Science means ‘knowledge’, and through scientific enquiry and practical investigation, we equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively question the workings of the universe in which we live. Sharing our passion for science across a range of disciplines we encourage students to deepen their scientific understanding and make sense of Mother Nature’s mysteries. This is achieved through the use of conceptual models and the application of scientific processes. These scientific processes include hypothesis, planning, research, observation, questioning, development of theory, analysis and evaluation. We aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists and engineers on the next step of their journey.
Ethos
Excitement and engagement driven by curiosity are supported by the school's 6Cs.
We expect students to:
- Collaborate in order to undertake practical investigation and research
- Cooperate in order to grapple with and solve complex problems
- Challenge themselves in order to deepen and broaden their scientific understanding
- Create in order to develop plans, methods, models and hypotheses
- Critically Think about problems and concepts in order to reveal solutions and expand their knowledge base
- Coach their peers in order to share their own understanding and develop the understanding of others
Underpinning all understanding with practical investigations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics so that students have the opportunity to make their own discoveries and draw their own conclusions.
Key Stage 3
Excitement and engagement to promote awe and wonder are the focus of our KS3 science curriculum. We want students to develop their love of science which they bring from KS2 and home and become the best scientists that they can be. Our curriculum is based on practical investigations, in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and ‘finding things out for yourself. Through this practical approach, we hope to encourage and nurture the next generation of Doctors, Nurses, Vets, Nuclear Scientists, Rocket Scientists, Brain Surgeons, Ecologists and Palaeontologists, on the next step of their scientific journey. Alternatively, we will strive for all students to have a better appreciation, and understanding, of the world around them. As more rounded and informed citizens, we would expect students to use their understanding of science to make more informed judgements and to form robust opinions on the world that they live in.
Subject Information
Year 7 Science (PDF)
Year 8 Science (PDF)
Year 9 Science (PDF)
Key Stage 4
Based on the national curriculum for science we strive for our KS4 science students to develop deeper thinking and to ask more and more questions of the world around them. Building on the breadth of knowledge from KS3 we focus in-depth on key topics in order to maximise success for students.
Building on the practical skills from KS3 students will continue to hone these through a range of ‘required practicals’. Focusing on recording, researching, concluding, analysing and evaluating students will build a repertoire of approaches to first-hand experience and investigation in order to experience the world around them. We will also coach students to de-compartmentalise subjects highlighting the links between science, History, Art, Maths, Design and Technology and English will help students to create the wider cognitive links needed to be successful at GCSE and beyond.
Subject Information
Year 10 Science (PDF)
Year 10 Triple Science (PDF)
Year 11 Science (PDF)
Year 11 Triple Science (PDF)
KS4 Health and Social Care BTEC LEVEL 2 (PDF)
Key Stage 5
Whether students have a track record of excellence or simply want to carry a passion for science into the next chapter of their education we have a pathway for all.
- A-Level Biology
- A-Level Chemistry
- A-Level Physics
- Applied Human Biology BTEC Level 3
- Health and Social Care BTEC Level 3
We keep our KS5 rooted in experiencing the real world whether it be a trip to CERN to see the Large Hadron Collider, a beach in Wales to carry out sampling, talking to patients about their experiences of the national health, or maybe using facilities at Oxford University to test chemical purity or extract DNA, we aim to enrich students’ knowledge and experience. We require students to build on all the practical skills and techniques acquired throughout their previous studies. The A-Levels are now heavily built around the concept of ‘Common Practical Assessment Criteria’ and gaining endorsement for this is a key feature of the course.
We promote the study of Science post-A-Level and coach and support students in order for them to be as successful as possible in securing a footing on the next step of their scientific journey. We nurture the skills needed by our students for University and their careers beyond.
Subject Information
Year 12 Biology (PDF)
Year 13 Biology (PDF)
Year 12 Chemistry (PDF)
Year 13 Chemistry (PDF)
Year 12 Physics (PDF)
Year 13 Physics (PDF)
Year 12 Applied Human Biology (PDF)
Year 13 Applied Human Biology (PDF)
Year 12 and 13 Health and Social Care BTEC LEVEL 3 (PDF)
Facility/Equipment
Students at The Cottesloe School benefit from access to eight fully equipped science laboratories. The Science department also has its own ICT facilities. We also have a large central prep room which is staffed by a team of technicians.
Exams/Qualifications:
Key Stage 4
Triple Science GCSE - The students will take six 1-hour and 15-minute papers with each being 16.7% of the final grade. There will be two papers from each discipline (2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics).
Triple Science GCSE
Students will complete two 1 hour and 45-minute exams for each subject (six exams in total).
Skills developed (higher education or career prospects)
Science will help all students develop in the following areas:
Practical Skills:
- Develop observational skills.
- Develops manual dexterity through experimental work.
- Develops coordination and concentration.
Study Skills:
- Develops analytical skills in dealing with raw and processed data.
- Develops writing styles and vocabulary through scientific reporting and projects.
- Promotes awareness of the environment and the world around us
These skills are, of course, transferable to other disciplines beyond the ‘umbrella’ of science. Double Science GCSE and the separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs are well recognised by employers and will help students to progress into a number of careers or courses related to science (vet, doctor, nurse, chemist, childcare, forensics) or in other areas.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Trips:
The Science Department offers a range of trips and activities to students these usually include:
- CERN Trip
- Field Studies Trips
- University visits
- Science competitions
- Seminars and Conferences
We also have several well-established science clubs/interventions which are well-attended.
