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 | 8. Atomic structure and the periodic table | 18. Energy |
5. Homeostasis and response | 11. Chemical changes | 22. Forces |
15. Chemical analysis |
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 |
5. Homeostasis and response |
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 |
4. Chemical changes |
8. Chemical analysis |
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 |
5. Forces |
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 Useful Links
All students have access to:
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)
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