What will students study in science this year?

At CHSG we follow the AQA syllabus, with most students completing the GCSE Science Trilogy programme and gaining two GCSEs Grade 9-1. A select number of students will sit the separate sciences, achieving three GCSE’s, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics each Grades 9-1. The GCSE programme is a linear course of study with all formal examinations completed at the end of Year 11.

In Year 9 Students will study:

• Biology - Cell structure and transport, cell division, organisation and digestion, organising plants and animals, photosynthesis and respiration.
• Chemistry - Atomic Structure, The periodic table; bonding and structure; quantitative chemistry; and the chemistry of the atmosphere.
• Physics - Conservation and dissipation of energy, energy transfer by heating, energy resources, electrical circuits, electricity in the home and molecules and matter.

This year builds on content covered in year 7 and 8 and introduces some new concepts to students.

In Year 10 Students will study:

• Biology - Communicable and non-communicable diseases, preventing and treating diseases, adaptations, interdependence and competition and organisms in ecosystems.
• Chemistry - Chemical changes; energy changes; and organic chemistry.
• Physics - Radioactivity, forces in action, motion, forces and motion.

This year builds on the content studied in Year 9 and prepares them for Year 11.

In Year 11 students will study:

• Biology - human nervous system and hormonal coordination, homeostasis, reproduction, variation, genetics and evolution.
• Chemistry - the rate of chemical changes; chemical analysis; and using our resources.
• Physics - Wave properties, electromagnetic waves, light, magnetism and electromagnetism.

The units in this year draw together everything students have learnt over the previous two years and helps to prepare them for their GCSE examinations.

What are the major assessments this year?

There will be formal assessments at the end of each term, testing all the content taught to that point. The exams will include a combination of multiple choice, structured longer answers and closed short answer questions to best prepare them for the external exams at the end of year 11. The final external exams are sat in the summer term of year 11 and consist of 2 separate exams; Paper 1 and Paper 2, for each of the three subjects.

What do assessments test?

The assessments will be a cumulative assessment of everything they have covered in the course up to that point.

Students will be tested on their ability to recall information, apply the information to a certain situation and analyse information given to them in the exam.

What are the expectations of my daughter in Science?

We expect our students to complete all class work to a good standard. Homework will be set regularly and we expect all students to complete homework to a good standard and on time. If your child misses a lesson they will be expected to catch up on the work that they have missed.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in Science?

Your child should speak to their teacher in the first instance, they can also discuss their concerns with the relevant Head of Subject or Director of Science. There are also numerous online resources that could be useful for your child: BBC Bitesize, Oak National Academy and, the CHSG Science YouTube Channel.

How can I best support my daughter in Science?

Encourage your child to explain and expand upon science in everyday life, ask your child to tell you what they have learnt at school each day. Setting up a space and time, where it is possible for your child to do their homework and revision, will also help them to achieve.

There are questions at the start of each lesson in the booklets. You can ask your child these questions throughout the year, this will help them when it comes to the assessments at the end of each term.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Should you require any further advice or information please find necessary contact details below

Mrs McCready, Director of Chemistry - hmccready@carshaltongirls.org.uk

Mr Elstone, Director of Physics - aelstone@carshaltongirls.org.uk

Mr Kart, Director of Biology - akart@carshaltongirls.org.uk