Wirral Hospitals' SchoolScience
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Key Stage 3 Science
At Key Stage 3, students develop their scientific knowledge through study of a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. These topics are taught as part of a two year cycle in Year 7 and 8 and a fixed structure in year 9 which ensures there is no repetition for new-comers to our school. Within these, Scientific skills are embedded through practical work and experimentation.
Key Stage 4 Science
At KS4, students follow either AQA Combined Science: Trilogy GCSE or Edexcel Level 1/2 BTEC in Principles of Applied Science.
AQA Combined Science: Trilogy GCSE
The AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy course is designed to introduce students to the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural and man-made world. As a practical subject, it encourages the development and understanding in Science through opportunities for working scientifically.
The course is assessed by six external examinations at the end of Year 11 and students are awarded two GCSEs in Science. The topics covered are:
Biology
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Physics
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
Edexcel Level 1/2 BTEC in Principles of Applied Science
The BTEC Principles of Applied Science course is designed to introduce students to the basic scientific principles. It is designed to encourage the development of employability skills including teamwork, independent skills, research skills and innovation.
The course is assessed by one external examination in Year 11, worth 25%, and three internally-assessed units, which make up 75% of the final grade.
The Principles of Applied Science course covers the following units:
- Unit 1 – Principles of science – externally assessed
- Unit 2 – Chemistry & our earth – internally assessed
- Unit 3 – Energy & our universe – internally assessed
- Unit 4 – Biology & our environment – internally assessed
For a more detailed overview of our science curriculum please click on the appropriate links below, and for further information please contact Mr Little.