Science

Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.

Stephen Hawking

 

The Science faculty is one of the largest departments in the school and is made up of 10 teachers and 2 technicians. We are fortunate that we have subject specialists in biology, chemistry and physics teaching all of the 3 science disciplines.

The department is housed in a purpose built science block with 8 laboratories, 2 of which are brand new, as well as a brand new technician’s preparatory area. Most lessons are taught in the laboratories, although science teachers have the option of using the dedicated science research room, equipped with five PC terminals and a large flat-screen TV for presentations or the dedicated PC suite. All laboratories are equipped with interactive whiteboards which are widely used. The focus of our lessons, as far as possible, is learning from practical work and then seeing how science is applied to ‘everyday life’. Many students leave Acland Burghley and pursue careers linked to Science.

Head of Faculty

Chiranjib Ray |  cray@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

 Subject Leads

KS3: Sundus Mohamoud  | smohamoud@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

KS4: Robert Stainsby |  rstainsby@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

KS5: Chiranjib Ray |  cray@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Teachers

Hiruthiga Arunagiri (Lead Practitioner) |  harunagiri@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Miran Ahmed |  mahmed@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Sally Anti- Nyamekye |  santwi@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Rebecca Green |  rgreen@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Sean McHugh |  smchugh@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Asli Ozatinc |  aozatinc@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk 

Aaron Shufflebotham |  ashufflebotham@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk  

 

 

 

 

Y8 and Y9 Science end of term showcases

Curriculum

KS3

Students entering Y7 will embark on a two-year programme of study, based on the National Curriculum, which will prepare them at the end of Y8 for early entry into the Combined Science GCSE course in Y9.

Y7

Biology: cells, the structure and function of body systems and reproduction

Chemistry: particles and their behaviour, elements, atoms and mixtures, chemical reactions and acids and alkalis

Physics: sound, light and space

Y8

Biology: health and lifestyle, ecosystems, adaptations and inheritance

Chemistry: the periodic table, separation techniques, metals and acids and the earth

Physics: electricity and magnetism, energy, motion and pressure

Y9

All Y9 students will commence the Combined Science GCSE course, which includes all three sciences, taught by two dedicated science teachers.

At the end of Y9, all students will sit three science exams which, together with end of unit and class tests, will ultimately decide whether they continue on the Combined Science GCSE pathway or move onto the Separate Sciences GCSE pathway for Y10 and Y11.

  

Suggested reading

New Scientist magazine

 

Things to see and do

Visit the British museum, Tate galleries and the Crick Institute.

Extra-curricular activities and clubs

Students are able to take part in many Science centred extra-curricular activities with some focus on examination performance.

Younger students can join a Science Club and perform innovative experiments. Students of all ages will also have the opportunity to take part in national competitions.

Each year we also host guest lectures from a range of professional scientists aimed at a range of age groups, often using specialist equipment not normally found in schools. The school celebrates Science Week each year and actively promotes Science to the wider community, including local schools, parents and friends of Acland Burghley.

KS4

Students taking the Combined Science GCSE Science pathway will study all three science subjects and will be awarded two grades (9-1) for science GCSE. 

Students who follow the Separate Science GCSE pathway will study biology, chemistry and physics as separate subjects by three subject specialists and will be awarded three grades (9-1). 

Practical work is a key focus and all students will complete designated practicals for each subject over the course of the two year programme of study. Students will be examined on their recall, understanding and application of these practicals as part of their final examination at the end of Y11.

Suggested reading

AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics revision books.

 

 

Things to see and do

Visit the British museum, Tate galleries and the Crick Institute.

Extra-curricular activities and clubs

We host guest lectures from a range of professional scientists and universities aimed at KS4, often using specialist equipment not normally found in schools. We have links with the Crick Institute and with their expertise and offer a range of exciting practical oriented lessons.

KS5

As part of the wider LaSWAP consortium, including our partner schools La Sainte Union, William Ellis and Parliament Hill, Acland Burghley is extremely pleased to be able to offer A level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In addition, we will be the only school offering the hugely popular Applied Science BTEC Level 3 course.

There are a very large number of students who follow a course in at least one of the science subjects. Students build on and extend practical skills and theory from GCSE. All students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the specification and to develop a genuine interest in science. We provide, as a small example, opportunities for students to visit working laboratories to gain a true flavour of what it is like to be a scientist; arrange visiting speakers to give talks about University choices and careers advice; and take students on trips to visit Universities.

For KS5 our faculty splits onto Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science:

• The Biology department follow the AQA specification at A level
• The Chemistry department follow the AQA specification at A level
• The Physics department follow the AQA Physics A specification at A level
• Applied Science is a BTEC Level 3 course.

Please see the LaSWAP website for more details