Science

Science

In Science we aim to inspire students through an engaging, practical and relevant approach to exploring the role of Science in the 21st century.  There are a diverse range of curriculum pathways for students to follow as they progress through KS3-4; these are tailored to ensure everyone achieves.  Uptake of Science subjects at KS5 is exceptional with students performing well above the nationally expected levels.

Staff

The Science department consists of a team of 9 full time teachers, 5 part time teachers and 4 technicians.  Where possible, staff teach according to their specialism at GCSE and A Level, and also in Year 9.  They teach all three sciences in Years 7 and 8

Chemists

Mr S. Bailey – Head of Department (baileys@fulford.york.sch.uk)

Ms. L. Robertson

Mrs F. Nelson

Mrs E. O’Toole

Ms. R. Bailey

Biologists

Mr P. Hogg (Head of Biology)

Ms. E. Hickson (KS3 Coordinator)

Mrs E. Faiers

Ms. L Robinson

Mrs S. Charles

Mrs K. Lavery

Physicists

Mr T. Baker (Assistant Headteacher)

Mrs A. Jones

Mrs A. Wainwright

Mrs M. Faint

Key stage 3

The Key Stage 3 curriculum we offer aims to challenge and support our students, developing the knowledge of key biological, chemical and physical concepts in parallel with scientific process skills.  In Year 7 students are grouped into sets based on their Key Stage 2 results and assessments that take place at the end of the first half term.  In both Years 7 and 8 they have 3 hours of teaching with one teacher.  In Year 9 they again receive 3 hours teaching but with 3 specialist teachers.  We have introduced a 2 year Key Stage 3 pathway for our top sets; this is designed to extend our most able students through starting GCSE triple Science in year 9.    

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students can follow a variety of curriculum pathways.  Most students initially follow AQA’s core science curriculum taking the module tests at various times during Year 10.  These students can then follow one of four paths:  

• Separate science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  We have 80 students in 3 groups following this route in Year 11.

• Additional Science - 2 groups. This is suitable preparation for taking A-levels in Science based subjects.

• Additional Applied Science – 2 groups. This is a practically based course (e.g. with students solving a forensics murder mystery) that is primarily assessed through coursework portfolios worth 60%.

• BTEC First in Applied Science – 3 groups.  Again a practically based course but assessment is ongoing with no examination or coursework component.  A small group of students start this course early in year 10.

Key Stage 5

Science courses are extremely popular at A Level and this is reflected in the high number of students taking all 3 subjects.  We currently have the following groups:

AS Biology 4 Groups           A2 Biology 3 Groups

AS Chemistry 3 Groups       A2 Chemistry 3 Groups

AS Physics 3 Groups           A2 Physics 2 Groups

All three subjects follow AQA specifications at present.  At both AS and A2 the groups have 9 hours teaching time per fortnight. 

For more information please see the AQA Website:

Biology: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2410-W-SP-10.PDF

Chemistry: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2420-W-SP-10.PDF

Physics: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2450-W-SP-10.PDF

Extra Curricular

The Science department runs a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) club in partnership with NYBEP (North Yorkshire Business Enterprise Partnership).   This is a practically orientated club with students carrying out investigations - some students work towards an award from the British Association for Science.

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