Science

"I believe there are no questions that science can't answer" - Stephen Hawking

Science is a dynamic and vibrant area of study. It covers a huge range of human knowledge, but, at its core, science is an investigative subject. Students thrive on discovering something new and answering big questions. This is why Biology, Chemistry and Physics are such popular subjects.

Science lessons are usually planned around a practical task, and the faculty has excellent new laboratories and equipment to help facilitate the students’ learning. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as, Science Club and there are a number of events during the year to support the budding young scientists.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students have 6 science lessons over 2 weeks. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 follow a programme of study written by members of the Faculty. The programme is based on the Activate Science Key Stage 3 course

In Years 7 and 8, students are formally assessed once a half term. Assessments are either practical based assignments or formal End of Topic Tests. In Year 7, students are taught Science in mixed ability classes. Towards the end of Year 7 the students are assessed and then assigned their Year 8 and 9 classes based on ability. Students begin their GCSE course in the summer term of Year 9.

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year 7	Introduction to Science Particles Model Mixture and Compounds Cells and Organ Systems Bones and Muscles	Human Reproduction Electromagnets Acid and Alkali Forces Variation	Metal and Non-Metals Ecosystem Waves Practical Skills
Year 8	Ecosystems Inheritance and Evolution Periodic Table Elements Types of Reaction Chemical Reactions	Forces Earth Breathing Digestion	Magnetism Electromagnets Space Waves Energy Practical Skills
Year 9	GCSE preparation modules What are we made of Atoms, Elements, Compounds Mixtures and compounds	GCSE preparation modules Energy Forces and Motion How the body is coordinated.	GCSE preparation modules Metal and Alloys Reaction of Acids Atoms and Radiation

Outside the classroom

Science week coincides with National Science and Engineering week. The event involves all students and staff in the school. Everyday there is a daily quiz and Science humour. There are a variety of activities; Outside STEM speakers, visits outside school, experiments, internet chats with Scientists. These take place in science lessons and at lunchtime.

Science leaders. Students from year 8 to 13 help the science department especially with the weekly Science club, Science week and school events such as prospective parents evenings.

Trips could include - Visit the London wetlands; Imperial College; Middlesex University; Kings College; Science Museum; Natural History Museum and London Zoo.

Progression pathways and careers

Science can open up a range of career opportunities

Students who achieve 6 grades in Double or Triple Science GCSE's, can choose to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics A-levels.

Useful links

http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login - students will need a log in for this
https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience

Contact us

Chetna Patel –Head of Key Stage 3

patelc@hendonschool.co.uk