Science

Staff:

• Mrs A Royston - Biologist and Head of Science

• Mr D Thysse - Chemist and Assistant Head of Science

• Dr S Hardy - Chemist

• Dr F Batt - Biologist

• Mrs J Cope - Chemist

• Mr J O'Halloran - Physicist

• Mrs J Wood - Senior Technician

• Mrs I Clarke - Lab Technician

• Mrs K James - Lab Technician

Key Stage 3

Years 7 and 8 follow an accelerated KS3 science course.  There are three double lessons of science a week.  The content is set out in a sequence covering science enquiry, life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical properties.  Exploring science through practical work is a priority and students are given every opportunity to improve existing skills and discover new ones.

Science Club takes place every week during a lunch hour and is open to all pupils in years 7-9. Our Sixth Form Science Captains lead the activities in Science Club.

Key Stage 4

From September 2012 our year 9 students will start their KS4 science and will pursue each science subject separately.  This will lead to GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Key Stage 5

Biology

Both AS and A2 courses are made up of 3 modules, all of which are externally assessed.  In each course, 2 of the modules are examined by written theory papers and the remaining module by a practical examination. The aims of these courses encourage candidates to:

• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in biology (e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, genetics etc.)
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other.

Chemistry

The OCR Salters Chemistry course at AS and A2 level adopts the novel approach of being 'context-led' as opposed to the traditional 'topic-based' Chemistry courses.  Chemical concepts are introduced within a relevant context e.g. The Atmosphere, The Oceans, and are re-enforced throughout the course by a spiral 'drip-feed' approach. The applied nature of the course fits in well with the aspirations of the majority of A Level Chemistry students at the Marist to follow courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and engineering.

Physics

The A Level Physics AQA courses are modular. The AS and A2 sections can be covered from either a context or concept led approach. At AS the students will study two Units. Unit 1 covers Nuclear Particle Physics and Electricity.  Unit 2 covers Mechanics and Wave Motion. Units 3 and 6 are internally assessed practicals. At A2, Unit 4 covers Fields and Further Mechanics and Unit 5 covers Nuclear and Thermal Physics. The A Level courses can lead to further study in science, engineering or medical areas as well as many other non-science areas.