SUBJECT: SCIENCE YEAR 10/11

Course Content/Skills

The Science course is divided into three strands, recognisable as Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each taught by a subject specialist. Content includes:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Life processes

States of matter

Electricity

Cell activity

Structure

Magnetism

Humans as organisms

Bonding

Forces

Plants

Useful products

Motion

Variation

Equations

Waves

Inheritance and Evolution

Rocks and atmosphere

Sound

The environment

Periodic table

The Solar System

 

Rates of reaction

Energy

 

Energy

Radioactivity

In addition the other National Curriculum standard Experimental and Investigative Science (practical work) runs throughout the above topics.

Good laboratory practice is expected from all students at all times. Presentation of work is very important. Rulers and pencils should be used for all tables and diagrams. A calculator will be useful.

Assessment Procedures

These will vary depending on group and teacher but as a rough guide each strand will be assessed by a written test at approximately half-termly intervals. - Final Year 10 grades will be based on an average of these tests and the end of year exam. In Year 11 a mock exam will be held in December. The practical element of coursework will take place in the laboratory with reports being written in the student’s own time. This would usually take place in the Autumn term of Year 11.

Homework

Year 10 and Year 11 students are set 3 homeworks per fortnight, one for each subject area. Each homework should take about 1 hour to complete. Most homework will be a written piece of work but may also be revision or a piece of research.

Marking Policy

Marking will be carried out in accordance with the school's marking policy. Written comments will aim to indicate how improvements can be made. Tests will have a percentage grade with an indication of the grade A*~G. Practical investigations will be marked in line with exam board criteria eventually resulting in a mark out of 63.

Text Books

The main texts used are:

* Biology for You )

* Chemistry for You ) published by Stanley Thorns

* Physics for You )

A wide variety of other texts are also used within lessons.It is recommended that students have access to a variety of reference texts at home or through the school and public libraries. For students who have access to PCs, the use of educational software e.g. "Encarta" may be of benefit.

Many revision guides are available through commercial outlets. Revision guides for Biology, Chemistry and Physics published by the Science Co-ordination Group are available from the school priced £2 each.