Overview
In Science, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to be confident, successful and curious scientists. We have carefully designed our courses so that we cover the National Curriculum Programme of Study and exam specifications in a way that is both inspiring and enjoyable. Lessons help students to develop their scientific investigative, thinking and analytical skills, alongside a deep understanding of scientific phenomena. Our students also develop a range of transferable skills, including maths, communication, research and problem solving, which are valuable in everyday life and provide a platform of excellence for further Scientific study. We also explore how scientific ideas and technological developments can explain the wonders of the world around us, and contribute to positive changes.
We are deeply committed to the belief that all students can enjoy and achieve in Science, regardless of background or previous level of attainment. Students are encouraged to be brave learners and challenge themselves throughout our courses. The Science department is also passionate about improving the accessibility of scientific and technological careers to women, through increased engagement and awareness of the diversity of achievement in Science.
Key Stage 4 GCSE. Years 10-11
KS4 SCIENCE (COMBINED)
Course Content
Students will study the Combined Science GCSE through Years 10 and 11 and begin studying it during Year 9. All courses cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Topics on the specification are listed below. Topics that appear to be missing will be taught to students taking the Separate Science GCSEs only.
All students will follow this course:
(unless they select separate sciences as an options subject)
BIOLOGY (PAPER 1&2)
- Overarching concepts in Biology
- Cells and Controls
- Genetics
- Natural Selection
- Health, Disease and Medicine
- Plant Structures and Functions
- Animal coordination
- Exchange and Transport
- Ecosystems
CHEMISTRY (PAPER 3&4)
- Formulae, equation and hazards
- Overarching concepts in Chemistry
- States of matter
- Methods of separating
- Acids
- Obtaining and using metals
- Electrolytic processes world
- Reversible reactions and equilibria
- Groups 1,7 and 0
- Rates of reaction
- Fuels
- Heat energy changes
- Earth and atmospheric science
PHYSICS (PAPER 5&6)
- Overarching concepts in Physics
- Waves
- Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Particle Model 1
- Radioactivity
- Energy – forces doing work
- Forces and their effects
- Electricity and circuits
- Magnetism and the motor effect
- Electromagnetic induction
- Particle model 2
- Forces and matter
Exam Board – EDEXCEL
Final Grade – Grades 1-9
KS4 SCIENCE (TRIPLE)
Why Choose Triple Science?
Separate sciences (also known as Triple Science) is an exciting option for keen scientists. It would suit candidates with genuine enthusiasm for the subject. It is an ideal option for those wishing to study the sciences at A-level. These students will obtain a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Course Content
Biology Paper 1 and Paper 2
Topics 1-9
Chemistry Paper 3 and Paper 4
Topics 1-21
Physics Paper 5 and Paper 6
Topics 1-14
Exam Board – EDEXCEL
Final Grade – Grades 1-9
Key Stage 5 A Level. Years 12-13
Biology
Examination Board: Edexcel
Course Name: Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) from 2015
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
In Biology, you will develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. You will also learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
The syllabus is divided into eight topics:
- Lifestyle, Health and Risk.
- Genes and Health.
- Voice of the Genome.
- Biodiversity and Natural Resources.
- On the Wild Side.
- Immunity, Infection and Forensics.
- Run For Your Life.
- Grey Matter.
Course assessment
The A level course is examined via three exams at the end of two years. Each exam is worth a third of the total marks. Practical work is assessed equally through all three papers and is worth 15% of the total marks. Mathematical skills account for 10% of all the marks. All three papers are 2 hours long and worth 100 marks.
The papers are as follows:
Paper 1: Topics 1-4, 5 and 6.
Paper 2: Topics 1-4, 7 and 8.
Paper 3: All topics. A pre-released scientific article will underpin one exam question. This paper will include synoptic questions that draw on two or more different topics.
Practical skills are assessed through core practical investigations. There is no coursework.
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
In biology, you will develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions.
You will also learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
Fieldwork will be carried out at Epping Forest Field Studies Centre.
St Marylebone Entry Requirements
To gain entry into the sixth form at St Marylebone School, students must gain a minimum of five 9-6 grades at GCSE and a 5 grade in English and Maths GCSE.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Combined Science students: A Grade 7 in Combined Science.
Separate Sciences: Grade 7 in GCSE single science Biology.
All students must also gain Maths GCSE at grade 6 and English Language GCSE at grade 6.
Entry Suggestions
What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that you gained in GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science.
You should also have at least a 7 grade in GCSE Mathematics, as numerical and mathematical skills are important in biology.
You will also need to be able to communicate effectively, be able to plan and carry out research and think critically about problems. Above all, you need to be motivated and interested in the subject.
If you are made an offer, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:
The CGP ‘Head start to A level Biology booklet (ISBN 978 1 78294 279 5) is a very useful book to have in Year 12 so that you can read the relevant section before you start that topic at A Level. If you get the book try to go through sections 1 and 2 before you start the course in September. Background reading Bad Science by Ben Goldacre (ISBN: 9780007284870) is an extremely useful and interesting summer read. Complete the pre-course Maths task on the worksheet provided, particularly for those not studying Maths at A Level.
Preparing for Yr 12 – 2020
Biology Maths for Biology A level prep 2020
Resources Needed for this Course:
Edexcel AS Biology Students’ book.
Chemistry
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Topic 2: Bonding and Structure
Topic 3: Redox I
Topic 4: Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table
Topic 5: Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
Topic 6: Organic Chemistry I
Topic 7: Modern Analytical Techniques I
Topic 8: Energetics I
Topic 9: Kinetics I
Topic 10: Equilibrium I
Topic 11: Equilibrium II
Topic 12: Acid-base Equilibria
Topic 13: Energetics II
Topic 14: Redox II
Topic 15: Transition Metals
Topic 16: Kinetics II
Topic 17: Organic Chemistry II
Topic 18: Organic Chemistry III
Topic 19: Modern Analytical Techniques II
Assessment
Paper 1: Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and Topics 11–15
1hour 45mins, 90 marks, 30%
Paper 2: Topics 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and Topics 16–19
1hour 45mins, 90 marks, 30%
Paper 3: 2hours 30mins, 120 marks, 40%
Practicals: Practical skills no longer contribute extra marks to the overall grade, but will be examined within each exam paper.
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
The skills gained in this course are many and varied.
Students will:
- Develop excellent practical skills, and will learn to carry out tasks to a high level of accuracy and precision.
- Develop their ability to use and understand logical argument.
- Gain a better understanding of how the world works and how they can make an impact on the issues affecting them.
- Develop their data handling and mathematical skills and practise applying numerical principles to different situations.
St Marylebone Entry Requirements
To gain entry into the sixth form at St Marylebone School, students must gain a minimum of five 9-6 grades at GCSE and a 5 grade in English and Maths GCSE.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Combined Science students: A Grade 7 in Combined Science.
Separate Sciences: Grade 7 in GCSE single science Chemistry.
All students must also gain Maths at grade 7.
Entry Suggestions
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that you gain in GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science, especially key concepts such as bonding.
It is beneficial to study maths alongside this course due to the mathematical content involved throughout.
You must be motivated and willing to work hard if you are to achieve your potential in what is considered one of the most academically challenging A-level courses.
If you are considering studying chemistry beyond A Level, it is a requirement by some universities to have studied maths A Level also.
If you are made an offer, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:
You definitely will need to recap the Chemistry work completed at GCSE before beginning the A level course in September. You may want to use your GCSE revision guides for this or the CGP book ‘Head start to A Level Chemistry’ booklet ISBN 978-1782942801 is very good. There will be a Chemistry test at the very beginning of the course to make sure you are fully confident with the GCSE content.
Preparing for Yr 12 – 2020
Resources Needed for this Course:
Edexcel A Level Chemistry Student book 1 and 2, published by Hodder Education
Physics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Units Taken: All
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
By studying Physics students should develop an understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other to gain a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods involved in being a physicist. They will need a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills as well as an interest in and enthusiasm for the subject. They will develop an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how physics contributes to the success of the economy and society.
Areas of study include:
Year 1: Mechanics, Electric Circuits, Materials, Waves and Particles, Nature of Light.
Year 2: Further Mechanics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Thermodynamics, Space, Nuclear Radiation, Gravitational Fields, Oscillations
At A level students will be assessed separately for the Science Practical Endorsement via 16 Assessed Core Practicals.
The Endorsement will not contribute to the overall grade for this qualification, but the result will be recorded on the student’s certificate.
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
These specifications provide opportunities for the development of the Key Skills of:
- Communication
- Application of Number
- Information Technology
- Working with Others
- Improving Own Learning and Performance
- Problem Solving
St Marylebone Entry Requirements
To gain entry into the sixth form at St Marylebone School, students must gain a minimum of five 9-6 grades at GCSE and a 5 grade in English and Maths GCSE.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Combined Science students: A Grade 7 in Combined Science.
Separate Sciences: Grade 7 in GCSE single science Physics.
Also, all students must gain Maths at grade 7.
Entry Suggestions
The maths in Physics requires fluency in rearranging equations and some concepts such as logarithmic scales and exponential functions as well as trigonometry beyond GCSE Maths level. Pupils need to be able to show a clear, logical progression of ideas. A level Maths is not required but is strongly recommended, and if not chosen some areas will need additional catch up classes. Maths is, however, essential if you have any intention to possibly continue your study of Physics or Engineering beyond A level. If you take Maths you must take the Mechanics options.
If you are made an offer, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:
Buy and work through the CGP ‘Head start to A Level Physics’ booklet. ISBN 9781782942818
Resources Needed for this Course:
None.
