In key stage 3, we follow a course designed to prepare our students for the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE course. It follows the national curriculum but has been written by in-school specialists to provide a broad, balanced curriculum which is engaging and challenging for all.
Year 7
Course Overview
In year 7 we will begin with a 2 week practical skills unit to begin preparing for the new core practical content in the GCSE exams.
Classes will then follow a rota and cover the following units:
- Cells
- Reproduction
- Chemical reactions
- Particles, elements, atoms & compounds
- Forces & space
- Light & sound waves
Assessment
In every unit there will be a formative, mid – unit assessment and an end of unit exam.
Homework
Homework will be set regularly, and is a combination of practise questions, worksheets, and simple practical activities which can be done safely in the home.
Extra-curricular Activities
Science Club
Year 8
Course Overview
In year 8 we will begin with a 2 week practical skills unit to begin preparing for the new core practical content in the GCSE exams.
Classes will then follow a rota and cover the following units:
- Human body
- Plant and ecosystem science
- Acids and alkalis
- Separating mixtures
- Energy
- Fuels
Assessment
In every unit there will be a formative, mid – unit assessment and an end of unit exam.
Homework
Homework will be set regularly, and is a combination of practise questions, worksheets, and simple practical activities which can be done safely in the home.
Extra-curricular Activities
Science Club
Year 9
Course Overview
In year 9 we will begin with a 2 week practical skills unit to begin preparing for the new core practical content in the GCSE exams.
Classes will then follow a rota and cover the following units:
- Healthy lifestyle
- Inheritance
- The Earth
- Periodic table
- Electricity and magnetism
- Motion
Assessment
In every unit there will be a formative, mid – unit assessment and an end of unit exam.
Homework
Homework will be set regularly, and is a combination of practise questions, worksheets, and simple practical activities which can be done safely in the home.
Extra-curricular Activities
Science Club
Preparing for GCSE
Year 9 will be preparing for their GCSE course to begin after the June half term. This allows extra time for the large course to be covered as well as teaching exam skills before the year 11 final exams.
Introduction to GCSE SCIENCE, Edexcel.
This course covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics to provide 2 GCSEs for most students. Approximately 25% of the cohort will have the option to gain 3 GCSEs, that is, a GCSE in each discipline.
Course description
Pupils will study a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and gain an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns. They will develop their experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques, as well as increase their ability to form hypotheses and design experiments to test them.
What will you learn about?
Biology:
- Foundations of Biology
- Genetics
- Natural selection and genetic modification
- Health, disease and the development of medicines
- Plant structures and their functions
- Animal coordination
- Control and homeostasis
- Exchange and transport in animals
- Ecosystems and material cycles
Chemistry:
- States of matter and mixtures
- Atomic structure
- Bonding
- Acids
- Moles
- Electrolysis
- Extracting metals
- Equilibria
- Groups in the Periodic Table
- Rates of reaction and energy changes
- Fuels and Earth science
Physics:
- Motion and forces
- Conservation of energy
- Waves
- Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Radioactivity
- Energy
- Forces doing work
- Forces and their effects
- Electricity and circuits
- Magnetism and the motor effect
- Electromagnetic induction
- Particle model
- Forces and matter
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:
Practical work, using mathematics, problem solving, logical thinking, retaining and using new ideas and vocabulary.
Progression routes & career opportunities
The world is your oyster.
Homework/extended learning
Homework will be set regularly and students can expect a test for each topic and formative assessment in between.
Additional information.
The course follows the Edexcel (9-1) combined Science specification.
The Science Department at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School offers highly qualified, specialist teachers, experienced technicians and a strong emphasis on practical work and independent learning. Our teachers are supportive and approachable; they enjoy their work and are open to further learning and development. The department also has strong links with professional bodies such as Imperial College, The Society for Biology, The Royal Society , The Royal Horticultural Society, Essex Wildlife Trust, The Institute of Physics and Pearsons Edexcel
Introduction to A level OCR Biology A
The specification is divided into topics, each containing different key concepts of biology. Throughout the specification, cross-references indicate the relevance of individual learning outcomes to the mathematical and practical criteria that are embedded in the assessments
The Practical Endorsement will also support the development of practical skills
Course description
OCR’s A Level in Biology A specification aims to encourage learners to:
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific method
- develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society, as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’.
What will you learn about?
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology
Module 2: Foundations in biology
Module 3: Exchange and transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystem
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy the following:
They enjoy thinking and working independently yet are able to cooperate with others and enjoy their learning experiences.
They are rounded and respectful individuals who are self-confident and able to communicate clearly.
They are dedicated students who do not fear failure.
They are citizens who consider others and work for the benefit of all.
Progression routes & career opportunities
A level Biology can lead to careers in a wide range of areas including: Biotechnologist, Marine biologist, Microbiologist, Nanotechnologist, Nature conservation office, Pharmacologist, Physician associate, Research scientist (life sciences), Research scientist (medical), Secondary school teacher, Soil scientist, Zoologist, Acupuncturist, Dentist, General practice doctor, Health promotion specialist, Science writer, Sustainability consultant, Veterinary nurse, Vet, Zookeeper.
Homework/extended learning
Homework will be set regularly and students can expect a test for each topic and formative assessment in between.
Additional information.
The course follows the OCR A level specification A (H420). Great emphasis is placed on practical work so students will develop high level laboratory skills.
Introduction A level Chemistry, Edexcel.
Students will learn to work safely in the laboratory using a range of experimental techniques. This practical work is a firm basis for acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Course description
The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Chemistry are to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
What will you learn about?
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Bonding and Structure
- Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance
- Modern Analytical Techniques
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Equilibrium
- Acid-base Equilibria
- Energetics
- Redox
- Transition Metals
- Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols
- Acids
- Amines
- Polymers
- Synthesis
- Modern Analytical Techniques
- Kinetics
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:
thinking and working independently, cooperating with others and enjoy their learning experiences. Successful students will be rounded and respectful individuals who are self-confident and able to communicate clearly, dedicated students who do not fear failure.
Citizens who consider others and work for the benefit of all.
Progression routes & career opportunities
Chemistry makes our world more colourful, more efficient, more reliable and safer. Pharmaceuticals, synthetic fabrics, dissolving stitches and brake fluid are all chemical products.
Chemistry is essential for students who wish to study medicine and related subjects. Other careers linked to chemistry include – Forensics, Environmental Science, Healthcare, Nursing, Pharmacology, Clinical biochemistry, Chemical engineering, Toxicology, Research scientist, Teacher, Ocean scientist.
There are many science degrees available at university from pure chemistry to joint honours such as Ocean Science (chemistry with geography) or Archaeological chemistry (chemistry with history).
Homework/extended learning
Homework will be set regularly and students can expect a test for each topic and formative assessment in between. There will be the opportunity to enter competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad during the course.
Additional information.
The course follows the Edexcel A level specification. Great emphasis is placed on practical work so students will develop high level laboratory skills.
Introduction to A level Physics, OCR.
The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of physics. As learners progress through the course they will build on their knowledge of the laws of Physics, applying their understanding to solve problems on topics ranging from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe. The Practical Endorsement will also supportthe development of practical skills.
Course description
The aims and objectives of the OCR Advanced GCE in Physics are to enable students to develop:
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation
of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society (as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’).
What will you learn about?
Module 1: Development of practical skills.
Module 2: Foundations of physics.
Module 3: Forces and motion.
Module 4: Electrons, waves, and photons.
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics.
Module 6: Particles and medical physics
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy the following:
They enjoy thinking and working independently yet are able to cooperate with others and enjoy their learning experiences.
They are rounded and respectful individuals who are self-confident and able to communicate clearly.
They are dedicated students who do not fear failure.
They are citizens who consider others and work for the benefit of all.
Progression routes & career opportunities
A Level Physics is either essential or recommended for studying degrees in Engineering, Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Computer Science, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Maths, Materials Science, Sports Science, Surveying, Psychology, and Teaching.
A level Physics can lead to careers in a wide range of areas including: engineering, astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nanotechnology
Homework/extended learning
Homework will be set regularly and students can expect a test for each topic and formative assessment in between.
Additional information.
The course follows the OCR A level specification A (H556). Great emphasis is placed on practical work so students will develop high level laboratory skills.