Science
Director: Mrs J Davis
The Science Department at Coppice Performing Arts School provides all students with opportunities to investigate the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the scientific world. At the same time as being taught the explicit content, students also develop their science discipline skills such as investigations and drawing conclusions about observational data. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their health and safety as they progress through the different year groups.
Learning Environment & Resources
Students have access to four fully equipped labs and four additional science teaching rooms. Practical work takes place in the labs which have access to gas, electricity and water supplies. The department is supported by two science technicians who provide the glassware, chemicals and other equipment required for students to participate in the practical aspects of the subject.
All students in years 7-11 are provided with knowledge books which are specific to the topic being taught at that particular time. All topics are supported by a range of teaching resources including differentiated worksheets and PowerPoints. Progress is regularly reviewed using both formative and summative assessments. All students are expected to reflect on the feedback from these assessments using specific tasks. This is to ensure that all pupils reach their potential.
There is departmental access to ICT facilities to enable simulation software to be used and to develop the research skills of students. Students have access to a range of resources through the school network which are available both during school time and for private study off site.
Science teachers are available to students if extra support or to assist with more difficult topics. Students have access to teaching staff with a range of specialities, this is to provide more specific help and intervention if required. Intervention takes place after school where students are encouraged to improve their grade potential through a programme of supported revision and targeted help with exam questions.
Science groups are set according to ability starting with a baseline assessment in year 7. Students can be moved between groups in order to support their progress further.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 ensures that we recognise and build on the learning already taken place, and allows the students to maximise their progress and learning potential. Students are challenged and encouraged to become active learners, preparing them for the demands of the GCSE and the A-Level curriculum.
Careful attention is paid to the sequence of when knowledge is taught and subject leaders work actively to review this aspect regularly so that our students are well placed to access future GCSE exams and content. There is additional targeted support available to students to close the gap between them and their peers.
All students study a broad and balanced range of subjects. The Key Stage 3 course is the first part of a 5 year curriculum, therefore topics studied at this level underpin the GCSE course
Students at Key Stage 3 have three science lessons each week. The schemes of work used throughout KS3 are based on AQA KS3 Science which is designed to provide structure and clarity to the national curriculum and help students gain knowledge of key scientific concepts and progress to KS4. A range of resources is used to support the students allowing for differentiation at both higher and foundation levels.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, there are two course options, both of which have access to a foundation and a higher tier. The option is chosen by the student. The options are either combined science (trilogy) or separate science (triple)
Both options include the same aspects, the depth to which the topics are covered, however, varies.
The biology aspect of the courses covers topics such as cells and cell transport; organisation in plants and animals; infection and response; bioenergetics; homeostasis; variation, inheritance and evolution; and ecology
The chemistry aspect of the courses covers topics such as atoms and the periodic table; structures, bonding and their properties; quantitative chemistry; chemical changes; energy changes within reaction; rates of chemical reactions; organic chemistry; chemistry of the atmosphere; analytical chemistry; and using chemical resources
The physics aspect of the courses covers topics such as energy; electricity; particle model of matter; atomic structure and radiation; forces; waves; magnetism and electromagnetism. There is an additional physics topic for the triple course comprising space physics
AQA GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy)
This course provides two GCSE grades and covers the major aspects of biology, chemistry and physics. Students are awarded two GCSE science grades.
Students are set according to ability and can move between the foundation and higher tiers based on teacher assessment. Students have 4 lessons of science in years 9 and 10. In year 11 there are 3 lessons. Lessons are staffed with subject specialists and science specific support is also available in some classes
Students are examined at the end of the course with 6 papers in total (2 for biology content, 2 for chemistry content and 2 for physics content). Exam content covers both short answer and extended response questions in addition to questions relating to their practical work. Maths skills are also examined.
AQA GCSE Separate Science (Triple)
Students on this course achieve a GCSE in biology, a GCSE in chemistry and a GCSE in physics. Students, therefore, leave with three GCSE grades in total
Students are set according to ability and can move between the foundation and higher tiers based on teacher assessment. Students have 6 lessons of science in years 9 and 10. In year 11 there are 5 lessons. The additional time is to reflect the greater depth in learning required for this course. Lessons are staffed with subject specialists and science specific support is also available in some classes
Students are examined at the end of the course with 6 papers in total (2 for biology content, 2 for chemistry content and 2 for physics content). Exam content covers both short answer and extended response questions in addition to questions relating to their practical work. Maths skills are also examined.
Post 16
Post 16 students have two lessons per week covering either afternoon or morning sessions. The following courses are available:
AQA A Level Biology
The biology aspect of the courses covers topics such as Biological molecules, Cells, Organisms exchange substances with their environment, Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms, Energy transfers in and between organisms, Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, The control of gene expression.
Students are examined at the end of the course with 3 papers Exam content covers both short and long answer questions, extended response questions, comprehension questions, structured questions including practical techniques, critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay. Maths skills are also examined.
OCR A Level Chemistry
The Chemistry aspect of the courses covers topics such as Development in practical skills in chemistry, Foundation in chemistry, Periodic table and energy, Core organic chemistry, Physical chemistry and transition elements and Organic chemistry and analysis.
Students are examined at the end of the course with 3 papers Exam content covers multiple choice questions, short answer questions, structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical and extended response questions
OCR A Level Physics
The physics aspect of the courses covers topics such as Measurements and their errors, Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials, Electricity, Further mechanics and thermal physics, Fields and their consequences, Nuclear physics and one optional unit from Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineering physics, Turning points in physics and Electronics.
Students are examined at the end of the course with 3 papers Exam content covers multiple choice questions, both short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.
All three courses are taught solely at Coppice Performing Arts School by specialist teachers. All courses cover the practical aspects of the course enabling students to further their development of science disciplinary skills. All students on these courses have access to their own copy of the recommended text book and there is supporting materials produced by the teaching staff.
Support and intervention programmes are in place to ensure students reach their potential. Again, these are staffed by subject specialists.
Extra Curricular
Extra Curricular Activity
Revision and intervention sessions are available for students in all year groups. Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to attend workshops and learning activities at the Thinktank in Birmingham. We also offer a STEM club for Key Stage 3 students, a more general science club and a climate change club. All clubs participate in organised activities which are usually themed around more practical applications of science.
