Science at Abbotsholme

Our Vision & Values

We wish to motivate young people to gain independence of mind and to think critically and analytically. We hope to inspire a hunger for deeper understanding, an adventurous attitude in the exploration of ideas and an appreciation for the intrinsic value of a good science education.

We aim to encourage young people to gain a stronger command of the scientific language they use, to develop confidence in expressing themselves and to take pride in being articulate and well presented in their written work.

We believe that a well educated person is someone who........

*May not know the answer but knows how to find it

*Is happy to be wrong if they have learned something new

*Has many more questions than could ever be answered.

Departmental Organisation

Years 7-9: From September 2011, the department is using the Exploring Science: how science works series written by Pearson Longman. The books have been written to cover all aspects of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3. All pupils in these year groups have formal examinations in Science twice a year in November and June. They also undertake end of tests at the end of each topic.

Year 10: From September 2011, the department is following the newly updated and accredited OCR GCSE 21^st Century Science syllabus. All pupils study GCSE Science A and undertake three end of unit tests in each subject area, throughout the year. In June they sit the OCR GCSE Science A external examinations in Physics, Biology and Chemistry.

Year 11: In year 11 the pupils study either Additional Science (J631) or Additional Applied Science (J632) from the GCSE 21^st Century Science Suite of Courses.  There are three end of unit tests throughout the year and formal external examinations in June.

Years 12-13: The OCR Physics A, Biology A and Chemistry A are followed at AS and A2 level. In January the A2 pupils can sit one of their units and the other one in June. All AS units are examined in June.

Class Timetables

Years 7-9: Five timetabled lessons of 40 minutes per week.

Year 10-11: Nine timetabled lessons of 40 minutes per week, three each of Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Triple Science pupils undertake an additional two lessons per week.

Years 12-13: Eight timetabled lessons of 40 minutes per week for each AS/A2 level subject.