Science (Y7-13)

(GCSE exam board: 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 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. 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.

Science Curriculum Overview

KS3 – Years 7 and 8

Key stage 3 has 5 main areas of study, cells, forces, particles, interdependence and energy that thread through all the topics of this key stage. This is explicitly taught through investigation skills and develops an understanding of how scientists work and how science works. We use the AQA schemes 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 maximizing their chance of fulfilling economic wellbeing in later life.

KS4 – Years 9 to 11

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.

KS5 - Years 12 to 13

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 practise in examination technique and resilience for their final examinations in Year 13.

How can I help my child’s learning in Science?

Year 7 and 8

Atoms Elements and Compounds 1

Chemical Reactions and Patterns 1

Chemical Reactions and Patterns 2

Earth and Space

Earth and the Environment

Energy and Electricity

Energy and Electricity 2

Reproduction Plant and Animal

Waves

Years 9 to 11

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 any questions about how to better support your child’s learning.

Subject Staff

Mr Francis Waugh – Vice principal, science department line manager

Mrs Lisa Rhodes – Associate Assistant Principal

Mr Robert Gladwell – Head of Physics

Mrs Rachel Histead – Head of Chemistry

Mrs Rebecca Potts – Head of Biology

Mrs Paige Horleston-Wilkes – Science teacher

Mrs Elizabeth Johnson – Primary Science teacher

Miss Charlotte Jones – Lead Teacher of Science

Miss Christiana Micallef – KS3 Science Lead

Mrs Lesley Rolfe – Science teacher

Ms Holly Swinson – Science teacher

Mr Samuel Parkes – Science teacher

Mr Luke Boswell – Science teacher

Mrs Stephanie Jones – Senior science technician

Mrs L Smith – Senior Science Technician

Mr Ryan Harvey – Teacher of physics

Miss S McCormack – Teacher of biology

Mrs Leanne Davis – Teacher of Biology

Mrs S Gerrity – Science administration assistant

Extra Curricular

The science department runs an exciting science club for our KS3 students 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.