Science

In order for all students to achieve academic excellence in science, we deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum. We have worked hard to sequence ideas so that they flow smoothly together and build gradually towards high level understanding. It is designed to develop memory and a student's ability to recall information. Intelligence is malleable, in other words, students who put in more effort, who practise, who learn and memorise more ideas and knowledge are able to develop greater expertise than those who do not.

An academic science curriculum is the right of all students and that by following such a course they will be well prepared for the future, whatever it may hold.

Key Stage 3

We cover the National Curriculum Program of Study for Key Stage 3 in its entirety and have added units to develop students understanding of the environment and the future, which will work towards an Ecoschool bid.

Key Stage 4

Students start a three year Key Stage 4 in Year 9. All students initially undertake AQA separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) worth three GCSEs.

Our schemes build progression from the knowledge base students have acquired at Key Stage 3 as well as develop further their skills of ‘working scientifically’. This is to ensure that students have a good appreciation of the place and importance of science in society and that they have a broad range of skills with which to be successful in the future, whether they intend to stay in the field of science or not.

Key Stage 5

Following GCSEs, students can choose to continue with Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A Level, and all three are currently popular options. Candidates with science A Levels are regarded very highly by Universities and employers as they demonstrate skills of data analysis, critical thinking and creativity.

Year 7:

  • Biology: cells, body systems and reproduction
  • Chemistry: the particle model, elements & the periodic table, mixtures and separation techniques
  • Physics: space, forces, sound and light
  • Geology
  • Litter and recycling (Ecoschools)

Year 8:

  • Biology: bioenergetics, health and adaptation & inheritance
  • Chemistry: chemical reactions, acids and reactions of metals
  • Physics: energy, electricity & magnetism and motion
  • The atmosphere, climate change and sustainability (Ecoschools)

Year 9:

  • Biology: cell biology & organisation
  • Chemistry: atomic structure and the periodic table & bonding structure and the properties of matter
  • Physics: energy and electricity

Year 10:

  • Biology: infection and response, bioenergetics and homeostasis
  • Chemistry: quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes, the rate and extent of chemical change and organic chemistry
  • Physics: particle model of matter,  atomic structure and forces

Year 11:

  • Biology: inheritance, variation & evolution and ecology
  • Chemistry: chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources
  • Physics: waves, electromagnetism and space

Biology A Level - AQA

Year 12 topics taught: biological molecules, cell biology, organisms exchange substances with their environment & genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.

Year 13 topics taught: energy transfers in and between organisms, organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems & the control of gene expression.

Chemistry A Level - OCR A

Year 12 topics taught: development of practical skills in chemistry, foundations in chemistry, periodic table and energy & core organic chemistry.

Year 13 topics taught: physical chemistry and transition elements & organic chemistry and analysis.

Physics A Level - OCR A

Year 12 topics taught: development of practical skills in physics, foundations of physics, forces and motion & electrons, waves and photons.

Year 13 topics taught: Newtonian world and astrophysics & particles and medical physics.

Director: Dr A Stanger
Contact details: Andrew.stanger@johnmason.oxon.sch.uk

Teachers in this Faculty: Dr R Marsh (Deputy Director), Ms C Batcheldor, Mr B Gilkes, Mr S McEvoy, Mrs R Gray, Mr S Evans, Mrs S Johnson, Mr A Duxbury and Miss S Drewett.