Introduction to Science
Science is at the heart of our lives and it is at the very core of the curriculum at Plashet. We aim to give all our students the opportunity to learn Science through discovery, discussion and investigation. Students can then apply this knowledge to their everyday lives. Students have many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities in Science.
We run a dedicated home study club for KS3 Science which is supervised by a member of the teaching staff and run by the Science Prefects. At KS4 we run a wide variety of intervention groups which are aimed at ensuring that all students make at least expected progress in Science.
STEM
We have a highly successful STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) club which runs weekly throughout the year. The club provides the perfect opportunity to get pupils excited about the possibilities of these subjects beyond the constraints of timetables and tests. By creating a stimulating environment for children to explore STEM, students can help to build their confidence, realise their potential and have a lot of fun along the way. Students also get the opportunity to go on many scientific visits to museums, industry and scientific lectures. Science Week at Plashet is always an annual celebration of a huge range of fun and exciting activities and performances.
KS3
Our curriculum at KS3 is designed to allow students to develop the skills and gain knowledge and understanding of how Science works.
In KS3, the students will study science in mixed ability tutor groups and rotate through a wide variety of topics from understanding cells in Biology, through how atoms combine in Chemistry to electricity and magnetism in Physics.
The students will be completing 9 `Apparatus and technique` practicals throughout the course of the 2 years. These are designed to build GCSE skills so that students are prepared for the required practicals, and practical exam-style questions of GCSE. They also support the development of important working scientifically, maths and literacy skills. As well as these specific practicals, students will be doing a variety of other practical based lessons.
We are following the Activate Kerboodle learning platform.
Exam Board and Syllabus – AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462) and AQA Physics (8463) and AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
During the study of GCSEs in Science, students gain a greater depth of knowledge through the application of the skills developed in KS3. GCSE students have the option to study either Combined Science or separate Sciences depending on their interest and ability.