Science

Science isn’t only about new inventions, new technology and new medicines. Science is important because it satisfies our curiosity about the world we live in. It is the best way we know of to banish ignorance with knowledge. Nearly every aspect of human life has been changed by science: health, food, and war to name a few. Without science, there would be no computers, no internet, and you certainly wouldn’t be reading this! At the Science department at Alder we believe that every student has the right to gain an understanding of the importance of science and its relevance to their lives. We regard it as a privilege to be able share our passion for science with our students. The Science department comprises of 7 teachers (including our Head teacher and an Assistant Head teacher), and 2 experienced technicians. Each member of the department is incredibly dedicated and has a real passion for science.

At Key Stage 3, emphasis is placed on allowing students to explore for themselves. Students are given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through a practical based scheme of work which emphasises the importance of analytical and critical scientific thinking. Classes are taught in ability sets, which enables us to differentiate effectively and provide each student with a programme of study which reflects their individual needs. The scheme of work is split into individual topics, each of which has associated teaching software such as video clips, interactive roleplay activities, informative presentations, scene investigation activities and web links. We appreciate just how much students enjoy practical investigations and demonstrations, and include them in our lessons regularly. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop their ICT skills by using data logging equipment, voting handsets and the departmental suite of laptops.

At Key Stage 4 we offer a number of different courses. This enables us to provide every student with an option which is appropriate to their ability and aspirations. Lower ability students study the OCR Entry Level Science course. This course is specifically designed to meet the need of those students for whom courses leading to a GCSE examination do not represent a realistic or appropriate goal.

The majority of students will study either 2 Science GCSEs or an equivalent BTEC Applied Science qualification. GCSE students follow the OCR Twenty First Century Science syllabus. They study Core Science in Year 10 and Additional Science in Year 11. The Core Science GCSE course emphasises scientific literacy – the knowledge and understanding which students need to engage, as informed citizens, with science-based issues. The qualification uses contemporary, relevant contexts of interest to students. The Additional Science GCSE course is a concept-led course developed to meet the needs of students seeking a deeper understanding of basic scientific ideas. The course focuses on scientific explanations and models, and gives students an insight into how scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit. Students who follow the BTEC Level 2 Applied Science course take on the role of being employed within the science industry and complete a number of related assignments and activities. Scenarios are set for each activity which reflect tasks or projects that employees would be undertaking in the workplace. This course is portfolio based and provides students who struggle to prepare for, and to sit, examinations an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired in a different way.

The more able students are given the opportunity to study separate Science GCSEs. They can work towards separate Biology, Physics and Chemistry GCSE qualifications. Each provides an opportunity for further developing an understanding of science explanations, how science works and the study of elements of applied science, with particular relevance to professional scientists.

The Science department is committed to raising attainment, and teachers use a number of strategies to achieve this goal. We use diverse teaching and learning techniques, offer revision booster classes for GCSE students prior to Year 10 and Year 11 modular exams and Year 11 terminal exams, regularly use praise, rewards and positive reinforcement and offer the following extra-curricular activities:

  • Year 7 Extra-Curricular Science Club
  • Opportunities for Gifted students to participate in LEA Gifted and Talented activities
  • Year 7 and Year 8 entry into the National Salters’ Festival of Chemistry
  • Year 10 nomination for the Salters’ Chemistry Camp
  • Year 7 visit to Chester Zoo
  • Year 7 Wild Roadshow visit
  • Year 8 visit to Manchester Science Festival
  • Year 10 visit to GCSE Science Live! Event
  • Year 11 visit to Alton Towers
  • Year 8 and 9 Study Experience to Disneyland Resort Paris.