Adran Wyddoniaeth

Science Department

Introduction

All pupils take GCSE and additional Science. Within this framework they are taught all three sciences by specialised teachers within the respective subject areas. Pupils can then deepen their knowledge of the subject at further education. We have had many pupils who have successfully entered further education to pursue Medicine, Veterinary Sciences and Dentistry.

In Biology the use of communication, ICT, maths, safe laboratory practice, and topical issues make the subject relevant to pupils’ lives. It also complements many other subjects, whether they are sciences or arts. It is rapidly becoming the science for this century, as our ability to manipulate DNA fundamentally changes many of the ways in which we live and work.

Science is a very ‘hands-on’ subject at Ebbw Fawr, with practical work taking place both inside and outside the laboratory.

Our core aims and objectives within the Science department at Ebbw Fawr is to help pupils:

  • Develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods;
  • Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society;
  • Acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression to further learning;
  • Social, moral and ethical values.

"The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane."

Nikola Tesla

Why study Science?

Science is an important core subject and an essential preparation for life in the 21st century. Our main aim as a department is to make Science interesting and enjoyable and to ensure that you achieve your highest possible level of attainment.

Science qualifications are held in high esteem by many employers and can lead to rewarding careers in medical and veterinary sciences, microbiology, pharmacy, engineering and education.

Science curriculum

Year 7

FORCES – Physics
How do forces make things happen?
SOLID, LIQUID, GAS STATE AND CHANGES OF STATE – Chemistry:
What are things made of?
CELLS – Biology:
What are living things and what are they made of?
SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND – Physics:
How does the Earth fit into the Universe?
SOLUTIONS – Chemistry:
How do we explain how substances behave?
ECOSYSTEMS – Biology:
How do living things live together in their environments?
SOUND, LIGHT AND VISION – Physics:
How do we see, hear and communicate?
HEREDITY AND DNA – Biology:
How do living things grow and reproduce?
SEPARATION TECHNIQUES – Chemistry:
How do we explain how substances behave?
HEATING AND COOLING – Physics:
Why do materials have different properties?
DIFFUSION – Biology:
What are living things and what are they made of?
HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM – Biology:
What are living things and what are they made of?

Year 8

ATOMS, ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS – Chemistry:
What are things made of?
BIODIVERSITY – Biology:
How do living things live together in their environments?
UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL REACTIONS – Chemistry:
How can substances be made and changed?
MOVING BY A FORCE – Physics:
How do forces make things happen?
SPECIES AND CLASSIFICATION (DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPECIES) – Biology:
Why are there similarities and differences between living things?
VARIATION (DIFFERENCES WITHIN A SPECIES) – Biology:
Why are there similarities and differences between living things?
SERIES CIRCUITS Physics:
How do electricity and magnetism work?
REPRODUCTION IN HUMANS Biology:
How do living things grow and reproduce?
FUELS AND ENERGETICS – Chemistry:
How can substances be made and changed?
MAKING IMAGES Physics:
How do we see, hear and communicate?
DIET AND EXERCISE Biology:
How do living things stay healthy?
ACIDS AND BASES – Chemistry:
How can substances be made and changed?

Year 9

BREATHING & RESPIRATION – Biology:
What are living things and what are they made of?
MAGNETS & ELECTROMAGNET – Physics:
How do electricity and magnetism work?
MATERIALS – Chemistry:
How do we explain how substances behave?
HIDDEN FORCES – Physics:
How do forces make things happen?
PLANT NUTRITION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS – Biology:
What are living things and what are they made of?
CARBON CYCLE & CLIMATE CHANGE – Chemistry:
How can we explain changes in the air, land and oceans?
WAVES – Physics & Biology:
How do we see, hear and communicate?
ADAPTATIONS, COMPETITION, NATURAL SELECTION & EVOLUTION – Biology:
Why are there similarities and differences between living things?
PATTERNS IN THE PERIODIC TABLE – Chemistry:
How do we explain how substances behave?
What are things made of?
DISEASE AND DRUGS – Biology:
How do living things stay healthy?
RESISTANCE & PARALLEL CIRCUITS – Physics:
How do electricity and magnetism work?
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS – Biology:
How do living things grow and reproduce?

Courses
Qualifications
Resources

Courses

All pupils at Key Stage 3 & 4 are taught all three sciences by specialised teachers within the respective subject areas.

GCSE Double and Triple Award Science qualifications are offered to students at Key Stage 4.

Please see the qualifications section for a list of current qualifications offered to Key Stage 4 students. 

Qualifications

We offer a suite of GCSE science qualifications to pupils based on the WJEC science syllabus. Please click below to access the specification and course materials for the respective qualifications.

Resources

The Science Department is well resourced, with six modern laboratories, all fully ICT equipped with Chromebooks, digital microscopes and the latest data logging equipment. The department has two dedicated prep rooms with its own Science Technician. 

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