Pupils follow a balanced Science course in Year 1 then are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately by subject specialists during form 2 and 3. The details of year 2 and 3 separate Sciences are included in the separate subject sections.

A practical approach is adopted wherever possible to embed the scientific method into pupils learning and to make the course challenging, interesting and fun!

Year 1 Science Curriculum
Pupils are following the Nelson Thornes Fusion Science Course (www.nelsonthornes.com).

This is supported by a core text book, teacher book, online resources and an outline scheme of work. This is a flexible teaching approach and inventive teaching and learning is encouraged and shared!

In-house booklets are used to supplement and extend the course. Pupils are provided with the core Fusion text and a ring binder to store the course materials. The following areas are taught during Form 1:

Introduction to Science – ‘How Science Works’

Using an ‘Introduction to Science’ booklet and the ‘How science works’ chapter of Fusion 1, some of the keys aspects of safety and investigative work are introduced (scientific questions, variables, fair testing, data collection and recording, analysis and evaluation). A variety of scientific and investigative tasks, individual and group work are used to explore these areas in a practical way.

After the introduction has been completed, pupils begin the topics of the fusion 1 course. They are allocated a core text for the year and the course is delivered using an investigative approach with plenty of practical work and stimulating use of ICT to bring the subject matter alive.

The following topics are the basis of the pupils’ form 1 curriculum:

Fusion 1

• Cells, tissues and organs
• Reversible and Irreversible Changes
• Particles in Action
• Forces and Energy
  

Year 2&3 Biology

The following areas of Biology are covered during year 2 and 3. Pupils are stimulated using a range of ICT resources including images and animations. An investigative approach is adopted wherever possible.

Pupils receive a core text and topic booklets to explore the subject content.

Fusion 1
Reproduction - including Reproduction overview, Sex organs, Fertilisation in humans, Pregnancy, Birth, Growing up, Periods, In control (contraception), Reproduction in plants, Flowers and pollination, Fertilisation in plants, Spreading the seeds

Fusion 2

• Body systems (B1) – including Body systems overview, Digestive system, Digesting food, Food and Balanced diet , Breathing, Lungs, Inhaled and exhaled air, Heart and Circulation, Supplying cells, Exercise, Excretion and homeostasis, Nervous system
• Ecology – including Ecology overview, Making food, Photosynthesis, Leaves and Photosynthesis, Food chains, Food webs, Food Pyramids and energy flow, Predators and Prey, Habitats and adaptation, Habitats changing, Investigating a Habitat (1), Investigating a Habitat (2) including a full day of field work at Bracelet Bay, Mumbles.
  

Key Stage 3 Biologists exploring Photosynthesis

Fusion 3

• Health - including Health overview, Balanced diet, Malnutrition, Vitamins and mineral, Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs, Healthy living, Too small to see, Microbes and disease, Keeping microbes out, Helping the immune system
• Variation and genetics – including Variation and genetics overview, Putting living things into groups, Vertebrates, Invertebrates, Plants, Variation, Genes and inheritance, Passing on the genes, Breeding animals, Selective breeding in plants, Evolution, Cloning and gene therapy.
  

GCSE Biology

Why Study Biology?
Biology is a useful stepping stone towards a variety of careers including medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy or other biological disciplines. However, many study biology because they enjoy the subject and then pursue careers in other areas. Biology is about being curious and imaginative. It involves practical work including use of the microscope, microbiology and working with enzymes.

GCSE Biologists enjoying experimental work on enzymes

Science courses at GCSE changed in September 2011.  They will provide students with opportunities to discuss and form informed opinions about issues of relevance to modern society, including spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues; as well as leading to the opportunity to amass a considerable amount of scientific knowledge and practical skills.

The content of courses and assessment procedures also include explicit requirements related to all key skills. GCSE students are entered for the WJEC examinations (www.wjec.co.uk).

Biology remains a popular science subject at GCSE level [years 4 and 5]. It is an important source of knowledge and training for those whose science schooling will end at this level and additionally, it is a firm basis for students wishing to continue with a scientific career.

In common with all sciences, biology provides students with opportunities to:

• Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
• Appreciate the unique contribution of science to the objective understanding of the world
• Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for science
• Acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning
  

The new biology course comprises four sections:

Biology 1: Adaptation, evolution and body maintenance. 1 hour examination, 25%, 60 marks (80 UMS) Externally marked

Topics included are:

• VARIETY OF LIFE, ADAPTATION AND COMPETITION
• MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY FLOW AND NUTRIENT TRANSFER
• INHERITANCE
• VARIATION
• EVOLUTION
• RESPONSE AND REGULATION
• HEALTH
  

Biology 2: Cells and metabolism, digestion and respiration, biodiversity. 1 hour exam, 25% 60 marks (80 UMS) Externally marked

Topics included are:

• CELLS AND CELL PROCESSES
• SUBSTANCES ENTER AND LEAVE CELLS THROUGH THE CELL MEMBRANE
• PHOTOSYNTHESIS
• DIGESTION
• RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENT
  

Biology 3: Transport in plants and animals, homeostasis, microorganisms and disease. 1 hour examination, 25%, 60 marks (80 UMS) Externally marked

Topics included are:

• PLANTS, WATER AND NUTRIENTS
• BLOOD AND CIRCULATION
• NERVOUS SYSTEM
• ROLE OF THE KIDNEY IN HOMEOSTASIS
• MICROORGANISMS AND DISEASE
• MICROORGANISMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
  

Biology Controlled Assessment: Investigation set by WJEC each year, 25% 48 marks (80 UMS) Internally marked

GCSE Biology is offered as a discrete, stand-alone course for students who join St. Michael’s at the start of year 10, although it obviously builds on knowledge and skills gained during the Key Stage 3 course. The course is taught in as practical a manner as time permits in order to offer the student the opportunity for personal experience and exploration. Biology is a fascinating subject, as surely everyone is interested in learning how their body works and a little about the other life-forms which share the earth.

But note, the specification is huge and demands a consistent effort from students.

What resources will pupils be provided with?
Pupils are signed up to an on-line text book, from Nelson Thornes (www.nelsonthornes.com) called Biology For You. This is an interactive on-line resource. Pupils are also provided with a hard copy of the text book and topic booklets that are produced in-house.

How is the course delivered?
The subject is brought alive using a variety of approaches including ICT images and animations, as well as board work, discussions, quizzes, investigative practical work, presentations, questions and answer sessions as well as regular topic tests, plenty of past paper questions and Christmas and summer examinations.

AS/A2 Level Biology

Biology is a very useful stepping stone towards a variety of careers including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy or
other biological disciplines. However many study biology because they enjoy the subject and then pursue careers in other areas.

What is the A Level Biology course about?
Biology provides a wide breadth of knowledge which touches on many varied aspects of a range of topics from the internal working of organisms in physiology to the interdependence of living things in ecology. It deals with social issues including human influences on the environment and the ethical considerations of genetics.

The study of biology thus encourages an appreciation of these issues and their implications as well as providing an insight into the living world.

Pupils follow the WJEC Biology Specification (include link to WJEC website here: www.wjec.co.uk/), which includes a broad range of topics and opportunities for plenty of practical work to foster an investigative approach and to bring the subject alive.

AS Level Biologist using immobilised enzymes to produce lactose free milk

Why choose St Michael’s for A Level Biology?
There are a number reasons why choosing St Michael’s School for A Level biology could be a great idea.

• High levels of individual attention, with small group sizes
• Personalised learning approach to get the very best from each student
• Interactive teaching strategies
• Investigative approach
• Exam focus
• Thorough assessment and written feedback
• Well equipped laboratory, with regularly serviced microscopes and an excellent selection of microscopy resources.
• Detailed core text book and 2 exam board specific revision guides issued to every pupil
• ICT based learning materials
• Highly experienced Biology teachers
• Interesting work resulting in stimulating lessons


How is the course structured?
AS Biology
This course consists of 3 units:

Biology 1 : Basic Biochemistry and cell organisation
• 20 %
• 1 hour 30 min Written Paper 70 marks (120UM)
• Short and longer structured questions, choice of 1 from 2 essays.

Biology 2: Biodiversity and physiology of Body Systems
• 20 %
• 1 hour 30 min Written Paper 70 marks (120UM)
• Short and longer structured questions, choice of 1 from 2 essays.

Biology 3: AS Practical assessment
• 10 %
• Internal assessment 44 marks (60UM)
• Experimental work set in centre, completed by candidates over 3 month period. Marked by board plus, low power plan microscope drawing.A2 Biology

A Level Biology
This course consists of the above plus a further 3 units:

Biology 4: Metabolism, Microbiology and Homeostasis
• 20 %
• 1 hour 45 min Written Paper 80 marks (120UM)
• Short and longer structured questions, choice of 1 from 2 essays (small % synoptic marks).

Biology 5: Environment, Genetics and Evolution
• 20 %
• 1 hour 45 min Written Paper 80 marks (120UM)
• Short and longer structured questions, choice of 1 from 2 essays (small % synoptic marks).

Biology 6: AL Practical assessment
• 10 %
• Internal assessment 50 marks (60UM)
• Experimental work set in centre, completed by candidates over 3 month period. Marked by board plus one microscope drawing and calibration.

What do our students say about the A Level Biology Course?

"Practical lessons are always interesting and fun"

"Studying cells is fun!"

"AS Biology is very fascinating"

"I enjoyed studying Charles Darwin’s finches from the Galapagos Islands"

"Good teacher"

"Good for Universities – medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry etc."

"Enjoyable presentations on the board"

"I enjoy using the microscope, seeing cells, and drawing tissue plans after they have been projected onto the whiteboard"

"Biology is good, as it is a relaxed lesson so it is easier to learn and retain"

"Having to make squishy enzyme beads IS more fun than it may sound!"

"Human biology is a fascinating topic and is very useful if you have ambitions of becoming a doctor"

"I enjoy learning about how things work in nature so A Level biology is a great subject to study"

"If you are interested in how your body works, then A Level biology is for you. I especially enjoyed genetics"

Additional Information

Biology is about being curious and imaginative. It involves practical work including use of the microscope, microbiology and working with enzymes. You will need to do background reading and critically apply your knowledge and understanding to new situations. Pupils are encouraged to subscribe to publications such as Biological Sciences Review in order to ignite their interest in the subject and extend their knowledge.

Year 2 and 3

Chemistry in forms 2 and 3 is taught by Dr. M. Burgess. The course broadly follows the fusion 7, 8 and 9 course until Christmas of form 3, covering atoms, elements and compounds, mixtures, geology, energy, fuels and combustion and finishing with metals. The final part of form three concentrates on polymers, where pupils investigate a number of new and interesting materials from Middlesex University teaching resources, followed by an introduction to atomic structure, bonding and calculations. The course finishes with a section on developing new materials, looking at ethical issues, experimental design, trend analysis and investigative skills.

A variety of teaching styles are employed throughout the course, including use of models, presentations, particle role-plays, discussion and planning exercises. Pupils receive a large number of opportunities for practical work and extended writing. Particular attention is paid to links with topics also encountered in biology and physics.

GCSE

Chemistry is taught as an option subject at KS4 by Dr. M. Burgess. The course is modular (as are all science GCSEs in England and Wales), with just one module taken at the end of form four and two at the end of form five, enabling entire topics to be taught as a whole rather than in discrete pieces that can be learnt, examined and forgotten.

Pupils are encouraged to study topics in depth and to consider topics as a whole, and an emphasis is placed on learning through a variety of methods, including group and paired discussion, practical work, experimental design, physical role play, presentations, extended writing, short answer questions and molecular model building.

It must be noted that chemistry cannot be studied using any one method alone, and there are some topics that lend themselves to practical work more than others. Pupils are continually encouraged not only to solve problems and find the right answer but also to learn the important scientific skill of asking the right questions.

Chemistry is, of course, a pre-requisite for entrance to medicine and dentistry. However, it is also a subject that can be useful in a wide variety of contexts such as in law, forensics, environmental science and geology.

The subject overlaps with topics in biology and especially physics and it is particularly advantageous if pupils take the three sciences together, as many choose to do.

Examination results have been consistently outstanding, with the most common grade achieved being A* in each of the last seven years. Chemistry at KS4 was graded at grade one by ESTYN in the recent inspection, the highest possible grade.

A Level

WHY STUDY A LEVEL CHEMISTRY?
Chemistry is an essential qualification for a number of careers, as well as being an exciting, challenging subject to study. A large number of our students move on into areas such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science. If you want any science based career, then chemistry keeps your options open.

Other A Level subjects that would go well with Chemistry are Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Geography. However, even if your focus is the Arts or Modern Languages you may wish to broaden your studies by taking an AS-level in Chemistry

WHAT A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY ENTAILS
The WJEC Chemistry course consists of six modules spaced out over two years. A lot of the areas covered will be familiar to you from your GCSE studies, however there are several new topics you will encounter whilst on the course. Four of the modules are assessed via written examinations in both January and June.

You will also spend time conducting experiments in a laboratory environment and two modules are based on practical skills, so you must be prepared to work safely with a range of scientific equipment Experimental work is divided into three main areas:

• qualitative (qualities like chemical tests and observations),
• quantitative (accurately measuring quantities like temperature, volume and mass)
• evaluative (which means looking for errors and suggesting improvements).
  

Students of A Level Chemistry should leave the course with the ability to recognise, recall and show understanding of specific chemical facts, terminology, concepts and practical ability. The A-Level course will show you how to use information with the view of interpreting phenomena and effects of chemical principles, as well as presenting arguments and ideas in a logical, clear manner.

METHODS OF LEARNING
During the course you will be supplied with, or encouraged to use text books, data books, molecular models, past papers, prepared worksheets, revision websites and other resource materials. These should be utilised fully in order to obtain the best A Level grade you can.

RESOURCES SUPPLIED AT THE START OF THE COURSE

• Text book ‘Chemistry in Context’ – general reading, additional practice questions.
• WJEC website – Specification details, Student Revision Guides www.wjec.co.uk
• Periodic Table – as issued by WJEC for use in external examination
  

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
AS (3 units)

CH1 JANUARY
20% 1hr 30min Written Paper
Controlling and Using Chemical Changes
Section A (objective questions)
Section B (structured questions) No choice

CH2 JUNE
20% 1hr 30min Written Paper
Properties, Structure and Bonding
Section A (objective questions)
Section B (structured questions) No choice

CH3 Practical work. 10%
x2 Practical exercises obtained from WJEC
Organic
Inorganic

A2 – Further 3 units

CH4 Spectroscopy and Organic chemistry. 20%

CH5 Physical and Inorganic chemistry. 20%
(Structured and extended-answer questions. Synoptic element inc.)

CH6 Practical unit.10%

Student comments

“Chemistry has given me the opportunity to fulfil my ambition of becoming an optometrist”

…..Aaron Evans-Jones

“Studying chemistry has allowed me to develop key analytical skills that I have been able to transfer to other subjects such as economics”

…..Aqil Bhat

“Chemistry is a fundamental science that overlaps with many topics in other sciences”

…..Sophie Paulus

“It fulfils curiosity”

…..Oliver Xiang

“It helps your understanding of other sciences”

…..Rachel Taylor

FORMER CHEMISTRY STUDENTS

“Studying chemistry at A level has given me the opportunity to apply for pharmacy at university”

…..Alex Wade U6R (2010-11)

“I enjoy the practical work and learning about the industrial uses of different compounds”

…..Dominic Lazarus U6S (2010-11)

GCSE

Physics is one of the three separate sciences offered at GCSE level at St. Michael’s and is taught by Mrs C. Griffiths and Mrs H. Lewis, both experienced external examiners and moderators. Physics is a fascinating subject and provides some of the answers as to how things around us work, both on the microscopic and macroscopic scale. The teaching approach employed encourages students to think for themselves, to hypothesise, to confront misconceptions and to self-evaluate. GCSE Physics is ideal for those who simply wish to develop a greater understanding of the subject or for those wishing to pursue careers in physics, science, medicine or engineering (to name but a few career paths). It is a prerequisite for the study of ‘A’ level Physics.

In common with all sciences, physics provides students with opportunities to:

• Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society
• Appreciate the unique contribution of science to the objective understanding of the world
• Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, science
• Acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning
  

The WJEC syllabus followed is comprehensive and comprises of four sections of equal weighting. Physics 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by external exams where the quality of written communication will also be taken into account. The controlled assessment will be carried out in school and marked internally before being sent for moderation in the second year of study (form 5).

Physics 1 (25%):

• Generation of Electricity
• Transmission of Electricity
• Energy Supply and the Home
• Energy Transfer
• The Characteristics of Waves
• Ionising Radiation
• The Solar System and Its Place in an Evolving Universe
  

Physics 2 (25%):

• Simple Electrical Circuits
• Distance, Speed and Acceleration
• The Effects of Forces
• Interactions Between Objects
• The Half-life of Radioactive Materials and the Nature of Nuclear Radiation
• Nuclear Structure, Fission and Fusion
  

Physics 3 (25%):

• Electromagnetism
• The Properties of Waves and
• Their Uses in Investigating the
• Structure of the Earth
• Motion
• Kinetic Theory
• The Origin of Chemical Elements
  

Controlled Assessment (Internal, 25%). The structure of the assessed tasks is as follows (in common with Chemistry and Biology):

• Introductory experimental work. The candidates undertake a piece of practical work based upon the appropriate subject content. The carrying out
• of the introductory/background work is not assessed but the experience of carrying it out and, possibly the results, are needed in the subsequent stages.
• Investigatory planning and research. The candidates undertake research and planning on the specified topic which arises from, and is based upon, their experience in the introductory work.
• The candidates carry out their investigatory work, review it, analyse their findings and present a report on their work.

A Level

In common with other subjects at GCE Advanced level the physics A level course consists of two parts namely AS or Advanced Subsidiary, followed by A2. The AS level is studied in the first year and on successful completion candidates then proceed to the A2 course in the second year.
The GCE AS specification builds upon the knowledge; understanding and skills acquired within the key stage 4 GCSE Physics.
The aim of the specification is to provide units of study of the theory and practice of physics that will develop candidates’ interest in, and enjoyment of, the subject. A level Physics is always demanding and challenging, looking at questions about the world around us. Many of these questions remain to be answered.

We ensure that the A level course, as a whole, provides a rigorous preparation for those candidates who decide to pursue further studies in physics, engineering, medicine or other science courses. We also aim to provide an interesting and relevant AS course for those candidates who do not choose to continue their study of the subject. Candidates are encouraged to bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of physics relate to each other and to study how scientific models develop.

The AS Level consists of three units:

PH1 – Motion, Energy and Charge

• Basics, Energy, Mechanics
• Electricity
  

PH2 – Waves and Particles

• Waves
• Photons
• Matter, Forces and the Universe
  

PH3 - Practical Physics

• Practical Tests
  

The full A level consists of a further three units:
PH4 – Oscillations & Fields

• Momentum & Energy
• Oscillations
• Thermal Physics
• Electrostatic and Gravitational Fields
• Orbits in the Solar System and beyond
  

PH5 – Electromagnetism, Nuclei and Options

• Capacitance
• B-Fields
• Electromagnetic Induction
• Radioactivity and Radioisotopes
• Nuclear Energy
• Options
  

PH6 – Experimental and Synoptic Assessment

• Data Analysis Paper
• Practical Investigatory Task
  

Units PH1, PH2 and PH4 are each assessed by means of a 1½ hour external examination. PH5 is assessed by means of a 1 ¾ hour external examination.

PH3 is assessed by a 1 ½ hour practical examination.

PH6 is assessed by a 45 minute data analysis task followed by a 1 ¼ hour practical investigation.