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

Dr V Willett

Assistant Head of Science

Mrs Z Hammond-Phillips

Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of Science

Miss C Edwards

Teacher of Science

 Miss A Ehsan

Teacher of Science

Mr R Frankland

Teacher of Science

Mr I Heron

Teacher of Science

Mrs K Khan

Teacher of Science

Ms J Lea

Teacher of Science

Miss K Lund

Teacher of Science

Mrs C Oakley

Teacher of Science

Miss M O'Brien

Teacher of Science

Mr S Standen

Teacher of Science

Mr B Thomas

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. Health and lifestyle

4. Acids and alkalis

4. Space

5. Separation Techniques

 

In Year 8, students will study:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Ecosystem processes

1. The earth and rocks

1. Energy

2. Adaptation and inheritance

2. The periodic table

2. Electricity and electromagnetism

3. New technology in Biology

3. Metals and acids

3. New technology in Physics 

4. New technology in Chemistry

 

In Year 9, students will study:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics 

1. Students will remember ideas about Biology they have learnt in Years 7 and 8 

1. Students will remember ideas about Chemistry they have learnt in Years 7 and 8 

1. Students will remember ideas about Physics they have learnt in Years 7 and 8 

2. Turning points in Biology

2. Turning points in Chemistry

2. Turning points in Physics

3. Detection and experimentation in Biology

3. Detection and experimentation in Chemistry

3. Detection and experimentation in Physics

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

 

Assessments

There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas and lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

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

Assessments 

There are two papers. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas and lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

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

Assessments 

There are two papers. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas and lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

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 

There are two papers. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas and lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

Science Enrichment 

  • Visiting speakers from Industry
  • Challenges and competitions both internally and at local colleges
  • Science Clubs for KS3
  • KS4 revision night
  • trips to Jodrell Bank and Zoo lab enrichment sessions
  • CREST awards
  • Local environment to study ecosystems and habitats
  • Trips to Royal Institute Christmas Lecture
  • Trips to Big Bang Science fair
  • We encourage students to read the Whizz Pop Science Magazine – available in the library

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

Revision books are available at a reduced cost in the science office