Science enables us to understand the world around us. Pupils will learn about cells, elements and compounds, waves, acids, electrical circuits and some more local scientific examples such as the Sully Dinosaur. Year 7 will even have the opportunity to consider survival on a desert island as they apply their knowledge to solve problems.
Department:
Miss C Walters - Head of Science Department and Chemistry
Mr D Davies - Head of Physics
Mrs L Downey
Miss L Elena
Mr J Evans
Mrs A Jones
Mr O Jones
Miss C Ormerod - Head of Biology
To contact a member of staff please email post@bromorgannwg.org.uk
Twitter: @gwyddygbm
Extra Activities:
- Science Club
- STEM Club
- DNA workshop
- Science in Health live
- Life Sciences Challenge
- Engineering Team Challenge
- Top of the Bench - Royal Society of Chemistry
- Faraday Challenge
‘My study of A Level Biology has enabled me to expand upon my understanding and passion for the human body, biological processes and more.’
Twm Aled
KS4 (Year 10-11)
Pupils are placed in Sets by the Department, based on performance and ability. Three different courses are offered to GCSE pupils, and each set will follow a Science course that is most well suited to the class.
|
Science course |
Number of GCSEs gained at the end of Year 11 |
|
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) |
3 |
|
Science Double Award |
2 |
|
Applied Science (Single award) |
1 |
To study at Advanced Level pupils must have a grade ‘B’ or better in that particular Science.
Separate Sciences (‘Triple Science’) GCSE The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed independently of each other and pupils will be awarded a separate grade for each one.
|
Written external examination 90% |
When? |
Controlled assessment (practical) 10% |
|
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper. |
End of Year 10 |
30 marks each: one Chemistry assessment one Biology assessment one Physics assessment |
|
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 80 marks per paper 1hr 45 min per paper. |
End of Year 11 |
Every external, written examination is available in two Tiers: Foundation Tier (which allows grades C to G) and Upper Tier (which allows grades A* to E). The Controlled Assessments (practical) are all on the same tier. A good mark in the practical tasks can allow a Foundation Tier candidate to gain a B-grade overall (as long as their written paper marks are good).
Science Double Award The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are assessed in separate examinations, but marks are combined to give an overall double grade for Science. This course contains less content than the separate sciences course, but pupils are still able to study science at Advanced Level if they have a grade ‘B’ in that particular science.
|
Written external examination 90% |
When? |
Controlled assessment (practical) 10% |
|
Chemistry 1 Biology 1 Physics1 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper |
End of Year 10 |
Pupils will complete two assessments from the following: one Chemistry assessment (30 marks) one Biology assessment (30 marks) one Physics assessment (30 marks) |
|
Chemistry 2 Biology 2 Physics2 60 marks per paper 1hr 15 min per paper |
End of Year 11 |
Applied Science (Single award) The three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are all integrated in each unit. This course offers more opportunities to conduct practical work, with 30% of the marks awarded for practical tasks. Marks from the following 4 Units are all combined to give an overall grade for Science.
|
Examination |
When? |
|
Unit 1 – Science in the modern world 75 marks 1hr 30 min |
External examination at the end of Yr 10 |
|
Unit 2 – Science to support our lifestyles 75 marks 1hr 30 min. |
External examination at the end of Yr 11 |
|
Unit 3 – Task based assessment 60 marks |
Practical assessment November-December of Yr 11 |
|
Unit 4 – Practical assessment 60 marks |
Practical assessment January-February of Yr 11 |
KS5 (Year 12-13)
Subject Leader: Miss Cari Ormerod
Examination Board: WJEC
Examinations: 100%
Coursework: 0%
Entry Requirements:
You are expected to have achieved at least B grades on the Higher Tier in Additional Science or in Biology.
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms, divided into many specialised fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origin, and distribution.
What will I learn whilst studying Biology?
UNIT 1. Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation
UNIT 2. Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems
UNIT 3. Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment
UNIT 4. Variation, Genetics and options
UNIT 5. Practical assessment
Most of the teaching is based on discussing how specific organisms and the systems within these organisms work. You will learn to apply Biological principles in a range of applications. Practical work is undertaken regularly and is used as a basis for discussion and problem solving.
Course Content:
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Botany
• Physiology
• Ecology
Possible Careers
A qualification in Biology can lead to a range of careers such as Biotechnology, Conservation, Dentistry, Education, Forensic Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Sports and Fitness and Veterinary Science.
Link to the website of the course:
https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/science/as-a-level/biology-as-a-level-2015/?language_id=2