Science
The science department is rightly proud of its successful record of accomplishment. Staffed by graduates from all scientific disciplines, the science department aspires to enthuse students by using practical experience, investigation and communication. We aim to help learners to appreciate and understand the physical, chemical, biological and geological processes and principles that embody the universe and recognise the impact we all have on the small blue planet we inhabit.
The science department is the biggest department in the school with 17 specialist teachers and 2 laboratory technicians based in 13 science laboratories, 1 of which has full ICT facilities.
A new £2.4m dedicated science block of 6 large fully equipped and serviced laboratories began service September 2022 and has hugely enhanced our existing facilities as well as replacing a smaller number of our older existing laboratories.
At KS3 & KS4 students work in class sets that reflect ability and learning needs.
A wide range of teaching and learning styles are used to ensure that students of all abilities enjoy and achieve in science.
Teaching staff
- Mr Frazer Smith: Head of Department science@jkhs.org.uk
- Mrs Rosamund Ruhback: Assistant Head of Department
- Mr Steven Mavrimichalis: Head of Biology
- Mr Scott Pinner: Head of Chemistry
- Mr David Bosticco: Head of Physics
- Mr James Bolt: Physics
- Mr Joe Dennis: Chemistry
- Mr Joe Deuchar: KS3 Science
- Mrs Eileen Griffiths: Biology/Chemistry
- Mrs Ruth Hall: Biology
- Mr William Morris: Chemistry
- Ms Caitlin Redding: Chemistry
- Dr Alison Seymour: Biology/Chemistry
- Mr Christopher Toomer: Phyiscs
- Mrs Catherine Wacey: Physics
- Mrs Joanna Walker: Biology/Chemistry
- Mr David Green: A Level Geology
Support Staff
- Mrs Michelle Bloxham - Senior Laboratory Technician
- Ms Nicola Hughes - Laboratory Technician
Key Stage 3 science
Throughout Years 7-9 all students are introduced to a stimulating variety of biology, chemistry and physics topics in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Our aim is to encourage students to understand the world around them, enjoy practical science and develop investigative skills. This programme of study provides excellent preparation for GCSE.
Every student receives seven lessons per timetable cycle in years 7 & 8. This rises to 9 lessons in year 9 and the introduction of the specialist disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The curriculum is cyclic and develops over the course of KS3. Topics are revisited over the three years gradually increasing the depth of understanding of the concepts taught.
All students are assessed using written tests at regular intervals during the course. Topics will be taught to individual groups in rotations due to availability of resources.
Year 7 topics
- Biology: Cells, Body Systems, Reproduction, Investigative Skills
- Chemistry: Acids and Alkalis, Particles, Reactions, Elements
- Physics: Forces, Light, Sound, Space
Year 7 Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum
Year 8 topics
- Biology: Health and Lifestyles, Adaptation and Inheritance, Ecosystem Processes
- Chemistry: Separation Techniques, Introduction to the Periodic Table, The Earth
- Physics: Electricity 1, Magnetism 1, Motion and Pressure
Year 8 Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum
Year 9 topics
- Biology: Cells and Biological Organisation, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Biological Interdependence
- Chemistry: The Periodic Table and Electronic Structure, The Atom, Reactivity of Metals, Reactions of Acids, the Atmosphere and Analysis of Gases
- Physics: Forces and Motion, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism 2, Waves, Matter
Year 9 Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum
Key Stage 4 science
During Years 10 and 11 all students study AQA Combined Science Trilogy (8464). The course provides a broad, interesting and relevant grounding in all three science disciplines and is a good preparation for students who wish to study sciences at higher levels in the future.
Internal assessments take place at regular intervals during Years 10 and 11 with the final external examinations taking place in the summer of Year 11. The final examinations consist of six papers (two for each subject – Biology, Chemistry and Physics) lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes per paper.
The final award given is a double award (worth 2 GCSEs) graded using the new 1-9 grading system.
- Biology Paper 1: Topics 1-4: Cell Biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics.
- Chemistry Paper 1: Topics 8-12: Atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure and properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical change, and energy changes.
- Physics Paper 1: Topics 18-21: Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure.
- Biology Paper 2: Topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, ecology.
- Chemistry Paper 2: Topics 13-17: Rates of change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, using resources.
- Physics Paper 2: Topics 22-24: Forces, waves, magnetism, electromagnetism.
The full GCSE specification can be found via AQA | Science | GCSE | Combined Science: Trilogy