Science

Welcome to our Science Section

The Science department at St John Henry Newman School is comprised of six teaching staff and two excellent technicians. Our department varies greatly in terms of experience, Science background (Biology, Chemistry and Physics specialists), length of service at Newman and teaching styles. This allows the pupils to be exposed to a wide variety of lessons taught by Subject specialists, all of which would not be possible without our excellent technical support. We have six Science laboratories and provide, as often as possible, practical experiences within our lessons. In Key Stage 3 the pupils follow the National Curriculum using the Activate resources. At Key Stage 4 the majority of the pupils will complete the Dual Award Science GCSE (AQA Trilogy), with our more able pupils completing the Triple Award receiving a GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For Key Stage 5 we offer AQA A Level in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, along with AQA Level 3 in Applied Science. To find out more information regarding the courses and the curriculum offered please do not hesitate to contact me. You can also follow this link to find curriculum information for examination courses.

You can find out more about our curriculum below.

Mrs L Love
Head of Science

The Science Team

Mrs L Love (Head of Science)
Mrs K Nichol (Second in Science)
Mrs S Orton (Second in Science)
Mr A Riddick (Teacher)
Mrs F Bell (Teacher)
Miss E Little (Teacher)
Mrs E Dent (Principal Specialist Technician)
Mrs C Miller (Science Technician)

Yr12/13 – AQA Level 3 Applied Science

The Level 3 Applied General Certificates in Science is designed as a vocational complement to A-levels or Tech-levels and ideal for learners looking to broaden their knowledge of a particular sector.

This Level 3 qualification offers a practical introduction to science and supports progression to further study or employment. Developed in collaboration with schools, colleges and higher education, it helps learners develop the fundamental scientific knowledge and practical skills valued by universities and employers. The Level 3 Certificate and Extended Certificate in Applied Science offers a variety of assessment types, from examined content to research and portfolio building. This allows learners to apply their knowledge in a practical way. This integrated approach to learning supports a more realistic and relevant qualification for learners.

Learners will:

practise experimental scientific techniques and explore how they’re applied in industry
develop their knowledge and understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry and physics
plan and carry out a scientific investigation of their own choosing
explore ways in which topical scientific issues are presented in the media
investigate the role of scientists and the different career pathways open to them
use the optional unit to decide which scientific pathway to follow.

The Applied Science qualifications feature internally and externally assessed units. Externally assessed units are assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute examination. Internally assessed units are compensatory allowing learners’ achievements to be recognised in grading the unit.

The certificate in Applied Science is made up of three mandatory units. A grade 5 in Science is required to study Level 3 Applied Science.

Key Stage 5 – Biology A Level

The Biology A Level that we offer is the AQA Biology course. The course contains 8 modules;

Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Energy transfers in and between organisms (A Level only)
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A Level only)
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems(A Level only)
The control of gene expression (A Level only)

These topics allow pupils to fully broaden their knowledge of traditional Biology (for example Cells and Biological Molecules) along with the new and exciting developments in the subject (for example the control of gene expression). The A Level is assessed through three, two hour long exams at the end of Y13. Paper one and two are a mixture of short and long answer questions (each contributing to 35% of the A Level), paper three consists of structured questions, including practical techniques, critical analysis of practical techniques and a written essay from a choice of two titles (contributing the final 30%). Practical skills are being assessed through recommended practicals completed throughout the duration of the course, pupils then gain either a pass or fail for their practical skills. In order to start the course pupils must have gained at least grade 6 in their GCSE Science exams. Biology is an excellent stepping stone for many Further Education courses for example Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Natural Sciences, Midwifery, Radiology, Geography, Sports Science, Microbiology and so many more.

Key Stage 5 – Chemistry A Level

In Chemistry A Level we study the AQA course. The pupils are assessed through a combination of long and short questions, including multiple choice questions. Listed below is the assessment schedule for A Level Chemistry, all assessments are in the summer of Y13.

This Chemistry course is an ideal stepping stone to future study, laying the groundwork for further study in courses such as chemistry, medicine and pharmacy.

To study Chemistry pupils must have gained at least a grade 6 in their Science GCSEs and preferably have studied the triple award.

Key Stage 5 – Physics A Level

In Physics A Level we study the AQA course. The pupils are assessed through a combination of long and short questions, including multiple choice questions. Listed below is the assessment schedule for A Level Physics, all assessments are in the summer of Y13.

This Physics course is an ideal stepping stone to future study, laying the groundwork for further study in courses such as physics, engineering and mathematics for example.

To study Physics pupils must gain at least a grade 6 in their Sciences and Maths, and preferably have studied the triple award at GCSE.