Welcome to the Science Department.  We are a lively, successful and dedicated department who aim to develop pupils' curiosity and provide a stimulating, relevant and accessible  curriculum for all pupils.

There are six specialist Science teachers and one permanent technician servicing the laboratories.  Each laboratory is well equipped with both traditional science apparatus and modern ICT-based technology including interactive whiteboards, DVD players and access to department laptops with wireless internet access.  Pupils therefore experience a vibrant mix of hands-on practical work and innovative ICT applications during science lessons to investigate the world around them.  We are also currently refurbishing our greenhouse and developing an Astronomy laboratory to further improve the facilities and opportunities to cater for a wider range of pupils' interests and talents.

All members of the department are encouraged to contribute to the development of science teaching and learning and there are plenty of opportunities for staff to take on responsibilities for professional development.

What Will I Study?

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 (KS3) pupils study a variety of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics covering the key ideas in Science: Cells, Particles and Energy.

Pupils are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity, to form scientific questions about the world in which they live and to develop and review their own investigations.  Pupils thereby develop essential science skills such as planning and carrying out safe, valid and reliable tests, making accurate measurements and observations, reviewing and modifying their work and relating scientific theories and evidence to their everyday lives.

The KS3 course also develops wider skills such as communicating, working with others and developing thinking and learning skills.  The department is well equipped with ICT technology to enrich teaching and learning, develop effective research skills and help pupils explore creative methods of presenting their work.

KS3 Science is fully accessible to all, catering for the wide range of abilities, interests and talents of our pupils.  We aim to develop abilities and skills relevant to the study and application of science, useful to everyday life and to encourage safe practice.  We aim to stimulate interest and enjoyment of science and a respect for the environment, and develop a competent level of science literacy that pupils can apply in our rapidly advancing society.

A further breakdown of topics studied in each Year can be found on our Key Stage 3 Science page.

Key Stage 4

We offer a range of courses to help pupils build upon the skills and knowledge developed at KS3 and help prepare them for a happy and successful future beyond Abersychan School.  We aim to ensure all pupils study the best course option for them to meet their individual needs and interests, whilst allowing them to access further study and/or employment opportunities.

GCSE Core Science - pupils achieve ONE Science GCSE which covers a variety of biology, chemistry and physics topics as well as ideas about 'how science works'.  It provides a basic overview of key science principles but this GCSE alone is not sufficient depth to progress to AS and A-Level studies. It is taught over the 6 compulsory hours of science per fortnight during Years 10 and 11. 

GCSE Additional Science and GCSE Separate Sciences - pupils study for two or three GCSEs respectively.  These courses provide the depth and detail required to progress onto AS and A-Level studies and are currently taught as 'Fast Track' classes, beginning in Year 9 (Taught during compulsory Science lessons so no option choices are required).

Assessments for all GCSE courses involve external End of Module Examinations (EMEs) and classroom-based controlled assessments.

BTEC Applied Science - covers the same fundamental concepts as the GCSE Science course but is a vocational, more practical-based course.  BTECs are assessed by the completion of ongoing coursework assignments, with no external examinations.  It can be studied during compulsory Science lesson time (requiring NO option choice) at an Extended Certificate level (equivalent to two GCSEs), or BTEC Applied Science can be selected as ONE option to study additional units to achieve a BTEC Diploma (equivalent to four GCSEs).

BTEC Countryside & Environment - an optional course (requires TWO option choices) which is separate and additional to any of the other Science courses.  Pupils achieve the equivalent of four GCSEs and cover a wide range of topics related to the countryside, access and using local areas, work opportunities in land-based industries, preparing for job applications and how to prepare and maintain plants outdoors.  The course is very practical and involves visits to local countryside areas, farms and businesses.  This course is not recommended for pupils who are already studying a BTEC Diploma in Applied Science but may be chosen by pupils studying the Extended Certificate level Applied Science.

What Extra-Curricular Opportunities are there?

Trips, performances, workshops and visitors are arranged throughout KS3 and KS4 to enrich the Science curriculum and develop a wider appreciation of how science is relevant to many aspects of our everyday lives.

Previous events have included

• Trips to Glamorgan University for an astronomy-themed lecture and to Greenmeadow farm for a taster day and hands-on experience of key roles in maintaining the local environment, where pupils were able to take part in scoring sheep and cut back young trees.
• KS3 workshops where pupils learned about the chemistry of making soap and made their own bar of soap to take home.
• Visits from 'Star Lab' mobile planetarium to explore aspects of the Solar System and wider Universe.
• An interactive 'Beyond the Rainbow' show about electromagnetic waves and their uses, such as microwaves, UV light and infra-red uses, which was particularly useful for Year 11 pupils about to sit an exam on the same topic.
• 'Stargazing' night time visits to Blaenavon and Astronomy Masterclasses at Glamorgan University.

Provision for More Able and Talented Pupils

In addition to providing opportunity to study for Science GCSEs from Year 9 as part of a Fast Track class, GCSE Astronomy is offered as an extra-curricular subject where pupils can learn about observing the night sky and study the planets, Moon, Sun, Solar System, the wider Universe, the numerous missions to explore Space and some of the technologies that have been developed as a result of space exploration.  Assessment involves two coursework observation projects and an external written examination.  We are currently developing an Astronomy teaching laboratory and have purchased two high quality telescopes, as part of an ongoing project working with Cardif University, to further enhance the quality of our facilities for teaching and learning about Astronomy. 

KS3 STEM Club

The STEM club is offered as an extracurricular club for KS3 pupils.  This is a joint club between the Science, Technology and Maths departments and is based on developing and completing fun projects such as building robots!  The STEM club have also been on several visits this year including a trip to Swansea for the 'Big Bang' exhibition.