Science

Welcome to the Science Department

We are proud of the opportunities that our students have to develop their knowledge and interests in science across an extremely wide range of scientific disciplines and extra-curricular activities on offer.

The Science Department is passionate about providing the highest quality of learning experiences for our students. We currently have fourteen science specialist teachers and a team of three experienced technicians to facilitate this.

 The Curriculum

Each lesson is 50 minutes long and all Year 7 and 8 classes have four periods of science per week. Students follow a carefully designed curriculum that lays the foundations for their GCSE studies. Key Stage 3 science is focused around a balanced practical scheme of work where students develop their subject knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics.

All students in Years 9, 10 and 11 follow the new AQA GCSE science specifications in biology, chemistry and physics providing a broad, balanced science education.  These tell a coherent and logical story through science, with exciting and relevant topics such as cloning, earth’s resources and nanoparticles. 

In Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils have five periods to study biology, chemistry and physics per week in accordance with our curriculum planner. Students complete internal cumulative assessment termly in Year 9, 10 and external exam in Year 11. Our students are entered for appropriate examinations that will guarantee entry into the separate science qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics and GCSE combined leading to a double award of two GCSE grades in science.  A good performance in combined science is adequate preparation for further study of science at A Level.

In the Sixth Form, the Science Department offers biology, chemistry, physics and BTEC level 3.

 The Science Co-Curriculum

The Science Department offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for our students to develop their passion and interests in science. This begins in KS3 with Science Club, where students attend lunchtime every Thursday for an extra helping of practical science, workshops and other events. Students in Key Stage 4 have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events, these include; The CERN, Kew gardens, The Royal Observatory, Ecological centre, STEM events, workshops and events. All students have the opportunity to speak with our guests, and Year 12 and 13 have a range of educational events such as Spectroscopy in a suit case, attend key note talks and sessions relating to careers.

Please see the Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 subject links for more details in science Villiers High School.

We hope you take full advantage of the unique opportunities the Science department offers you.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students are taught a compilation of all three scientific disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The fundamentals of these three topics are covered to allow students to use science to solve problems encountered in daily life. The content that students cover will allow them to deepen their understanding of the world around them and the way they interact with it. Students are taught to develop the following skills:

-          How to develop and test a hypothesis for a scientific investigation.

-          Planning and executing simple methods.

-          Evaluating and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data.

-          Applying scientific knowledge to unknown practical investigations.

-          Using specialist scientific equipment that is used in research.

-          Required Assessed practical linked to GCSE for biology, physics and                     

-          Chemistry                     

We also have the option for students to take a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. This is equivalent to 3 GCE A-Levels.

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Experimental skills weeks are embedded into our curriculum here at Villiers to ensure students get the opportunity to experience a range of practical work before GCSE examination years. Students will also get the opportunity to complete projects on stopping Malaria and discovering a new planet.

Assessment

Students are assessed at the end of every topic and an average of these grades will be sent home to parents in line with the school assessment weeks.

Trips

Students get the opportunity to experience a range of science trips at KS3 level. Previous trips include:

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• Salters Festival of Chemistry

• Big Bang Fair

• Visits to the Science Museum

Science Reading List

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview

A Level Physics Information

A Level Chemistry Information

A Level Biology Information

Level 3 BTEC Information