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Aims

 

We strive to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences in Science, allowing all students to be involved in active learning, experimentation, the development of analytical thinking skills and problem solving, in particular those involved in the practice and reporting of investigations. We focus on improving our students’ scientific literacy so that they can explore their curiosity, think critically, and question the world around them. Our ten laboratories are fully equipped with modern apparatus and facilities to support each lesson. 

Years 7 - 8

The department has excellent links with all of its primary partner schools with many Year 6 students visiting and having practical learning opportunities within our department. At KS3 students initially complete a transition unit that starts in Year 6, before following the AQA Activate scheme of work, which focuses on building the skills needed to develop scientific curiosity. Each unit within the course involves a variety of different learning activities and students’ progress is regularly monitored through regular homework tasks and in-class assessments.

Years 9 - 11

In Years 9, 10 and 11 students follow a course selected from the suite of AQA GCSE Science courses leading to either two or three GCSEs in Science. Year 9 starts with a transition unit that includes the Maths for Science skills they will need to make progress throughout their GCSE Science studies. Assessment is currently based on a mix of extended writing progress tasks and examinations, which are undertaken at the end of Year 11. Every students’ progress is tracked carefully to ensure that each child is entered for the course most suitable for them. Throughout each course, students are supported with regular revision sessions and study groups from the start of the year onwards

Sixth Form

We currently offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics at AS and A2 level. These subjects are assessed by exams taken at the end of one or two years and students are supported throughout with homework, independent learning tasks, end of topic assessments and a number of after school revision sessions.

We also offer an OCR Cambridge Technical qualification in Applied Science which allows students to further explore all three areas of science and is assessed through coursework and examinations.

Additional Information

All students are expected to come prepared for lessons with the essential equipment as listed in the student planner. A scientific calculator is highly recommended for GCSE and post-16 students.

Throughout their education at Sir Harry Smith Community College, we aim to offer our students a variety of different learning opportunities and field trips as well as inviting stimulating visitors into school to inspire them.

  • Science week challenges and competitions
  • Visits to the Babraham Institute
  • Perkins Engines STEM visit
  • In school visits and activities with the Engineering Development Trust
  • Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Challenge
  • Students participating in the Empowered Females in STEM programme
  • Arkwright scholarship opportunities
  • Small Piece Trust residential

A weekly STEM club is also offered to students. Through our STEM programme a number of students have been successful in completing the nationally recognised British Science Association Bronze CREST Award.