At Cannock Chase High School we are acutely aware of the importance of science both as an academic subject and as part of today’s society. Academically it is an important aspect of the curriculum showing both understanding of the way the world works and also the application of various skills including designing experiments, evaluating data and drawing conclusions from graphical representations. Science is also such a big part of people’s lives - the popularity of The Big Bang Theory just goes to show this. From medicine to computers, space travel to the next new phone, science is important in terms of discovery and invention.

At Cannock we take both of these into account when teaching pupils, developing scientific skills through both written and practical work. We also put an emphasis on curiosity, with pupils discovering ‘things’ for themselves and seeing why the science is important in their lives outside in the world community. In science pupils will experience practicals that they carry out for themselves, demonstrations from teaching staff, video clips of new scientific ideas and written activities incorporating scientific thinking. When they leave our department we strive for pupils to make progress, achieve their best and also to have an understanding of the importance of science for the future of humanity.

Miss Campbell-Lynch, Director of Science

Email address: s.campbell-lynch@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mr Jones, Assistant Director of Science (Phase 3)

Email address: i.jones@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs Northfield, Assistant Director of Science (Phase 2)

Email address: s.northfield@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Ms Britton, Assistant Director of Science (Phase 1)

Email address: r.britton@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mr Abura, Teacher of Science

Email address: j.abura@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs Dicksee, Teacher of Science

Email address: a.dicksee@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs Eyton-Jones, Teacher of Science

Email address: n.eyton-jones@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mrs Onion, Teacher of Science

Email address: l.onion@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mr Popov, Teacher of Science

Email address: m.popov@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

Mr Scully, Teacher of Science

Email address: n.scully@cannockchase-high.staffs.sch.uk

PHASE 1

Key Stage 3 has five main areas of study: cells, forces, particles, interdependence and energy, which thread through all the topics of this key stage. This is explicitly taught through investigation skills and develops understanding of how scientists work and how science works.

We use a variety of assessments throughout Key Stage 3 to meet the learning needs of all students. This is often in the form of exam-style questions at the end of the topic.

Year 7 focus on Living Systems, the Particulate Nature of Matter, Atoms, Elements and Compounds, Diet and Health, Genetics and Evolution.

Year 8 includes Photosynthesis, Respiration, Reproduction and Growth, Ecosystems, Acid and Alkalis, Materials and Everyday Chemistry, The Earth and Atmosphere, Energy, Waves and Space.

Pupils will explore current scientific events and appreciate the relevance of science at a global, national, local and personal level. Making science as relevant as possible will inspire pupils to develop enquiring minds and become successful learners who make progress and achieve while maintaining their curiosity. Pupils will take part in all aspects of scientific practical investigation including planning, executing, interpreting and evaluating. Science encourages pupils to think creatively and be resourceful through processing information, reasoning, questioning and evaluating, in order to solve a range of scientific problems.

PHASE 2

KS4 GCSE

The department offers a wide range of courses to suit all learners’ needs and abilities. The majority of courses in our suite follow the AQA specification which has a user-friendly website allowing students and parents to access specifications, past papers and mark schemes (www.aqa.org.uk).

The Department offers:

• AQA Core Science (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-a-4405 )
• AQA Additional Science (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/additional-science-4408 )
• AQA Further Additional Science (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/further-additional-science-4410 )

PHASE 3

Chemistry

Yr 13 students will continue the OCR A Level Chemistry course, having 20% of their grade from practical coursework and 80% examination.

Yr 12 students will start the new AQA A Level Chemistry course. They will sit the one year exams before progressing to the A level course.   Their entire grade is made up from written examination, in addition to a practical endorsement of compulsory practicals.

Biology

Yr 13 students will continue the OCR A Level Biology course, having 20% of their grade from practical coursework and 80% examination.

Yr 12 students will start the new AQA A level Chemistry course. They will sit the one year exams before progressing to the A level course.  Their entire grade is made up from written examination, in addition to a practical endorsement of compulsory experiments. 

Useful Links:

My GCSE core science videos

http://www.my-gcsescience.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience

BBC bite size GCSE

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/

Kerboodle

http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login

GCSE revision world

http://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision