Science
Overview
The Science department at EGA is committed to equipping students with the skills to understand how science impacts on their daily lives. We want students to ask questions about the world they live in that can be answered using scientific knowledge and techniques. We also want them to question the science news they read or watch, with a knowledge base that will help them to make informed decisions. They are taught and supported by specialist teachers from the full range of sciences, who plan and deliver interesting and engaging lessons. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and find answers out for themselves using a wide variety of resources. We have seven well equipped science labs for practical work and access to a wide range of textbooks and other resources. All labs also have interactive whiteboards, and two labs have a number of computer workstations.
Curriculum Content
Science at Key Stage 3
Students are taught in discrete modules, based on Physics, Chemistry and Biology. See the science curriculum link above for details.
Students’ progress is regularly assessed throughout the modules by using a range of methods. Teachers use Assessment for Learning strategies to regularly check the learning of students in every lesson and encourage self and peer marking of work completed. Every two weeks students carry out mini assessments which inform the teacher on a student's understanding and progress. After feedback from the teacher , students have another chance to demonstrate this knowledge or skill. There are also longer formal assessments midway and at the end of every year. The final evaluation of student progress will be made using the information from these and previous assessments.
Study at Home for KS3
Students are given tasks to complete at home on a weekly basis. These tasks can range from completing a google form assessment, an online Educake assignment, an experimental report, or completing a worksheet, to carrying out some research or producing a model or poster. Students also have access to an online textbook through the kerboodle portal that teachers may set tasks from.
There are many websites which can assist in the completion of these tasks:
Science at Key Stage 4
At GCSE students are taught the AQA exam board specification. They can take exams in either the Combined Science Trilogy course, which will give them 2 grades or separate exams Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will give them a grade in each, so 3 in total.
GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy
This course is a ‘double award’ in GCSE science. Students explore topics in biology, chemistry and physics and sit six exams – gaining the equivalent of two GCSEs. It’s excellent preparation if you want to study science after Key Stage 4, including A levels.
GCSE Separate Sciences (Triple)
These qualifications result in students studying further aspects of biology, chemistry and physics and gaining separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will sit six slightly longer exams for this qualification.
Study at Home for KS4
Students have online access to the course textbook and teaching materials through the kerboodle portal. They should use these to do further reading and revision.
All students are also expected to complete online homeworks every week. This is completed through the Educake website, with teachers setting weekly homeworks. Teachers and parents can monitor the progress being made and design appropriate interventions to support students.
Students are given unique usernames and password to access these resources.
The following links take you to the AQA website to access past exam papers.
Combined Science - Trilogy
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Separate Sciences - Triple
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
Ways for parents to support learning
Recent Events
Yr11 visit to the Royal College of General Practitioners for workshops in general practice, medicine through the ages and entry into medicine.
Yr11 mentoring programme by Springer Nature publications.
Yr10 careers event at the Institute of Physics
Yr10 ‘Next Top Doctor’ mentoring programme with UCL.
Yr8 International Women's Day engineering careers visit to the Battersea Power Station redevelopment
Yr9 STEM Careers visit to City and Islington College.
Contact
Please contact the Head of Science, admin@egas.islington.sch.uk, if you would like more information.