Handsworth Grammar School

Science

The Science Faculty's aims are to

  • stimulate interest in, and enjoyment of, Science
  • develop skills, knowledge and understanding of Science and, through support and challenge, enable each student to realise their full potential
  • deliver effectively the National Curriculum and the requirements of Post-16 Specifications
  • encourage the students to become informed and aware members of society, able to formulate and communicate their own opinions and judgements about developments in Science
  • develop students' knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues

KS3 course

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught under the umbrella of 'Science' in Years 7 and 8, following National Curriculum guidelines and the National KS3 Strategy, and are timetabled as three separate subjects from Year 9 onwards. Students have an average of over three hours per week in Science lessons and are taught in their Form groups.

KS4 courses

In Key Stage 4, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately by subject specialists for four periods per subject per fortnight (representing 20% of curriculum time).

From September 2006 all Year 10 students will follow a programme leading to the award of GCSE Science, using the AQA Science A Modular Specification. Assessment will be by means of six 30 minute module tests (worth 12.5% each) taken in March and June together with a centre assessed (practical) unit worth 25%. The centre assessed unit takes place during normal lesson time. There is no coursework component.

In Year 11, most students will follow a programme leading to the award of GCSE Additional Science, using the AQA Additional Science Specification. Assessment will be by means of three 45 minute written papers of structured questions (worth 25% each) taken in June together with a centre assessed (practical) unit worth 25%. Again, the centre assessed unit takes place during normal lesson time, there being no coursework component.

Some Year 11 students may have demonstrated that they are capable of covering the additional material required for extra examination entry leading to the award of GCSEs in separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For those students, three additional 45 minute written papers of structured questions will be sat. Extra assessment of practical work will also be required.

Full specifications for KS4 Science courses can be found on the AQA website.

Other opportunities

The Science Faculty provides a wealth of enrichment activities and students are encouraged to take a wide interest in all aspects of Science and not just the topics covered in the laboratory.

Science quizzes and competitions are entered by all age groups and we have been particularly pleased in the past with our pupils' performances in the Canadian 'Chem 13 News' and Avogadro examinations, the Science Internet Quiz, the Physics and Chemistry Olympiad Competitions and the Physics Challenge Competition.

Sixth Form students are encouraged to attend lectures at Birmingham University organised by the West Midlands Biology, Chemistry and Physics Teachers' Centres and there are regular visits to other university departments for special events.

There have been recent visits to The Royal Society, The National Space Centre, The 'Explore at Bristol' Centre, Thinktank at Millennium Point, The Tomorrow's World Road-show, nuclear and hydro-electric power stations, the Jodrell Bank Telescope and industrial sites to show the application of Science. External speakers have spoken to our pupils in School on topics ranging from Chaos Theory to Cosmic Ray detectors to Edward Jenner. There is a field course for 'A' level Biology students each year. The Faculty is also pleased to support students' attendance at, for example, 'Medlink' and 'MedSix' conferences, and on relevant work experience placements.