Science
Head of Department: Ms H. Clarke
At St Aloysius’ College the Science Department strives to embed excellence, collaboration, motivation and engagement in students and fellow staff. Every child is entitled to a good education and the Science Department are committed in ensuring all pupils make greater than expected progress across all Key Stages, by developing scientific enquiry, numeracy and literacy through practical activity and outstanding teaching; ‘Learning is our priority’.
Science features prolifically in our everyday lives. The electricity, transport, computers and clean drinking water we use every day are all a result of scientific study and development. Science has changed our lives; it allows us to understand and enhance the world around us. Through the study of biology, chemistry and physics we aim to instil a fundamental knowledge and fascination of how the universe works in each and every one of our students.
All students in years 7 – 11 have multiple science lessons each week. From Year 9 students are taught in sets, initially based upon their progress and attainment in Year 7 and 8. These sets are reviewed regularly to ensure students are being taught and assessed in an appropriate level at GCSE. Ability sets enable teachers to design lessons and tasks that are appropriate in challenging and supporting all students to achieve the best academic qualifications.
The Science Department facilitates trips and internal activities across all year groups to enhance scientific learning. This has recently included trips to the Royal Greenwich Observatory, Stargazing at Navigator Square, Youth Summit at City Hall, and carrying out experiments in Hyde Park. We have also hosted specialist lectures and educational activities in school, such as a Space Lecture, ZooLab UK, and building shelters with STIXX.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 will be introduced to our Science Laboratories and taught how to use equipment and conduct experiments safely. Topics covered during year 7 are; Working Scientifically (Investigation Skills for Science), Matter (Particle Model and Separating Mixtures), Organisms (Movement and Cells), Genes (Variation and Human Reproduction), Forces (Speed and Gravity), Energy (Energy Costs and Transfer), Ecosystems (Interdependence and Plant Reproduction), Waves (Sound and Light), Electromagnets (Voltage, Resistance and Current), and Reactions (Acids and Alkalis, Metals and Non-Metals).
Year 8 will study; Organisms (Breathing and Digestion), Ecosystems (Respiration and Photosynthesis), Energy (Work & Heating and Cooing), Forces (Contact Forces and Pressure), Matter (Periodic Table and Elements), Earth (Climate and Earth Resources), Genes (Evolution and Inheritance), Reactions (Chemical Energy and Types of Reaction), Waves (Wave Effects and Wave Properties), and Electromagnets (Magnetism and Electromagnetism)
For a more detailed breakdown of the topics covered in year 7 and year 8 please see the relevant year group's curriculum handbook which can be found in the student area of our website.
Key Stage 4
Every student at St Aloysius’ College will undertake two or three science GCSEs following the AQA exam board. Students throughout all year groups will undertake practical experiments to enhance their learning.
In year 9 students will begin studying their GCSE course. Students will be taught in ability sets based on their attainment and progress throughout Year 8. These sets will be reviewed at various points throughout the year to ensure that each student is being taught at the best level to challenge, support and enable him to maximise his potential. Topics Year 9 students will cover include; Cells, Energy, Chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere, Transport, Particle model of matter, Using resources, Health and disease, Electricity, Atomic structure and Periodic table, Homeostasis and control, and Bonding structure and the properties of matter.
By year 10, students will follow one of two learning pathways; Separate Science (3 GCSEs) or Combined Science (2 GCSEs). All year 10 students will study; Digestive system & Enzymes, Atomic structure, Chemical changes, Lungs, heart, blood and Respiration, Forces, Energy changes, Photosynthesis, Electromagnetism, Quantitative chemistry, Interdependence, and Biodiversity.
In year 11 students will cover; Photosynthesis and plant disease, Static electricity & Particle model of matter, Energy changes, Evolution, Quantitative chemistry & Chemical changes, Ecological relationships, Waves, The rate and extent of chemical changes & Using resources, Biodiversity and human interaction, Chemical analysis, and Organic chemistry.
For a more detailed explanation of the GCSE course and assessments please click here
For a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum please see the Curriculum Overview and more details can also be found in the Curriculum Booklet.