Science
A scientist is someone who gathers and uses research and evidence, someone who makes hypotheses and tests them and someone who gains and shares understanding and knowledge. All scientists are united by their relentless curiosity and systematic approach to satisfying it. At Welling School, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to become a great scientist.
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
The department is an ever evolving collective of experienced staff with a combination of established and new and exciting resources and equipment.
Teaching aims to combine theoretical knowledge and skills so that students are well-prepared for examinations, and more importantly have the practical and exploratory skills necessary for life. We identify 5 key skills that students need to be confident in; Literacy, Maths Skills in science, How Science works, Independent Learning and Data processing. These skills are embedded throughout our course.
For detailed information about the content of our course, please take time to visit our website and also check out the learning journey for Science
https://sites.google.com/wellingschool-tkat.org/welling-homestudy/archive/science?authuser=0
Key Stage 4
Students in year 10 begin to learn the specific content for the GCSE examinations. We follow the AQA Combined Science specification. Students are given the option of Triple Science in Year 10 where students decide to take Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately and be awarded three GCSEs as opposed to the compulsory two awarded for combined science.
Students will study a range of concepts and will carry out required practicals throughout the course incorporated into topics. Both courses are 100% examinations.
Assessment
Students complete self assessment checks at the end of each topic. Throughout the course we revisit and test the 5 key skills necessary to become a great scientist. At the end of each term there will be a summative assessment to evaluate progress and provide data to parents. There are 3 mock exam periods for GCSE students, these are designed to give them practice for official examinations and provide them with feedback on how to improve and identify their areas for development.