AES

Other co-ordinators in the department take responsibility for Key Stage 3 (Geoff Browne), Biology (Helen Peach), Chemistry (Kim Schofield) and Physics (Jenny Box).

The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them. William Lawrence Bragg (Physicist)

In the Sixth Form, we offer Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science at AS and A2 and at IB Standard and Higher.

Setting:
In Year 7 all students are taught Science in mixed-ability groups following a detailed syllabus and core schemes of work. In Year 8 and Year 9, students are set by ability.

At GCSE we also set by ability. For those pupils following Core and Additional Science in year 10 and 11, there are four sets, across each half of the year group, However, for those pupils following a Triple Award in Science there is only one set for each half of the year group.

The Alternative Education group will study the Entry Level Certificate.

Assessment Practices:
In KS3, students are assessed using a common assessment tasks at the end of each unit and the through a written test is completed under examination conditions each term. Students are assessed using APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) objectives and criteria. A combination of levels gained from assessment tasks and written tests will be used to produce an attainment level for every pupil.

For both GCSE Science (Year10) and GCSE Additional Science (Year 11): 3 externally assessed module exams (each weighted 25%) and controlled assessment tasks (25%) Exams are held in the June of each year. There are two tiers of entry: Grades A* - D and C - G. 

For Triple Science, each GCSE will have: 3 external unit exams (each weighted 25%) on the teaching modules and a controlled assessment unit which will also contribute 25% to the final grade. Exams will be sat in the June of each year.

Extra-Curricular
We offer a range of extra-curricular activities, including science club, rocket club and G&T Science workshops. Pupils are also given the opportunity to take part in national competitions, including the Physics Olympiad. The Science department also organises a number of trips, including Tilbury Power Station, Colchester Zoo and the use of Analytical Chemistry equipment at Britvic.

Self Study:
Students are expected to organise their work independently and meet all deadlines. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own note making and revision outside of lessons. Pupils are all issued with a text book, e-textbook or revision guide appropriate to the course studied The more successful candidates will use the reading materials provided to regularly self assess their understanding and take full advantage of the teacher input available, particularly when revising for an assessment or completing coursework.

Pupils will be provided to buy revision guides and work books which support the GCSE course at a significantly discounted price – we would strongly suggest all pupils take advantage of this offer in September.

In the event students are unable to attend school for reasons such as emergency snow closure etc they should pursue the following tasks:

Course Information and Past papers:

For GCSE course specifications, exam papers and mark schemes please follow the links below:

Year 10 (2011/12): http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2011/index.html

Year 11 (2011/12): http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gcse_2006/index.html

A Level Biology (OCR A): http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/biology/index.html

A Level Chemistry (OCR A):  http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/chemistry_a/index.html

A Level Physics (OCR B): http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/physics_b/index.html

A Level Applied Science (AQA): http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/science/new/science_overview.php?id=03&prev=03

Useful Websites:

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize 
www.docbrown.info/ks3chemistry/ks3chemistry.htm
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/
www.schoolshistory.org.uk/science.htm
www.21stcenturyscience.org 
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/subjects/science/index.aspx
www.dfes.gov.uk
www.teachit.co.uk