Science (GCSE AQA)
Subject Aims
The Painsley Catholic College science department aims to foster a love and passion for science in our students and an understanding of the relevance of studying science.We believe learning science is driven by the spirit of enquiry, where curiosity leads to the exploration of the natural world.
We strive to generate curiosity and resilience by ensuring that our students develop a mastery of the fundamental skills and knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics through an enquiry-based approach. We also aim to embed important literacy and numeracy skill development into our lessons.
We believe that it is important to develop a recognition of how and when science underpins the Catholic character of the school. We don’t view science and the Catholic life of the school as separate.
Furthermore, we aim to develop student confidence and independence during practical work, with a core understanding of how science works.
The department is a fantastic learning environment with relevant and useful displays throughout. It is well resourced with 7 labs, including an ICT suite for years 7 to 11. We also have 5 labs in our sixth form building.
Curriculum Overview
Key stage 3 is taught in three specialisms, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and covers the key areas of the Human Body, Energy, Matter, Motion and the Periodic table. This is explicitly taught through investigation skills and develops an understanding of how science works to allow students to enquire about everyday things. We use the Collins schemes of work which follow the KS3 National Curriculum.
We use a variety of assessments throughout KS3 to meet the learning needs of all students. This can be in the form of exam-style questions in exam conditions in class as well as knowledge-based tests. These take place towards the end of each half-term. Along with regular homework, these tasks create opportunities for students to develop their skills and to relate science to the world around them. We pride ourselves on personalisation in science creating opportunities for all students to achieve maximising their chance of fulfilling economic wellbeing in later life.
The science department offers two pathways of courses to learners’ needs and abilities. The courses follow the AQA specification which has a user-friendly website allowing students and parents to access specifications, past papers and mark schemes (www.aqa.org.uk). Most students will study for 2 GCSEs in “Combined Science Trilogy”. The most able have the opportunity to study for 3 separate GCSEs – biology, chemistry and physics.
Along with regular homework, students are assessed in a mixture of knowledge-based tests, exam-condition assessments and full mock exams. These give exceptional practise in examination technique and resilience for their final examinations in Year 11.
The sixth form offers a wide range of courses to suit all students who wish to extend their learning of science or specialise in a particular aspect. Courses include:
- AQA GCE A level biology
- AQA GCE A level physics
- OCR GCE A level chemistry
- AQA GCE A level applied science
Along with regular private study work, students are assessed in a mixture of in-class assessments and full mock exams. These give exceptional practice in examination technique and resilience for their final examinations in Year 13.
How can I help support my child’s learning in Science?
- Freesciencelessons channel on YouTube
- BBC bitesize GCSE science webpages
- AQA GCSE Sciences https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science
- AQA approved Collins revision guides and practice
books https://collins.co.uk/pages/secondary - GCSE revision from quizlet.com
You can always get in contact with a member of the science department if you have anyquestions about how to better support your child’s learning.
Year 11 Revision Resources
AQA Single Sciences reformed GCSE Topics and Assessments
Subject Staff
- Mr Francis Waugh – Vice principal, science department line manager
- Mrs Lisa Rhodes – Associate Assistant Principal
- Mr Robert Gradwell – Head of Physics
- Mrs Rachel Histead – Head of Chemistry
- Mrs Rebecca Potts – Head of Biology
- Mrs Paige Horleston-Wilkes – Science teacher
- Mrs Elizabeth Johnson – Science teacher
- Miss Charlotte Jones – Lead Teacher of Science
- Miss Christiana Micallef – KS3 Science Lead
- Mrs Lesley Rolfe – Science teacher
- Ms Holly Swinson – Primary Science teacher
- Mr Samuel Parkes – Science teacher
- Mrs L Smith– Senior science technician
- Mrs S Jones – Senior science technician
- Mr Ryan Harvey – Science teacher
- Miss S McCormack – Science teacher
- Mr L Davies – Science teacher
- Mrs S Gerrity – Science administration assistant
- Mr N Watson – Science Teacher
- Mrs L Morris – Science Teacher
Useful websites
- BBC Focus Magazine
- NASA
- National Schools Observatory
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- Kerboodle
- AQA
- The Naked Scientist
- BBC GCSE Bitesize for Science
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
The science department runs an exciting science club for our KS3 students, called ‘The Catalyst Crew’, every week, during lunchtime. This session is run by members of our A level science classes who are keen to share their love of science with the younger students.
Reading List
- Seven brief lessons on physics – Carlo Rovelli
- Six Easy Pieces – Richard Feynmann
- Astrophysics for people in a Hurry – Neil DeGrasse Tyson
- Forces of Nature – Brian Cox
- Storm in a teacup: Physics of everyday life – Helen Czerski
- Collins stargazing
- The Selfish Gene- Richard Dawkins
- The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry
- A Paperback edition by Larry Gonick and Craig Criddle in English (7 Jul 2005)