DARRICK WOOD SCHOOL
RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | HONESTY
RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | HONESTY
At KS3, students are taught Biology as a distinct subject covering topics such as cells, digestion and respiration. Students are taught in sets according to their ability. Frequent assessment allows for students to be moved between different sets if necessary.
What do we learn in KS3Biology is taught as part of the Combined Science GCSE or separately as one of the Separate Science GCSEs. We follow the AQA specification. Students learn about the nervous system, evolution, adaptation and competition, cell division, inheritance of genetic disease, photosynthesis, respiration and digestion, amongst other topics.
Students study the OCR A specification (H420) and learn about a range of topics over two years.
Within these modules students learn about cells, diffusion, mitosis, the mammalian heart, gas exchange, biochemistry, conservation and classification, DNA and inherited disease, photosynthesis, respiration, excretion and other topics.
Students are examined by three written examination papers at the end of the two year course. They must also complete a minimum of 12 required practicals, the content of which will be examined in the written papers.
The Chemistry studied by students in Key Stage 3 is organised in a variety of ways. All topics rely heavily on practical work and draw on everyday experience. Students are exposed to many teaching strategies, ranging from teacher centred studies to individualised learning. Much emphasis is placed on the understanding, relevance and of course the enjoyment of Chemistry. We believe it is important for children to appreciate the awe and wonder of the natural world. Students study topics including mixtures and separation techniques, acids and alkalis, elements and compounds, different types of chemical reactions and environmental chemistry. They learn new practical skills, how to write and balance chemical equations and how to plan investigations to answer scientific questions and solve problems.
Chemistry forms a key component of the AQA GCSE Combined Science in which chemistry makes up 1/3rd of the double award GCSE. Alternatively, students are able to take AQA GCSE Chemistry when choosing to take the GCSE Separate Science option.
Key topics include The Periodic Table, products from crude oil, chemical bonding, materials and their structures and properties, quantitative chemistry, rates of reaction, energy changes, electrolysis, acids, alkalis and salts, environmental chemistry.
In addition, students studying for GCSE Chemistry will study more about acids and bases, water, chemical analysis, organic chemistry and more detailed quantitative and qualitative chemistry. This course is recommended for those who wish to study A Level Chemistry (or other Science based A Level Courses).
The Chemistry department offers the OCR A Level chemistry course (H432) for Yr 12 and Yr 13 students. The course is divided into modules;
The course covers the key areas of Chemistry including;
Atomic structure and chemical reactions, bonding, structure, basic concepts in organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, alcohols, halogenoalkanes, organic analysis, energy transfer in chemical reactions, environmental chemistry, organic acids and amines, polymers and synthesis, rates of reaction, chemical equilibrium, pH, group chemistry, the transition elements and the Mole Concept all taught with an emphasis on practical work taught (as part of the Practical Activity Group of prescribed practical work) and applications that are so relevant to the world of today and tomorrow.
At KS3, students are taught Physics as a distinct subject covering topics such as electricity, forces, energy, earth and space. Students are taught in sets according to their ability, and frequent assessment allows students to be moved between different sets if necessary.
Physics forms a key component of the AQA GCSE Combined Science in which physics makes up 1/3rd of the double award GCSE. Alternatively, students are able to take AQA GCSE Physics when choosing to take the GCSE Separate Science option.
Key topics include energy, electricity, the particle model of matter, atomic structure, forces and motion, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism.
In addition, students studying for GCSE Physics will study more about space physics, static electricity, light, lenses and a more detailed study of electromagnetism.
The Physics department offers the OCR A Level Physics course (H556) for Yr 12 and Yr 13 students. The course is divided into modules;
The course covers the key areas of Physics including;
Measurements and uncertainties, scalars and vectors, kinematics, linear motion, projectile motion, dynamics, motion with non-uniform acceleration, equilibrium, density and pressure, work and conservation of energy, kinetic and potential energies, power, springs, mechanical properties of matter, Newton’s laws of motion, collisions, electricity, waves, superposition, quantum physics, thermal physics, circular motion, simple harmonic motion, gravitational fields, astrophysics and cosmology, capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics and medical imaging. All of these topics are taught with an emphasis on practical work as part of the Practical Activity Group of prescribed practical work and applications that are so relevant to the world of today and tomorrow.