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Science

Department Staff
 

Mrs J Sinclair
(Head of Science)

Mr C Brown (Second in science)
Mr D Mitchell
Ms L Parvin

Mr R Purdy

Key Stage 3 (Topics)
 

Year 7

  • Practical science skills
  • Particle Theory
  • Forces
  • Cells
  • Energy and resources
  • Acid and Alkalis
  • Metal reactions
  • Reproduction
  • Voltage, current and circuits
  • Separating mixtures
  • Food chains
  • Skeleton and movement

Year 8

  • Practical science skills
  • Digestion
  • Speed and distance-time graphs
  • The Periodic Table
  • Energy and Heat Transfer
  • Types of reaction
  • Respiratory system and drugs
  • Photosynthesis and respiration
  • Electrical circuits
  • Climate change
  • Evolution and inheritance
  • Space

Year 9

  • Properties of waves and sound
  • Light and colour
  • Transition topic – fundamentals of biology
  • Transition topic – fundamentals of chemistry
  • Transition topic – fundamentals of physics
  • Cells and transport
  • Growth and cell division
  • Digestive system and enzymes
  • Structure and history of the atom
  • The periodic table
  • Bonding and Properties
  • Energy stores and pathways
  • Heat transfer and insulation
  • Renewable and non-renewable energy resources

Key Stage 4 (Topics)
 

Courses & Assessment Methods

Combined Science Trilogy
(AQA 8464)

x2 Biology Exam Papers
(1hr 15mins each paper)

x2 Chemistry Exam Papers
(1hr 15mins each paper)

x2 Physics Exam Papers
(1hr 15mins each paper)

Triple Science
(AQA Biology 8461)
(AQA Chemistry 8462)
(AQA Physics 8463)

x2 Biology Exam Papers
(1hr 45mins each paper)

x2 Chemistry Exam Papers
(1hr 45mins each paper)

x2 Physics Exam Papers
(1hr 15mins each paper)

Year 10

 

  • Circulatory system
  • Communicable diseases
  • Preventing and treating disease
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration
  • The nervous system
  • Hormones
  • Reactions including acids and metals
  • Electrolysis
  • Energy changes in reactions
  • Rates of reactions and equilibrium
  • Crude oil and fuels
  • Electrical circuits
  • Electricity in the home
  • Molecules and matter
  • Radioactivity
  • Wave properties
  • The electromagnetic spectrum
  • In addition to combined science
  • Plant diseases
  • The brain and the eye
  • Plant hormones
  • Homeostasis and the kidneys
  • Organic chemistry
  • Polymers
  • Pressure

Year 11

  • Cell reproduction
  • Variation and evolution
  • Genetics and evolution
  • Adaptation, interdependence and competition
  • Ecosystems
  • Biodiversity and ecosystems
  • Chemical analysis
  • History of the Earths atmosphere
  • Earths resources
  • Forces in balance
  • Motion
  • Force and motion
  • Magnets and electromagnets
  • In addition to combined science
  • History of genetics
  • Sustainable food
  • Ion tests
  • Using the Earths resources
  • Force and pressure
  • Light
  • Space

Curriculum Accessibility
 

Provision for SEND students

  • Alternative methods to record data/information
  • Pre teach new vocabulary and lots of opportunities to use keywords verbally in lessons
  • Clear route through topics and links to previous learning
  • Use of real objects and concrete knowledge to develop scientific concepts
  • Opportunities to repeat and reinforce skills
  • Supported homework with reference links to videos
  • Retrieval and interleaving to improve retention of information
  • Practical skill demonstrations
  • Clear labelling of equipment

X-Curricular
 

Clubs

  • Science club
  • Ecoschools club

Events/Trips

  • Life Lab
  • Exxon Roadshow
  • Solent LEP careers fayre

Resources
 

Apps

  • AppleLink

Links/Websites

Future Pathways
 

Further Education

  • A Levels, BTECs or Apprenticeships in subjects as varied as
  • Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Environmental science, geology or Earth science
  • Medical or Veterinary science
  • Psychology
  • Sport Science and physiotherapy
  • Animal Management
  • Agriculture
  • Childcare
  • Electrician
  • Engineering

Career and Progression

  • University
  • Employment
  • Apprenticeship

Overview

The Science Department at Applemore College is both dynamic and enthusiastic, we offer inspiring learning through a broad range of teaching methods and a diverse curriculum. Students learn all three disciplines of science. The study of Biology fosters an appreciation for the complexity and interactions of the processes, systems, and diversity of the living world. The study of Chemistry develops pupils’ approach to understanding the material world and its properties with an open and analytic mind. The study of Physics fosters curiosity and excitement about the physical world, and develops powerful tools to understand the fundamentals and the connections between different phenomena. We aim for students to progress in both their substantive knowledge (the theory and understanding of the topic) but also their disciplinary skills such as analysing data, planning experiments, evaluating models and theories and debating moral issues which are abilities employers regard highly.

Students learn in the classroom, but also immerse themselves in the local area in terms of the wildlife of the site and New Forest, and our local marine industries and refinery. This allows direct links to the curriculum and relevance to their own experiences whilst developing an understanding of science and extending opportunities to directly apply their knowledge.

Applemore is fortunate to hold excellent community and business links.  The Science Department has partnership projects with a range of organisations including the Lifelab in conjunction with Southampton University and our successful STEM Challenge days held in partnership with Exxon Mobil.  Exxon Mobil also provide additional sponsorship, funding and opportunities for students to see Science in action.

Additionally, the Science Department also holds some excellent links with organisations such as SolentLEP and STEM Portsmouth which give students opportunities to hear and learn about career opportunities in science through trips and speakers that come to the College

The teaching staff have a passion for Science and an overwhelming desire to share their knowledge with the future generations of Scientists.  We are very proud to see so many of them go on to take a range of Sciences at A level and beyond.