Sciences at KS5.

We offer OCR Modular courses in Biology Chemistry and Physics.
We have developed many links with universities in the local area and our students regularly attend lectures and courses there.

In October 2007, we have 7 well qualified and experienced staff in the department. Teachers are also subject specialists in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
"Science is recognised as an important core subject within the school curriculum as it ‘stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies this curiosity with knowledge’ and ‘because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels."
Ref: The National Curriculum for England 1999.

At New Heys all students study sciences from year 7 to year 11. Their study of sciences covers the four areas of the National Curriculum:
Sc1 – Scientific enquiry,
Sc2 – Life and living processes (Biology),
Sc3 – Materials and their properties (Chemistry)
Sc4 – Physical processes (Physics).


The Science Curriculum.

Science at Key Stage 3.
In the first three years at New Heys students cover the Key Stage 3 science curriculum. During KS3 the pupils build on their scientific knowledge and understanding and make connections between different areas of science.
Staffing
In year 7,8 and 9 the pupils are taught by one teacher.
Science is taught through the coverage of short units of work or Module each focusing on a particular area of science. The course is based upon Absolute Science. Students complete 12 modules throughout the year and are assessed on a regular basis and their progress measured against national targets.

During Year 9, pupils complete the KS3 Science programme of study and are prepared for the KS3 tests by including a guided revision programme which includes a ‘Mock SATS’ examination which prepares them for their KS3 tests in May.

Sciences at Key Stage 4.
In years 10 and 11 pupils study for their GCSE examinations.
Pupils follow Double or Single Award GCSE or they may decide to take a more vocational route through the GCSE by opting for the foundation BTEC course. Most able pupils can choose to study for three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
All our pupils are taught by specialist science teachers.
The syllabuses we currently follow are the AQA Modular Sciences. Module tests are worth 80% of the final GCSE grade. The pupils also complete an ISA which is worth 20% of the final grade.



Applied Science (BTEC Foundation)
The course has been developed as an alternative to the other GCSE Science courses available at Key Stage 4 and provides a different approach to learning and assessment. The course emphasises the vocational nature of science and provides opportunities for the study of science in real, for example industrial, situations.

The course consists of a two-year programme of study that encompasses:
1. Unit 1: Chemistry Applications and scientific skills.
2. Unit 2: Physical Science Applications
3. Unit 3: Biological Systems.

Assessment is by portfolio.