Why is Science Important?

We cannot live without science. It helps us to learn about the world today. It:

• entertains us with satellite television
• feeds us by improving what we eat
• keeps us healthy by helping us to design new medicines

Why is Science Fun? 

One of the best things about science is the practical work you get to do. You will be able to use apparatus you have never used before and will have a chance to plan your own experiments. There will also be opportunities to use the laptop computers to research on the Internet and use CD-ROMs. You can even prepare presentations on topics you are interested in. 

What do we do at Holmer Green Senior School? 

We learn about many different aspects of science. In Years 7, 8 and 9 we cover topics such as Space, Chemical Reactions and The Living Body. In Years 10 and 11 we do GCSEs in science and if you really enjoy the subject you can do AS/A levels in biology, chemistry and physics.

We have had some great trips out including visits to Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum.

We also have Science and Environment Club after school for Key Stage 3. In this club we do experiments such as 'Making Gloop' and work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

In addition to this we now have 'The School Hovercraft' which people can actually ride!

Can you find out what these Scientists are famous for?

1. Issac Newton (1642-1727)
2. Marie Curie (1867-1934)
3. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) 

Key stage 3 

Year 7

Students study a range of biology, chemistry and physics topics over the course of the year, although not necessarily in the same order. These build on concepts introduced in Key Stage 2. New concepts, ideas and scientific enquiry skills are introduced throughout the Key Stage 3 scheme of work. 

Topics studied:

Cells 

• cells as the basic units of life, organised into tissues from which organs are made 
• cell structure and differences between plant and animal cells 
• some functions of cells 

Environment and Feeding Relationships

• habitats and how plants and animals are adapted to live in a particular habitat 
• how plants and animals interact with their environment and with each other, including feeding relationships and adaptations for feeding 
• how to link food chains to make webs 

Variation and Classification

• variation within and between species 
• scientific classification of animals 
• patterns of variation in living things and ways of representing and explaining variations 

Acids and Alkalis

• acids and alkalis as classes of chemicals with distinct properties and uses 
• indicators to classify solutions as acidic, alkaline or neutral 
• the pH scale to compare the acidity and alkalinity of different solutions 
• neutralisation 

Simple Chemical Reactions

• chemical change results in new substances, different from the ones from which they were made 
• simple chemical reactions in which gases are made 
• word equations 

Solids, Liquids and Gases

• how the particle model can be used to explain differences between solids, liquids and gases 
• how experimental evidence relates to theories and models 

Solutions

• dissolving and the separation of the components of a solution 
• 'pure' substances and mixtures 
• applying the particle model of solids, liquids and gases in a range of contexts 

Energy Resources

• fuels: including the nature and origin of fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy and how their use has implications for the environment 
• energy resources for living things: food for people and sunlight for plants 
• the role of the Sun as the ultimate source of most of the Earth's energy resource 

Electrical Circuits 

• electric current and energy transfer
• patterns in the measurements of current and voltage 
• resistance and current
• hazards of electricity for humans 

Forces and their Effects

• friction, air resistance, upthrust and weight
• the distinction between mass and weight 
• speed and changes in motion
• balanced and unbalanced forces

The Solar System and Beyond

• phases of the moon, eclipses and the seasons 
• planets and satellites 
• the Sun and other stars
  

Year 8

Science at Holmer Green Senior School is taught as a modular system. Consequently, students will experience many aspects of science over the year, although not necessarily in the same order as other science classes in the year. ‘Exploring Science’ text books are available for use in class.

In Year 8 we are building on work done in Year 7 and preparing students for their end of Key Stage 3 assessment in Year 9. This work lays the foundations for GCSE science. 

Our modules for Year 8 are:

Populations 

• Adaptation, competition and population growth

Elements and Compounds

• The Periodic Table
• Classifying Elements
• Metals and Non metals
• Formulae and Equations

Diet, Drugs and Disease

• Digestion and the Digestive System
• Immunity and Microbes
• Drugs and STDs

Staying Alive

• Breathing
• Respiration
• Smoking
• Alcohol Abuse

Light and Sound

• Reflection and Refraction of Light
• Colour
• Sound Waves
• Hearing

Plants

• Photosynthesis
• Structure of Leaves
• Requirements for Plant Growth
• Water Movement in Plants
• Fertilisers and Selective Breeding

Rocks

• Weathering and Erosion
• Igneous Rocks
• Sedimentary Rocks
• Metamorphic Rocks
• The Rock Cycle

Magnetism 

• Magnetic Fields
• Electromagnets
• Application of Magnets and Electromagnets

Heat, Temperature and Energy

• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
• Applications of Heat Transfers
• Energy Resources and Sustainability

Electrical Circuits

• Current
• Series and Parallel Circuits
• Voltage
• Fuses
• Electrical Shocks

Year 9 

Initially students in Year 9 will be working towards the end of Key Stage 3 assessment at the start of the Spring Term.

The modules for this period revise and consolidate work done in Years 7 and 8 to ensure a good foundation for GCSE study.

These modules are:

Matter and Elements 

• states of matter
• particle theory
• pressure of gases
• change of state
• dissolving
• saturated solutions
• The periodic table
• theories of burning
• formation of compounds
• separating mixtures
• uses of selected elements,
• compounds and mixtures.

Pollution and Variation

• acid rain
• food chains
• nutrient cycles
• poisonous algae
• other effects of humans on the environment
• Variation in the population
• genes and chromosomes
• classification
• artificial selection. 

Light, Sound and Forces

• reflection and refraction
• colour
• sound and hearing
• Speed
•  unbalanced forces
• stopping distances
• moments
• levers
• pressure
• gravity
• rockets and satellites
• the solar system. 

Energy, Electricity and Magnetism 

• energy changes and conservation of energy
• energy sources
• thermal energy and temperature
• conduction convection and radiation
• Current and voltage in series and parallel circuits
• magnetic fields
• using electromagnets.

During the spring term, following the end of Key Stage assessment, most students will then begin their GCSE course.

The modules studied are part of AQA Core Science:

Cla Products from Rocks

Bla Human biology

Most students will be entered for module examinations in June. These 2 modules contribute 25% of the Core Science GCSE.

Key stage 4

Year 10 

For Year 10 the name of the course is AQA GCSE Science A (4461). Each term students will take two module tests which will contribute a total of 75% of the grade on which their GCSE grade will be based. It is vital that students attend these tests and revise for them thoroughly. 

Revision Guides are available from the Science Department:

Title GCSE AQA Core Science

Publisher CGP

ISBN 1 841467030

Year 11 

The name of the course is AQA GCSE Additional Science (4463).

This course, combined with the Year 10 course, replaces the old GCSE Double Award Modular Science, and gives exactly the same opportunity for progression into sixth form or careers at the end of Year 11. 

Students sit three tests (in physics, chemistry and biology), each lasting 45 minutes during the Summer exam period. The tests contribute 75% of the mark. The remaining 25% replaces the old course element and is now called the Science Centre-Assessed Unit. This unit comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment and a Practical Skills Assessment. Further details are available on the AQA website www.aqa.org.uk.

Revision Guides are available from the Science Department:

Title GCSE AQA Additional Science

Publisher CGP

ISBN 1 841467340 (Higher) 978 1 841467313 (Foundation) 

BTEC - APPLIED SCIENCE

A number of students in Year 10 and Year 11 will now be offered the opportunity to sit the BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science. This qualification is equivalent to two GCSEs and assessment is 100% coursework.

Key stage 5 

Information to be available soon. 

Please contact the school on 01494 712219 if you require information.