Science

Science

Subject Vision

At Unity College we will provide the foundations for understanding the world through Science.  All of our students will understand, through Physics, Biology and Chemistry, how science changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity.  All of our students will be taught essential aspects of knowledge, methods and processes and uses of science today and for the future.

Department Staff List

Mrs P Brierley

Head of Science

Mrs N Hargraves

Head of Science

Mrs C Anderson

Assistant Head of Science

Mrs Z Hammond-Phillips

Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Science

Miss C Edwards

Teacher of Science and SENDCO

Miss A Ehsan

Teacher of Science

Miss S England

Teacher of Science

Mr R Frankland

Teacher of Science

Mr I Heron

Teacher of Science

Mrs K Khan

Teacher of Science

Miss K Lund

Teacher of Science

Miss M O'Brien

Teacher of Science

Mr S Standen

Teacher of Science

Key Stage Three

In Year 7, students will study:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Cells

1. Particles and their behaviour

1. Forces

2. The structure and function of body functions

2. Atoms, elements and compounds

2. Sound

3. Reproduction

3. Chemical Reactions

3. Light

4. Working Scientifically

4. Acids and alkalis

4. Space

 

In Year 8, students will study:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Health and lifestyle

1. The Periodic Table

1. Electricity and magnetism

2. Biological Processes

2. Separation Techniques

2. Energy

3. Ecosystems and adaptation

3. The Earth

3. Motion and pressure

4. Inheritance

4. Metals and other materials

 

In Year 9, students will study:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Variation and Natural Selection

1. Chemical Changes

1. Forces

2. Working scientifically

2. Useful Chemical reactions

2. Energy

3. Electricity and Magnetism

Key Stage Four

In science lessons, all students in Years 10 and 11 study GCSE Science from the AQA Science suites of qualifications. In their timetabled core science lessons all students will study for the Combined Science Trilogy specification resulting in the award of two GCSEs.

Exam Specification: AQA: Combined Science

At the end of Year 9, some students will opt to study for three individual GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics using one of their choices.

Exam Specification: AQA: Biology

Exam Specification: AQA: Chemistry

Exam Specification: AQA: Physics

 

Years 10 and 11 – Combined Science Trilogy Subject Content:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Cell Biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics

8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
10. Quantitative Chemisty

18. Energy
19. Electricity
20. Particle model of matter
21. Atomic structure

5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology 

11. Chemical changes
12. Energy changes 
13. The rate and extent of chemical change 
14. Organic Chemistry 

22. Forces
23. Waves 
24. Magnetism and electromagnetism 

15. Chemical analysis 
16. Chemistry of the atmosphere
17. Using resources

Years 10 and 11 – Biology Subject Content:

Biology

1. Cell Biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics


5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology 
8. Key ideas

Years 10 and 11 – Chemistry Subject Content:

Chemistry

1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
2. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
3. Quantitative Chemisty

4. Chemical changes
5. Energy changes 
6. The rate and extent of chemical change 
7. Organic Chemistry 

8. Chemical analysis 
9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
10. Using resources

Years 10 and 11 – Physics Subject Content:

Physics 

1. Energy
2. Electricity
3. Particle model of matter
4. Atomic structure

5. Forces
6. Waves 
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism 
8. Space Physics

Assessments

Year 10

There will be three assessments throughout the year on what students have previously learnt.

These will be followed by a set of mock examinations on paper 1 at the end of the year.

Year 11

There will be one assessment throughout the year.

There will also be mock examinations in December for paper 1 and paper 2 (6 papers in total).

Revision

‘Grade Up’ revision sessions are available for Year 11 students after school.

Revision guides can be purchased at a reduced cost through ParentPay. These are also available online, via CGP – Revision Guides

Science Useful Links

All students have access to:

Kerboodle

BBC Bitesize – Combined Science Trilogy

BBC Bitesize – Biology (Single science)

BBC Bitesize – Chemistry (Single science)

BBC Bitesize – Physics (Single science)

PhET Colorado (science simulations and models)

Seneca Learning (online quizzing)

Oak Academy (online lessons)

Science Enrichment

  • Visiting speakers from Industry
  • Challenges and competitions both internally and at local colleges
  • Science Clubs for KS3
  • KS4 revision night
  • Whizz Pop Science Magazine, available in the College’s Library – we strongly encourage all students to read this
  • Science Week activities

Books we encourage you to buy and read are

  • The big book of Science things to make and do
  • Can you feel the force by Richard Hammond
  • Horrible Science / Really Rotten Experiments by Nick Arnold and Tony de Saulles
  • The Icky, Sticky, Snot and Blood by Nick Sharratt and Steve Alton
  • How the World Works by Beverley Young
  • What makes you YOU? by Gill Arbuthnott
  • Science Experiments by Robert Winston and Iain Graham