The Science department is bursting with specialists in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. In addition to delivering KS3, GCSE, and A level courses we offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Mr Inkson has been guiding an enthusiastic KS4 Science club through an ambitious set of investigations. Ms Jones and Mr Inkson will be running Astronomy GSCE for the first time at Samuel Ward this year and we look forward to hearing about observations of the night sky from their pioneering class.
Our KS3 Science clubs are a popular choice for enrichment, providing the students with a huge range of hand-on opportunities to carry out scientific investigations. Ms Jones coordinates a wide range of STEM activities including Crest award, engineering challenge days, a science competitions. Trips include Cambridge University Physics at Work Exhibition, CERN, and the Big Bang Fair.
Science
KS3
At KS3 students are offered a fantastic Science course that covers everything from the inners workings of the human body to the mindboggling expanse of space. Along with the engaging content, students get plenty of hands-on experience in the laboratory, providing them with the opportunity to sharpen up on their dissections and carry out their own investigations. Over the course of the two years, we aim to develop a range of different enquiry and practical skills that will give our scientists all the tools needed for them to develop in KS4 and beyond.
Physics
KS4
For GCSE the students follow the AQA GSCE Science courses. Those taking combined (‘double’) Science will be studying the AQA Trilogy 8464 specification, whilst those taking separate (‘triple’) Sciences will follow the AQA Physics 8463 specification.
KS5
A level Physics is a gateway to a wealth of opportunities both in Science and in other careers where the ability to apply logical thinking to problem solving is a crucial skill.
At Samuel Ward we deliver the AQA Physics A 7408/3. The course covers topics on measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics, materials, electricity, further mechanics, thermal physics, fields, nuclear physics, and astrophysics.
Chemistry
KS4
For GCSE the students follow the AQA GSCE Science courses. Those taking combined (‘double’) Science will be studying the AQA Trilogy 8464 specification, whilst those taking separate (‘triple’) Science with follow the AQA Chemistry 8462 specification.
KS5
A level Chemistry provides routes into many different career opportunities, particularly but not exclusively in STEM. It builds a lot on GCSE knowledge and further develops their understanding of how the world works.
At Samuel Ward we deliver the AQA Chemistry 7404/5 specification. A level Chemistry is divided into the three main sub topics: Physical, Organic and Inorganic. Physical Chemistry covers equilibrium, bonding and kinetics. Organic is the study of carbon chemistry looking at reactions of alcohols, acids and halogenoalkanes. Whilst inorganic covers trends in the periodic table, group 2 metals and ion testing. There are many opportunities to develop existing and new practical skills.
Biology
KS4
For GCSE the students follow the AQA GSCE Science courses. Those taking combined (‘double’) Science will be studying the AQA Trilogy 8464 specification, whilst those taking separate (‘triple’) Science with follow the AQA Biology 8461 specification.
KS5
This is the start of your journey seeing the world in a new way! “Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.” Over the next two years we will cover a wide ranging, up to date course, which builds a strong foundation for those entering university to study any biological science but also as a support for other science based courses.
At Samuel Ward we deliver the OCR Biology A H420. The course covers topics on cell structure, gas exchange and transport in organisms, evolution, disease, genetic, conservation and practical skills in biology.
KS5 BTEC Science
The Applied Science BTEC course prepares you for a successful career in scientific industries by exposing you to a wide variety of skills and techniques across all three sciences. Research and practical skills are put to the forefront, though there is plenty of scientific content to learn. A more modular approach and less focus on terminal exams makes it especially useful for pupils who find that exams don't show their full potential.
Astronomy
Astronomy is an additional GCSE taken to stretch and challenge pupils and interested adults. Taking place in the evenings, pupils follow the Edexcel Astronomy 1AS0 specification, where they learn about the solar system, stars, galaxies and black holes, and even about the origins of the universe itself. We use our own telescopes and borrow viewing time on larger professional telescopes to view planets, nebulae and galaxies to help understand the material learnt about in the classroom.
Curriculum Maps
Biology
| Year | Key Stage | Curriculum Map |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | KS5 | Download |
| 13 | KS5 | Download |
Chemistry
| Year | Key Stage | Curriculum Map |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | KS5 | Download |
| 13 | KS5 | Download |
Physics
| Year | Key Stage | Curriculum Map |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | KS5 | Download |
| 13 | KS5 | Download |
Department Staff
| Mr J Allen | Science Instructor & Higher Level Teaching Assistant |
| Miss N Bailey | Head of Science |
| Mr J Cohen | DT Technician |
| Dr K Geall | Head of School & teacher of Science |
| Miss V Hayes | Science Instructor & Learning Support Assistant |
| Mr A Heinrich | Teacher of Science |
| Mr G Hollyhead | Science Technician |
| Mr M Inkson | Teacher of Physics |
| Mrs E Lawrence | Lead Science Technician |
| Dr D Miller | Teacher of Science |
| Miss T Mountford | Teacher of Science & Head of Year 8 |
| Dr Z Palmer | Teacher of Science |
| Mr C Stiff | Teacher of Science |
| Mr J Tooke | Science Teacher |
| Mr J Wilkie | Science Technician |