

Speed
Newton’s laws
Momentum and stopping
Waves

Biology:

DNA
Reproduction
Genetics and Inheritance
Evolution and species
Homeostasis
Nervous response
Endocrine
Glucose control
Fertility

Skills:

Algebra
Decimals, significant figures and standard form
Uncertainty measurements
Gradients and area under the curve
Graphs
Power, limitations and ethical issues in science

Revision for end of year exams

Year 11 triple

Chemistry:

Metal extraction
Redox
Electrolysis
Chemical cells and batteries
Quantitative chemistry
Titrations practical
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Rate of reaction
Reversible reactions
Le Chatelier’s principle
The Haber Process
NPK fertilisers
Potable water
Analysis and purification of water practical

Physics:

Speed
Newton’s laws
Momentum and stopping distance
Waves
Reflection and refraction
Filters and lenses
Sound waves
Seismic waves and earthquakes
Leslie cube practical
Space and the solar system

Biology:

DNA
Reproduction
Genetics and inheritance
Protein synthesis
Evolution and species
Cloning animals and plants
Inheritance and variation
Homeostasis
Nervous response
Endocrine
Glucose control
Fertility
Plant hormones

Skills:

Algebra
Uncertainty measurements
Gradients and area under the curve
Graphs
Power, limitations and ethical issues in science

Revision for end of year exams

KS4 Combined Science Resources

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

KS4 Triple Science Resources

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

KS5

Biology

At KS5 we build on previous knowledge and skills to develop our pupils as confident scientists. The new curriculum provides pupils with a broad opportunity to conduct investigations. A minimum of 12 practical activities are conducted as part of this course.

Biology at our school has been extremely popular and successful. Each year most of our Biologists have gone to pursue either medicine or biology based subjects in Russel group universities. Rigorous BMAT and UKCAT preparatory sessions are in place to further support pupils. Pupils can also avail themselves to interview practice sessions. Through our close working relations with top universities we are able to apply for pupils to attend summer schools affording them the opportunity to gain hospital work experience.

Pupils study AQA syllabus, the full specification can be found at here:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/biology/specifications/AQA-7401-7402-SP-2015.PDF

In year 12, pupils study the following topics:

Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

In year 13, pupils study the following topics:

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

Physics

Physics is the study of how things work and how the Universe functions. KS5 physics begins studying matter at a very small scale, building on acquired GCSE knowledge of fundamental particles, to modules concerning gravitational fields and mechanics. Throughout all the topics pupils will learn problem solving skills that will help you in many future careers.

Physics at our school has become increasingly popular, with each year pupils applying to Russel Group universities to study engineering, architecture or physics based subjects. During the course of their studies, pupils can attend the Sussex Study Experience designed to enrich the pupil’s knowledge of physics or engineering at an undergraduate level.

Pupils study AQA syllabus, specification for which can be found at:

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/physics/specifications/AQA-7407-7408-SP-2015.PDF

In year 12, pupils study the following topics:

Particles and radiation – the fundamental properties of matter, radiation and energy.
Waves – understanding everyday applications to fundamental discoveries.
Mechanics and materials – A starting point for many future careers i.e. engineering, transport and technology.
Electricity – from basic principles to calculations.

In year 13, pupils study the following topics:

Further mechanics and thermal physics – building on AS topics with circular motion and material properties.
Fields and their consequences – The similarities and differences between gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
Nuclear physics – developing the understanding of the nucleus.
An option of:

o Astrophysics

o Medical physics

o Engineering physics

o Turning points in physics

o Electronics

Chemistry

In Chemistry at KS5, we develop knowledge and skills from KS4. We introduce them to a wide range of new topics from fundamental Chemistry to innovative new concepts. The curriculum provides students with the change to engage with topics that are linked to real world problems, such as climate change. Through practical assessments students are able to conduct investigations and acquire important laboratory skills and techniques. A minimum of 12 practical activities are conducted as part of this course.

Chemistry is an excellent subject to study, it provides a platform to study many degrees at University and can lead to many varying degrees in science. Chemistry at our school has been extremely popular and successful. Students who study Chemistry go on to study a wide range of science based degrees from Biochemistry and biomedicine to forensic science. Chemistry is a requirement to study Medicine at University and many of our students go on to study medicine. Through our close working relations with top universities we are able to apply for pupils to attend summer schools affording them the opportunity to gain hospital work experience. Students through studying Chemistry at A level develop excellent skills in problem solving that can set them up for a wide variety of other degrees and careers.

Pupils study AQA syllabus, the specification can be found here:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-7404-7405-SP-2015.PDF

In year 12, pupils study the following topics:

Physical Chemistry

Atomic Structure, Kinetics, energetics, equilibrium and redox reactions.

Inorganic Chemistry

Periodicity, Group 2 and group 7.

Organic Chemistry

Alkanes, Alkenes, Halogenoalkanes, alcohols and organic analysis.

In year 13, pupils study the following topics:

Physical Chemistry

Rates, thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemical cells, acids

Inorganic Chemistry

Transition metals and reactions of aqueous ions.

Organic Chemistry

Optical isomerism, Aldehydes, ketones, Carboxylic acids, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins, DNA, Organic synthesis, Nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatography.

KS5 BTEC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science is a vocation or work-related qualification. The course is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the science and technological sectors alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in applied science. The scientific field is an exciting and constantly changing environment, with a wide range of opportunities. This course aims to equip students with many skills which are recognised and desired in all science and technological sectors.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is equivalent to one GCE A Level. You can reach 56 UCAS Tariff points with a Distinction*.

There are four units in total, two units per academic year. Each year will consist of one exam unit and one coursework unit.

In Year 12 the two units studied are:

1 Principles and Applications of Science I

A Periodicity and properties of elements (Chemistry)

B Structure and functions of cells and tissues (Biology)

C Waves in communication (Physics)

2 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

A Undertake titration and colourimetry to determine the concentration of solutions.

B Undertake Calorimetry to study cooling curves.

C Undertake Chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures

D Reflection as a scientist

In Year 13 the two units studied are:

3 Scientific Investigation Skills (Externally Assessed)

Planning a scientific investigation
Data collection, processing and analysis/interpretation
Drawing conclusions and evaluation
Essential Practicals: Enzymes in action, Diffusion of molecules, Plants and their environment, Energy content of fuels, Electrical circuits

9 Human Regulation and Reproduction (Internally Assessed)

Interrelationships and nervous control of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Homeostatic mechanisms used by the human body
The Role of hormones in the regulation and control of the reproductive system

Pupils study Pearson’s syllabus, specification for which can be found at:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/specification-and-sample-assessments/9781446938164_BTECNat_AppSci_ExtCert_Spec.pdf

Want to find out more?
If you wish to find out more about Science at St George’s please feel free to contact Mr W. Stevens at w.stevens@stgeorgesrc.org

KS5 Psychology

Psychology is a popular subject at St George’s, which is attractive to students because it develops a range of valuable skills including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. These skills are particularly relevant to young people and are transferable to further study and workplace. The AQA qualification offers students an engaging and stimulating introduction to the study of psychology, combined with the academic integrity and skills that Higher Education and employers value. Associated careers include teaching, nursing, human resources, marketing, and clinical psychology.

Past students have successfully completed the Nuffield Health work experience placement in their chosen area of psychological study. The department organises student visits to Universities for taster days, as well as conferences linked to areas of study.

Pupils study AQA syllabus, specification for which can be found at:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/psychology/specifications/AQA-7181-7182-SP-2015.PDF

Topics studied across the two-year course are listed below, as well as the link to the specification taught here at St George’s.

Social Influence
Memory
Attachment
Psychopathology
Approaches in psychology
Biopsychology
Research Methods
Issues and Debates in psychology
Gender
Schizophrenia
Aggression

Staff

Ms H Barnes - Teacher in Charge of Psychology

Want to find out more?
If you wish to find out more about Science at St George’s please feel free to contact Ms H Barnes at H.Barnes@stgeorgesrc.org

Careers

At St George’s we aim to support students to enter into scientific degrees and careers in the following ways:

Supporting year 13 students with their science specific UCAS applications.

Enrolling students for university outreach lecture series and talks from researchers:

Chemistry lecture series
Biology Masterclass with Royal Holloway
Physics focused Oxford and imperial research talks in school

Taking students on scientific trips and putting on workshops.

Sixth form biology, chemistry and physics students visiting local research institutions
The transport museum for Ks3
National Grid Engineer Careers talk – KS4
Westminster STEAM week events – KS3 and KS4
Exploring different scientific careers during science week assemblies– KS4

Proactively sourcing and promoting summer schools to KS3, KS4 and KS5 across the year and supporting student application to the summer schools.

Actively linking topics taught in class to university degrees and careers to inspire and motivate our students.