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Curriculum
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- Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
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Introduction
The Science Department at St Alban’s aim is to give pupils an interest and enthusiasm in Science, whilst attaining the highest possible standards. This is achieved through a range of theory lessons, practical’s and problem solving activities. The department aims to ensure the material and topics covered are relevant to pupils and meet the National Curriculum requirements.
At Key Stage 3, work is broken down into modules, covering a range of topics from the National Curriculum programme of study. All modules are taught through a themed approach that develops work from KS 2 in the context of skill based enquiries. Each module has a variety of development work including planning, development and reflection type activities.
For Key Stage 4, we offer a number of different options for our pupils, reflecting the wide range of interests and abilities of our learners. The majority of pupils in Years 10 and 11 will follow the Double Science GCSE course comprising “Core Science” in Year 10, followed by “Additional Science” in Year 11.
There is also an opportunity for pupils to study separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), which offer a full appreciation of the subject and its role in today’s society. Pupils who wish to pursue a career in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy would find that GCSE’s in separate sciences can be an advantage when applying for a place at certain University’s.
For students who would prefer a more vocational pathway, we offer the BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science. BTEC First science is a new course offered by St Alban’s Science Department, designed to provide a specialist work-related qualification in a range of scientific sectors. These will provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to prepare for employment.
Many of our pupils at Key Stage 4 stay on at St Alban’s to study further education courses. We offer a wide range of courses such as Level 3 BTEC in Applied Science and AS/A2 modular courses in Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
Monmouth Science Initiative
Every Wednesday afternoon pupils from St Alban’s Science Department attend Monmouth School for Boys, as part of the Monmouth Science Initiative (MSI).
The initiative involves sixth form pupils from both of the Monmouth Schools working with pupils from local comprehensives on practical science activities, using the facilities and expertise of the Haberdashers’ Schools. The aim is to develop many of the practical skills one would expect of first year undergraduates studying for science degrees. This year students have embarked on an exciting additional extended project which involved building two radio telescopes that they will use to investigate the ionosphere.
During the year, students visited Cardiff University (Dept of Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering and Biosciences) where they were able to undertake a range of exercises typical of those given to undergraduate students. The University generously allow them to use valuable equipment and several senior staff give up their time to work with them.
Practical Exam Dates
Applied Science :Unit 4 Assessed Task: Practical Exam 1
Mon 20th Nov/Tuesday 21st Nov – 9am-12.30pm
Thurs 23rd Nov/Fri 24th Nov – 9-11:30am
Applied Science: Unit 5 : Practical Exam 2
Jan 15th/16th 9-11:30am each day.
Separate Science: Unit 3: Practical Exams (sets 1-2):
Jan 17th 9-11:30am – Separate Biology (sets 1-2)
Jan 18th 9-11:30am – Separate Chemistry (sets 1-2)
Jan 19th 9-11:30am – Separate Physics (sets 1-2)
Applied Science Practical Groups
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