Broughton Hall Catholic High School - Curriculum / Science

Introduction

Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.

Edwin Powell Hubble

Science At Broughton Hall, we encourage our girls to be inquisitive throughout their time at school and beyond. Practical, hands on Science is at the heart of our subject and with our team of experienced technicians we ensure students get many opportunities to see Science in action in the lab environment.

The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in students about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. Our team of specialist teachers ensure that the separate disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are delivered with passion and expertise to ensure students get the best experience possible.

We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the students will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the fundamental scientific skills are built-on and developed throughout student's time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Our aim is that students develop into analytical, organised and resilient Scientists. Our approach to Science at Broughton Hall results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the ever changing world. Our hope is that students will take their experiences with us forward into further study or the increasingly Science focused world of work.

Staff

Mr Roberts - Head of Department
Miss Skiming - Responsible for KS4, Head of Chemistry
Mrs Williams - Head of Biology
Miss Marlow - Responsible for KS3 and KS5 Vocational
Miss Connolly - Assistant Head teacher and teacher of Science
Mrs Pavey - Student Progress Manager - Year 10 - Teacher of Science
Mr Brierley - Science Teacher
Miss Croft - Science Teacher
Miss Calvert - Science Teacher
Miss Selsby - Head Technician

Programme of Study KS3



At Broughton Hall, we encourage our girls to be inquisitive throughout their time at school and beyond. Practical, hands on Science is at the heart of our subject and with our team of experienced technicians we ensure students get many opportunities to see Science in action in the lab environment. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in students about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. Our team of specialist teachers ensure that the separate disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are delivered with passion and expertise to ensure students get the best experience possible.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Intervention classes in Science are offered both before and after school to KS3/KS4 and KS5 students. There is also 'Science Wednesday's' available to all year 10 and year 11 students on Wednesdays 3.05 - 4.05. KS3 students enjoy investigative work done within our STEM Club run after school. There are also intervention and general preparation classes at KS5 in all subjects. Numerous trips out add interest and enthusiasm to the science curriculum at Broughton Hall and recently there have been visits to Daresbury Laboratories for their 'Chemistry at work day', the Blue Planet Aquarium, the Big Bang Event at Aintree, a Robotics Challenge Days at Liverpool University and Hugh Baird College, and an alien experience visit to Jodrell Bank. The 6th Form trip to Geneva proved exceedingly popular and proved to be an excellent opportunity to see cutting edge Science research up close.

Programme of Study KS4


Head of Department: Mr J. Roberts
Contact email address: robertsj@broughtonhall.com
Specification: AQA
Qualification: GCSE Combined Science - Trilogy

Science

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy:

This will result in two GCSE grades. For Combined Science, practical work is embedded in all the topics, and is a large part of understanding the content. All practical skills (Required Practicals) will be assessed on the final exams. The Combined Science course includes equal amounts of study of the three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Combined Science 8464 - available as Higher ( 9-9 to 4-4) and also Foundation (5-5 to 1-1)

In the final assessment, there are six total papers, two for each of the sciences (an overall double grade is given for the GCSE).

How is the course structured & assessed?

Combined Science - Biology:

2 biology papers, each worth 16.7% of the GCSE and 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Biology Paper 1:
  • Cell Biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics


Biology Paper 2:
  • Homeostasis and response
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology


Combined Science - Chemistry:

2 chemistry papers, each worth 16.7% of the GCSE and 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Chemistry Paper 1
  • Atomic structure and the periodic table
  • Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
  • Quantitative chemistry
  • Chemical changes
  • Energy changes


Chemistry Paper 2
  • The rate and extent of chemical change
  • Organic chemistry
  • Chemical analysis
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Using resources


Combined Science - Physics:

2 physics papers, each worth 16.7% of the GCSE and 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Physics Paper 1
  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure


Physics Paper 2
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism


Final Assessment Overview

Working scientifically, experimental, analytical and evaluation skills will be assessed throughout all six papers at the end of the course in Year 11.

Biology Paper 1
Modules 1-4
1 hour 15 minutes
Biology Paper 2
Modules 5-7
1 hour 15 minutes
16.7% of total GCSE
16.7% of total GCSE

Chemistry Paper 1
Modules 8-12
1 hour 15 minutes
Chemistry Paper 2
Modules 13-17
1 hour 15 minutes
16.7% of total GCSE
16.7% of total GCSE

Physics Paper 1
Modules 18-21
1 hour 15 minutes
Physics Paper 2
Modules 22-24
1 hour 15 minutes
16.7% of total GCSE
16.7% of total GCSE

What can these qualifications lead to?

GCSE Combined Science, if achieved at grade 6-6 or higher, provides progression opportunities for learners who wish to progress to Level 3 qualifications, such as A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

If achieved at grade 4-4 or higher, learners may progress on to the BTEC Level 3 Applied Science or Applied Human Biology courses which are both available at BH6F

Programme of Study KS4 - Seperate Science


Head of Department: Mr J. Roberts
Contact email address: robertsj@broughtonhall.com
Specification: AQA
Qualification: Seperate Science

Thinking of a career in Medicine, Engineering or Space travel?

Ever wondered how Vaccines work? Curious about Climate Change?

Separate Science could be the course for you!

Science is crucial to human life. The influence of Science on almost all facets of everyday life is profound, and continues to improve living standards globally. Our curiosity to understand and ability to manipulate the world around us underpins Science.

In an increasingly technologically advanced society, scientific literacy is essential for success.

The Triple or "Separate" Science pathway, will result in three separate GCSEs, one for each of the Sciences. Practical work is embedded in all the topics, and is a large part of understanding the content. All practical skills (Required Practicals) will be assessed in the final exams.

Each GCSE course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are available as:

Higher (grades 9 to 4) or Foundation (grades 5 to 1)

The expectation at Broughton Hall is that all students entered on the Separate Science course would be expected to achieve on the Higher qualification.

How is the course structured & assessed?

Biology Chemistry Physics
Cell Biology Atomic structure and the periodic table Energy
Organisation Bonding, structure and the properties of matter Electricity
Infection and Response Quantitative chemistry The Particle Model
Bioenergetics Chemical changes Atomic Structure
Homeostasis and Response Energy Changes Forces
Inheritance, variation and evolution The rate and extent of chemical change Waves
Ecology Organic Chemistry Magnetism and electromagnetism
Chemical analysis Space
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Using resources




The pace of the course is brisk and a large volume of material is covered in each term.

Students are expected to carry out independent study weekly and to ensure that they keep on top of the content, lesson to lesson. This is reflected in the raised entry requirements for the course.

What can these qualifications lead to?

Separate Science will benefit those students wishing to pursue Higher Education courses within medicine, pharmacy, veterinary studies, engineering, pharmaceutics, data analytics, computing amongst many other choices. GCSE Biology, Physics, and Chemistry provide the opportunity to further develop an understanding of scientific explanations, how science works, and an appreciation for relevant careers in Science.

GCSE Separate Science provides distinct and relevant experience for learners who wish to progress to Level 3 qualifications, such as A-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Level 3 BTEC's which are available at BH6F.

Programme of Study KS5


Biology

Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Mrs Williams

Entry Requirements

6 in GCSE Biology, 6 in GCSE Combined Science, 6 in GCSE Maths.

Why Choose this course?

In recent years many A level Biologists have gone on to study Biology in some way at university, for example, our past students are currently studying medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, biochemistry, midwifery, pharmacology, pharmacy, marine biology and nursing. Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to ecosystems and from microorganisms to human populations.

Biology is never far from the headlines and the A level specification reflects recent developments in the subject such as genetic engineering, stem cell research and epidemiology. It is considered by universities to be a challenging and rigorous academic subject.

Prospects

Possible careers choices include medicine, dentistry, nursing and associated careers, physiotherapy, radiography, veterinary medicine and nursing, pharmaceuticals, research work, teaching, conservation, forestry and many more options.

Course Content

In year 12 the Biology course covers 4 topics:
Biological Molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

These 4 topics are assessed in papers 1 and 3 at the end of year 13. There is no coursework but there are 6 Required Practical Tasks that will be completed throughout year 12.

In year 13 the Biology course covers a further 4 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

These topics are assessed in papers 2 and 3 at the end of year 13. There are another 6 Required Practical Tasks in the A2 course.

Successful completion of the 12 required practicals, along with the assessment of practical skills during other experiments will lead to the Practical Endorsement award.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Students will undertake a trip to Formby National Trust site to complete a range of Ecology practical activities.

Support and Challenge

All students are provided with booklets that complement the resources used in class and are given a textbook to help them work independently outside of the classroom. Students with additional needs are provided with the specialist support they need and all students benefit from the usually small class sizes that allow for much 1:1 help to be given. After school support sessions are offered to the whole class and additionally, individual students often take advantage of the drop-in support that is available from the Biology department. Our most able students are challenged to complete wider reading and a range of resources such as New Scientist magazine, The BMJ and similar scientific publications are available for students to borrow.

Student Comment

I chose to study biology at A level as it challenges me and allows me to learn about the natural world, whilst developing lifelong transferable skills and critical thinking.

A level Biology is challenging but fascinating. I enjoy learning about a wide variety of interesting topics and getting to apply my knowledge through practicals."

I enjoy biology as it allows you to understand what occurs in your body day to day and allows you to develop a wide range of skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.



Chemistry

Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Miss Skiming

Entry Requirements

Those students wanting to study A Level chemistry need to have gained at least a grade 6 in Mathematics at GCSE.

Ideally students will have studied separate Chemistry, Biology and Physics GCSE's and have gained at least grade 6 in Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

Trilogy GCSE students should have gained at least 6,6 in their science GCSE's.

Why Choose this course?

A-level chemistry is considered an academic and rigorous course. It is an A-level that is respected and highly thought of by all universities and colleges and therefore a good grade in A-level chemistry will allow you to access many different courses. Having successfully studied Chemistry to A-level shows your intelligence, application and ability to learn. The course will develop your practical skills as well as application of knowledge, organisational skills and critical thinking skills.

Prospects

It is an A level that opens up many opportunities for a wide range of careers. You may wish to go into a career in the field of pure chemistry itself or you may go into a totally unrelated discipline. It is an essential A-level for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, biochemistry and microbiology.

Course Content

A Level Chemistry Year 1 Topic Areas studied:
Physical chemistry - including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier's principle.

Inorganic chemistry - including Periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals and Group 7 the Halogens.

Organic chemistry - including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.

A Level Chemistry Year 2 Topic Areas studied: Physical chemistry - including thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibria and electrochemical cells.

Inorganic chemistry - including properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals.

Organic chemistry - including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography.

There are three written exam papers of 120 minutes each which are done at the end of year 13. Subject content taught in year 12 is also re-assessed at the end of year 13. There are twelve required practicals to carry out in lesson time over the duration of the two year A-level course.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Opportunity to enter the RSC Young Analyst Competition
Research Projects with the Nuffield Foundation
Work experience opportunities with partners such as Unilever
Access to further reading materials and online resources.

Support and Challenge

All chemistry students are well supported with topic booklets, past papers and relevant textbooks. We usually have relatively small class sizes of between 10-15 students which means plenty of opportunities for 1:1 support and attention. The course involves as much meaningful practical work as possible which helps to bring concepts to life and means that by the end of the course students have improved their organisational, planning and manual dexterity skills. Previous students have been supported with successful applications to Oxbridge and for courses such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and midwifery.

Student Comment

I really enjoy A level chemistry because we do lots of practical work and are continually improving our confidence and skills.

I am studying chemistry A level because I think that all the best jobs in the future will be in science and technology.

I enjoy the challenge of A level chemistry because it improves my resilience and critical thinking skills.



Physics

Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Mr Roberts

Entry Requirements

Those students wanting study A Level Physics need to have gained at least a grade 6 in Mathematics at GCSE.

Ideally students will have studied separate Chemistry, Biology and Physics GCSE's and have gained at least grade 6 in Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

Trilogy GCSE students should have gained at least 6,6 in their science GCSE's.

Why Choose this course?

Combines well with many subjects e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths, IT, DT, Geography, Music, Philosophy, Business Studies etc.

Facilitates entry onto the widest range of University courses.

Physics degrees are combined with a huge range of other disciplines.

Most students enjoy Physics at A level and retain this interest.

Prospects

Jobs directly related to Physics include:
Acoustic consultant / Clinical scientist / medical physics

Engineering / Geophysicist / Higher education lecturer / Metallurgist

Meteorologist / Nanotechnologist / Radiation protection practitioner

Research scientist (physical sciences) / Secondary school teacher / Technical author

Jobs where Physics would be useful include:
Actuary / Applications developer / Data analyst
Nuclear engineer / Operational researcher
Patent attorney / Software engineer
Telecommunications researcher

Course Content

Year 12
1 - Measurement and their errors.
2 - Particles and radiation
3 - Waves
4 - Mechanics and materials
5 - Electricity

Year 13
6 - Further mechanics (6.1) and Thermal Physics (6.2)
7 - Fields and their consequences
8 - Nuclear Physics
OPTIONS - Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics

Paper 1 (85 marks)
60 marks of short and long questions on year 12 topics and SHM from year 13.

25 multiple choice questions on the same content.

Paper 2 (85 marks)
60 marks of short and long questions on Thermal physics and topics 7 and 8 from year 13.

25 multiple choice questions on the same content

Paper 3
45 marks of short and long questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long questions on an optional topic.

Practical Endorsement - throughout course but does not effect grade.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Department has strong links with the Institute of Physics - they provide information and support for students.
Extra curricular trips and University lectures offered.
Access to further reading materials and online resources.

Support and Challenge

All Physics students receive support and guidance throughout their time with us. Students receive comprehensive notes, past papers and revision resources. There is a strong focus on practical work and all lessons are taught in dedicated, well equipped Physics labs. With small class sizes of 10-15 there are lots of opportunities for student support and intervention from staff. Additional sessions are offered after school weekly. Previous students have progressed on to Oxbridge and other prestigious Universities, studying a variety of courses including Engineering of all forms, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Physical Sciences.

Student Comment

I really like the interesting topics like Quantum Physics and Special Relativity

There are always opportunities for help, I feel confident to ask for help and it is always offered after school

I enjoy the problem solving sections of the course