Key Stage 3:
https://sites.google.com/stjosephs.uk.net/scienceschoolwebsite/key-stage-3-science
Key Stage 4:
https://sites.google.com/stjosephs.uk.net/scienceschoolwebsite/key-stage-4-science
Key Stage 5:
Applied Science:
Unit 3 Practical Exam Questions
Biology:
Why study Biology?
Biology is a subject about us and our world. In the Sixth Form it aims to explain how animals and plants live and grow, and shows how they depend on each other to survive. Biology examines how we can use the latest developments in research to improve the quality, health and understanding of our lives.
A Level Biology is a subject with content close to recent developments but more importantly relevant to our world. If you are thinking of a career in the medical field, working with animals or studying ecological matters then Biology would be essential.
You can see the detailed subject content in the A Level specifications at: aqa.org.uk/biology-guide
Practical
We will provide a list of practical activities that students must carry out. Exam questions will be based on these practicals. We will also signpost further opportunities for practicals throughout the specification.
Year 12 Study
1 Biological molecules
2 Cells
3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Year 13 Study
5 Energy transfers in and between organisms
6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7 Genetics, populations, evolution and eco- systems
8 The control of gene expression
What will this involve? Biology students are preferred to possess at least two 7 grades in GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science. If you have studied Triple Science then a 7 grade in GCSE Biology is required with at least 7 grades in GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.
A-Level Biology Bridging Course SB1
Chemistry:
Chemistry is a challenging and practical subject with clear links to real life jobs, including medicine, veterinary science, engineering, forensic science, laboratory work and many more.
Chemistry is an excellent subject for developing the transferable skills that can be applied to further study in other subjects. What will this involve? The course builds on many of the concepts studied at GCSE.
Students will study inorganic, physical and organic chemistry and chemical calculations in greater depth. Students will also carry out a series of 12 compulsory practicals to lead to a practical skills endorsement. Students will have the opportunity to carry out some of these practicals in a University environment.
Course Content
Practical Students will undertake 12 practical activities. Exam questions will be based on these practicals. There will also be further opportunities for practical skill development throughout the 2 year course.
The specification is taught as the traditional three branches of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.
Year 12 study will include:
Physical Chemistry – Including atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle.
Inorganic Chemistry – Including periodicity, Group 2 the alkaline earth metals, Group 7(17) the halogens.
Organic Chemistry – Including introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.
Year 13 study will include:
Physical Chemistry – Including thermodynamics, rate equations, equilibrium constant (Kc) for homogeneous systems, electrode potentials and electrochemical cells.
Inorganic Chemistry – Including properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides, transition metals, reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
Organic Chemistry – Including optical isomerism, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and derivatives, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, amino acids, proteins and DNA, organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, chromatography.
We have great links with Newcastle and Sunderland Universities. Our students have attended revision seminars in the University prior to their exams to support their learning. In the Summer term we have a ‘student experience day’ where Chemistry students experience the life of an undergraduate. This includes completing a first year undergraduate practical in the teaching laboratories.
AQA A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY CHEATSHEET
A level Chemistry learning journey
Physics:
Why Study The Course:
In our ever changing scientific world, A Level Physics provides a course that develops knowledge and skills in the leading edge theories that are shaping our everyday lives and the future.
A Level Physics
Course Outline:
The A Level follows the AQA examination specification(7408).
In Year 12, four modules are studied which provide a broad coverage of the laws of physics. Students will build upon their GCSE knowledge and develop skills to solve problems on topics ranging from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe.
The four modules are: Particles and Radiation, Wave and Optics, Mechanics and Materials Electricity.
In Year 13, a further four modules will be studied. Thermal Physics, Fields, Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics.
There are 3 written examinations in Year 13:
Paper 1 – 2 hours:
85 marks, 34% of A Level total
This paper has 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 marks on multiple choice.
Paper 2 – 2 hours:(This has the same format as paper 1 but has different topic areas).
85 marks, 34% of A Level total
This paper has 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 marks on multiple choice.
Paper 3 – 2 hours:
(This paper focuses on the practical skills and data analysis required in the A Level course). It also has a section on the option topic that is chosen by the school – Astro physics.
80 marks, 32% of A Level total
This paper has 45 marks on practical experiments and data analysis and 35 marks on the option topic.
A level physics learning journey v 2022