Science

The Science department at St John Fisher is committed to enabling young people, should they so desire, to take their place in the UK's scientific workforce. The aim is to produce young people who not only have an understanding of scientific concepts but are also technically proficient with a high regard for risk management and are capable of working cooperatively in a team.

In addition they should be able to engage with the Science that is reported in the media and draw informed conclusions based on sound scientific understanding. We aim to give young people the tools to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the direction in which our society moves, or even the world.

The Science Department has teachers with specialisms in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Health and social care

and has specialist teachers in each area

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 is a tailored program of study focused around developing the skills necessary to be a scientist alongside the scientific concepts as laid out in the National Curriculum. Whether it is through studying cells whilst playing the role of a nurse or through a forensic science investigation, Key Stage 3 science at St John Fisher Catholic School is designed to engage and stimulate interest as well as encouraging students to ask "bigger" questions.

The assessment method ensures that all students are able to flourish and show their success through a mixture of assessment tasks; some are practical, some are IT based, some are written and some are presentations. Every student has equal opportunities to be successful in their science lessons in Key Stage 3 and on into Key Stage 4.

Year 7

• Cells Tissues and Organs
• Particles in Action
• Light and Space
• Our Planet
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Ecology

Year 8

• Forces and Energy
• Body Systems
• Elements and Compounds
• Reproduction and Genetics
• Marvellous Metals
• Forces and Motion

Key Stage 4

There are 2 available routes through Key Stage 4 at St John Fisher; a more academic GCSE route and a more vocational BTEC route.

The academic GCSE route allows students to access Core, Additional and Further Additional Science at all grades up to A*. The course is a blend of biology, Chemistry and Physics and upon completion allows students access to a range of A-level courses. Assessment is through module examinations throughout the course.

The vocational BTEC level 2 route allows students the opportunity to build a portfolio of evidence covering the same content as the GCSE route throughout the course. Initially students will work towards a BTEC Certificate (a single GCSE equivalent), subsequently progressing to the Extended Certificate (a double GCSE equivalent). Both of the BTEC courses are graded as "Pass, Merit or Distinction" (C, B and A grade equivalents).

Throughout the course staff will be available to offer help and support for students regardless of which level they are working at.

From September 2013

Year 9 – All students will take GCSE Core science (AQA)

Year 10 – Students will either take Additional Science (AQA) or work on the Edexcel BTEC Qualification in Principles of Applied Science.

Year 11 – Students will either take Further Additional Science (AQA) or work on the Exexcel BTEC qualification in Applications of Applied Science

Key Stage 5

At KS5 the faculty offers courses in the specialist subject areas:

• Biology AS/A2
• Psychology AS/A2
• Applied Science AS/A2