Year 9
In Year 9 students begin their GCSE studies, the Chemistry section of the AQA Specification starts in HT2 with students developing their understanding of the fundamental topic of atomic structure. Students described the different separation techniques for separating mixtures, this included several practicals and allowed students to develop their working scientifically skills. The topic developed with students describing in detail the structure of an atom, the differences between atoms and isotopes and properties of the Periodic Table in particular Group 1, 0 and 7.
Jack (9.1)
Jack successfully wrote a method describing how to separate a mixture of sand, salt and water. The fundamental skills of describing a method is assessed frequently in the examinations and Sophia is demonstrating exceptional extended writing skills throughout this term.
Ruell (9.4)
Ruell is able to successful calculate the number of protons, electrons and neutrons in an atom. He then extended this knowledge and was able to draw the electronic configuration of the first 20 elements in the Periodic Table.
Year 10
During HT2, Year 10 students finished the GCSE the Physics topic Electricity and began the Biology Infection and Response topic. Electricity is a fundamental property of matter everywhere, this topic gave students the opportunity to build electrical circuits, understand how mains electricity work and apply their mathematical skills to several physics equations. Students then moved onto the Infection and Response topic and were able to describe how microorganisms cause disease in both animals and plants. This topic explored how we can avoid diseases as well as how the body defends itself against these microorganisms.
Sophia (10.5)
This half term Sophia excelled in Physics. This piece of work is one of many where she has shown great understanding by being able to apply her mathematical skills to calculating electrical energy.
Callum (10.4)
Callum Turner has shown an absolute flair for Electricity this half term. The piece of work shows how Adam is able to use his working scientifically skills in plotting an accurate graph of results for a resistor in a circuit
Luke Gerard (10.3)
During the physics equations Luke expertly demonstrated his mathematical knowledge in the calculation of power. 20 % of the Science GCSE assess Mathematical Skills, being able to transfer these skills is essential. Luke demonstrated higher tier skills in converting units, rearranging equations and providing answers to the correct number of significant figures
Year 11
At the start of half term 2 Year 11 students completed their mock examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. After the mock examinations students completed the Forces topic, from the AQA Trilogy Specification. During the physics topics students practiced their practical skills in investigating the amount of energy needed to extend a spring and their mathematical skills in the application of several physics equations. The Forces topic looked at the different techniques used when engineers analyse forces when designing a great variety of machines and instruments.
Qasim(11.1)
Qasim has completed mathematical equations to calculate the force needed to extend a spring. Qasim was able to increase his knowledge by rearranging the equation, convert between units and then round his answer to the correct number of significant figures.
Makenzi (11.5)
Makenzi investigated the force needed to extend a spring, a GCSE required practical. This was extended in purple zone by Makenzi drawing an accurate graph of results, this would allow Makenzi to apply this knowledge in GCSE examinations.
Mohamad (11.6)
Mohamad completed an activity on drawing an accurate distance-time graph. This essential skill appears throughout the GCSE course and is assessed frequently in the Science and Maths examinations.
