Fairfield High School for Girls

Introduction

The Science Department has 8 full time teachers, 2 technicians and an associated teaching assistant:

• Dr Beckett – Director of Study, Teacher of Physics
• Dr Cahill – Key Stage 3 Coordinator, Teacher of Chemistry
• Mr Blackbourn – Teacher of Chemistry
• Dr Cosgrove – Assistant Head, Teacher of Physics
• Mrs Davenport – Teacher of Physics
• Mrs Limen – Teacher of Biology
• Miss Moss – Teacher of Biology
• Mr Rhodes – Progress Coordinator, Teacher of Biology
• Mrs Williamson – Senior Technician
• Mr Jones – Technician
• Mrs Graham – Teaching Assistant

The Science Department is housed in a suite of eight laboratories, all of which have been refurbished in recent years. Four of the laboratories have extensive computing facilities.   A large prep. room, a resource room and an office complete the departmental accommodation.

At Key Stage 3, pupils study Science for 6 hours per fortnight.  Each year group is divided in half and pupils are then placed into sets within each half based upon their ability.  Pupils’ progress and attainment are constantly monitored, for example by formal examinations and also by the continual assessment of key scientific skills.  Pupils can be moved sets at any time if this is deemed appropriate.  Most pupils will have only one teacher per year, who will teach Science across the specialisms.

At Key Stage 4, pupils study Science for 9 hours per fortnight (3 hours per specialism).  Pupils are placed into sets based not only on their ability, but also what examination course they choose to study.  As a department we currently offer 3 pathways –

1. GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry + GCSE Physics
2. GCSE Science + GCSE Additional Science
3. BTEC Principles of Applied Science + BTEC Applications of Applied Science

Where appropriate, however, pathways can be adapted to meet the requirements and needs of individual pupils.  As at KS3, pupils’ progress and attainment are constantly monitored, for example by end-of-topic examinations.  Coursework is a required element of each course, with pupils being given several opportunities to undertake assignments throughout the year.   External examinations must also be sat in the summer of both Year 10 and Year 11.  Most pupils will have three teachers, one for each scientific specialism. Throughout their time at Fairfield, our pupils develop an understanding of a wide range of scientific concepts that provide a framework for making sense of the world. Our teaching also has an emphasis on investigative science - the knowledge and understanding which pupils need to become independent learners as they plan, conduct, analyse and evaluate experiments to discover the unknown.

However, the Science Department is not all about examinations and results.  We also encourage pupils to take part in a number of extracurricular activities throughout the year.  For example, in the last year or so pupils have taken part in –

• A Chester Zoo trip for the whole of Year 7
• Science Bistro events – with parents and siblings also involved in a fun science competition
• The Science A-Z Quiz
• A "Design an App for the Olympics" competition
• Science Photography competitions
• The Go4Set "Environmentally Friendly Leisure Centre" competition
• Dead on Time Event for Year 9 pupils
• Blue Planet trip for Year 10 pupils
• and much more...

With a lower school Ecology trip being planned to take place for the first time in 2013, you can see we are constantly striving to improve the learning experiences for our pupils.

How will Science help me in my career?

From studying Science, pupils will develop a wide range of skills that will help you in any career you choose in the future. For example, pupils will gain experience in –

• working both independently and in groups
• asking key questions and being able to investigate the issue
• using apparatus safely
• selecting information for specific tasks
• analysing data and graphs
• expressing arguments and ideas clearly
• recognising the impact of science on everyday life
• making informed personal decisions about issues and questions that involve science
• understanding the significance of changes caused by humans to the planet and the importance of sustainability

Such experience equips you for a wide range of courses and careers when you leave Fairfield. Studying Science at A-level and beyond can lead to careers in medicine, environmental health, microbiology, nursing, animal conservation, marine biology, veterinary medicine, research science, brewing, teaching, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, geology, zoology and many, many more.

Key Stage 3

Topics you will study during Years 7-9 include –

• Atoms, elements and compounds
• Mixtures and Separation Techniques
• Solutions
• Chemical Reactions
• Patterns in Reactivity
• Acids and Alkalis
• Rocks and the Rock Cycle
• Cells
• Plants and Photosynthesis
• Animals and their Environment
• Animal Behaviour
• Reproduction
• Microbes and Disease
• Digestion & Respiration
• Classification and Variation
• Inheritance and Genes
• Pollution
• Forensic Science
• Forces and their Effects
• Energy
• Heating and Cooling
• Sound and Light
• Energy Resources
• Electrical Circuits
• Magnets and Electromagnets
• Waves
• Space

Key Stage 4 Biology

Topics you may study during Years 10-11 include –

• Diet and Exercise
• Fighting Disease
• Nerves and Hormones
• Controlling Conditions in the Body
• Use and Abuse of Drugs
• Animals and their Environment – adaptation, changing environments, feeding relationships, the Carbon cycle
• Variation and Inheritance
• Reproduction
• Extinction and Evolution
• Cells
• Diffusion, Osmosis and Active Transport
• Photosynthesis
• Proteins and Enzymes
• Respiration

Key Stage 4 Chemistry

Topics you may study during Years 10-11 include –

• Atoms and Atomic Structure
• The Periodic Table
• Chemical Reactions
• Limestone Chemistry
• Metals, Alloys and their Uses
• Extracting Metals from Ores
• Crude Oil and Hydrocarbon Chemistry
• Plant oils and Emulsions
• The Earth and its Changing Atmosphere
• Molecules and their Structure
• Chemical Bonds
• Nanoscience
• Chemical Analysis
• Rates of Reaction
• Energy Changes and Reactions
• Acids, Bases and Making Salts
• Electrolysis

Key Stage 4 Physics

Topics you may study during Years 10-11 include –

• Speed and Acceleration
• Forces and Movement
• Momentum
• Energy Changes and Efficiency
• Heating and Cooling
• Energy Resources
• Static Electricity
• Electrical Circuits
• Electricity in the Home
• Radiation
• Nuclear Physics
• Waves
• Sound and Light
• The Big Bang Theory
• Life Cycle of Stars