Key Stage Three

During Years 7, 8 and 9, the Science course contains topics covering the main aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics with emphasis in how the knowledge acquired applies to the world we live in.

At the same time, through scientific enquiry, students are encouraged to develop investigative skills such as planning, obtaining evidence, analysing and evaluating.

At the end of Year 9 students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to start a successful progress through their GCSE Science courses.

GCSE

During Years 10 and 11, students follow the AQA Science suite of courses.

During Year 10, all students follow the GCSE Science course, which covers modules in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also cover a module on How Science Works, which encourages students to develop their investigative skills.

At the end of Year 10, students take an examination which will award them a single GCSE.

In Year 11, students have a choice of two courses:

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  GCSE Additional Science will be suitable for students wishing to pursue an A-level course in any of the Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics). Again, students follow modules in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and How Science Works.

• GCSE Additional Applied Science will be suitable for those students who, without wishing to further their Science education into the 6th form, have an interest in the applications of Science in the work market. It follows modules on Science in the Workplace, Using Scientific Skills and Science at Work. Most of this course is assessed through coursework.

At the end of Year 11, all students will take an examination on the course they have followed and be awarded the second of the GCSEs in Science required by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in Great Britain.

A Level

Biology

Minimum requirements:  Grade C at IGCSE Science or GCSE Additional Science

This two-year course is offered at IBYS to provide a well-rounded practical and theoretical experience of biological science. It is designed to be motivating and challenging, especially for those students who plan to study biology beyond this level. This course is made up of two teaching components:

• AS in Year 12
• A2 in Year 13

The topics covered in AS biology are: cell biology; molecules and membranes; enzymes and genetic control; transport; gaseous exchange; infectious disease and immunity; and ecology.

The key topics covered in A2 biology are: energetics; regulation and control; inherited change; selection and evolution; and applications of biology.

The key aims of this subject are:

• the development of skills that will be relevant for everyday life;
• the preparation of students for studies beyond A level in the biological sciences;
• the development of students’ concern for accuracy, objectivity and integrity.

At the end of the course, students will be expected to have deepened their knowledge and understanding of the subject; improved their ability to handle information and solve problems; and also to have acquired the key experimental skills.

Chemistry

Minimum requirements:  Grade C at IGCSE Science or GCSE Additional Science.

The course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Chemistry, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations. Students will develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment and become aware of how advances in information technology and instrumentation are used in Chemistry. During the course students will sustain and develop their interest and enjoyment of Chemistry and appreciate the contributions of Chemistry to society and the responsible use of scientific knowledge and evidence.

Students choosing this subject should have an interest in Chemistry and enjoy carrying out investigation by the application of imaginative, logical and critical thinking.

Students can follow the one year AS level course, or follow a staged assessment route to A level by taking the AS qualification at the end of Year 12 and, subject to satisfactory performance, continue to take the final examinations at the end of Year 13.

Physics

Minimum requirements:  Grade C at IGCSE Science .or GCSE Additional Science. A grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics would be helpful.

The course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Physics, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations and develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment. Students will appreciate how Physics has developed and is used in present-day society and see the importance of Physics as a human endeavour that interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters.  During the course students will sustain and develop their interest and enjoyment of Physics and bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of Physics relate to each other.

Students choosing this subject should have an interest in Physics and enjoy carrying out investigation by the application of imaginative, logical and critical thinking.

Students can follow the one year AS level course, or follow a staged assessment route to A level by taking the AS qualification at the end of Year 12 and, subject to satisfactory performance, continue to take the final examinations at the end of Year 13.