A scientist is someone who gathers and uses research and evidence, someone who makes hypotheses and tests them and someone who gains and shares understanding and knowledge. All scientists are united by their relentless curiosity and systematic approach to satisfying it. At Welling School, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to become a great scientist.  

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

The department is an ever evolving collective of experienced staff with a combination of established and new and exciting resources and equipment.

Teaching aims to combine theoretical knowledge and skills so that students are well prepared for examinations, and more importantly have the practical and exploratory skills necessary for life.  We identify 5 key skills that students need to be confident in; Literacy, Maths Skills in science, How Science works, Independent Learning and Data processing.  These skills are embedded throughout our course.

For detailed information about the content of our course, please take time to visit our website and also check out the learning journey for Science

https://sites.google.com/wellingschool-tkat.org/welling-homestudy/archive/science?authuser=0

 

Key Stage 3

Students in years 7, 8 and 9 gain understanding of the basics that underpin their learning in the following key stages. They study a range of topics across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Please refer to our Learning Journey for a more comprehensive list of topics.

Assessment:

Students complete self assessment checks at the end of each topic.  Throughout the course we revisit and test the 5 key skills necessary to become a great scientist.  At the end of each term there will be a summative assessment to evaluate progress and provide data to parents.

Key Stage 4

Students in year 10 begin to learn the specific content for the GCSE examinations. We follow the AQA Combined Science specification. Students are given the option of Triple Science in Year 10 where students decide to take Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately and be awarded three GCSEs as opposed to the compulsory two awarded for combined science.

Students will study a range of concepts and will carry out required practicals throughout the course incorporated into topics. Both courses are 100% examinations.  

Assessment:

Students complete self assessment checks at the end of each topic.  Throughout the course we revisit and test the 5 key skills necessary to become a great scientist.  At the end of each term there will be a summative assessment to evaluate progress and provide data to parents.  There are 3 mock exam periods for GCSE students, these are designed to give them practice for official examinations and provide them with feedback on how to improve and identify their areas for development.

Key Stage 5

A-Level Biology and A Level Chemistry are both highly demanding but rewarding subjects with classes studying the AQA specification for Chemistry and OCR for Biology. These are stimulating and challenging courses which are highly valued by universities and involve Engaging with difficult concepts and elaborate practical investigations. Both courses are 100% examinations. Alongside their A Level grade in these courses students can be awarded a Pass or Fail for practical competency, which is recognised and desired by Universities. We aim to enable students to become inquisitive and curious learners with high levels of analytical and evaluative skills.

BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science is also an option to students. This course is a combination of coursework and external examination. This course covers all three of the disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics and then allows students to showcase their investigative skills, analytical skills and ability to evaluate. Students enjoy the course content and benefit from the ability to complete coursework throughout the years to supplement their examinations. 

There are opportunities to attend lectures by experts and access guest speakers from an array of science industries.  

Head of Department: Mrs Nkanta