SCIENCE

Importance of science

Science allows us to explain everyday occurrences, such as choosing paper bags instead of plastic, understanding the human body, or explaining why the sky is blue.

Science is a diverse subject and covers a range of subjects across biology, chemistry and physics.

The study of these three interlinked subjects is important for future developments in many fields, including the environment, health care and space exploration. Within science, students will develop their ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test their ideas, solve problems, and apply what they learn.

Through the subject of science, we aim to nurture a passion and desire for scientific knowledge, with an understanding of the links between biology, chemistry and physics, so students understand impact of past and future scientific developments on everyday life.

Year 7 and 8

The science department are passionate about science and committed to delivering a thrilling, enquiry based curriculum. Students will study a range of topics, such as Cells, Digestion and Ecology in Biology; Acids, Reactions and Metals in Chemistry; and Energy, Forces and Space in physics. We want all students to be able to experience science first hand so as well as learning the principles behind each topic, students will have numerous opportunities to complete practical work. Students will be assessed throughout the year to ensure that they make progress and support development of long term memory skills.

GCSE

Science is a core subject, with students either completing Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs) or Triple Science (worth 3 GCSEs). For both courses students will study the AQA syllabus. These courses are an exciting and thought-provoking journey through biology, chemistry and physics modules. Candidates can expect to have high quality lessons delivered by an experienced and specialised teacher for each of the three Science subjects. Practical experiments are an integral part of the course, meaning students have the opportunity to see science in action as well as learning the underlying principles.

A-level

At Theale Green there are always students who continue to study science at A Level by studying A Level Biology, A Level Chemistry and A Level Physics. Quite often if a student chooses to study one science they often choose to study two and that has been in all different combinations. All 3 A Levels follow the OCR A specifications, and whilst this is a different exam board to the GCSE it builds on the concepts and ideas developed at GCSE which are common to all specifications. At A Level you do even more practical work and develop a folder of work as evidence of your practical skills, this is known as the practical endorsement and is graded as a pass or fail as part of the A Level Course. 

Each course is delivered by experienced subject specialists, many of whom have work as examiners for A Level so are able to support you in developing the essential exam technique as well as deliver high quality lessons.

We also have links to local universities, AWE, the Rutherford Appleton Centre and are able to offer a number of trips throughout the year. For students interested in studying medicine we have links to the MedSoc at Bradfield College who are able to offer support with studying the BMAT/UKCAT as well as holding interesting professional talks throughout the year.

Most students who study science for A Level at Theale Green go on to read science at university or go on to apprenticeships in the field. 

Careers

Science can lead to a wide range of careers, the National Careers Service contains further information:

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/science-and-research

Science will create opportunities for you, whether you go to university, do an apprenticeship or go straight from school into a full time career.

If you choose to stay on at school and complete A levels, the three science subjects (biology, chemistry and physics) combine well with each other and almost all other A level subjects. Taken with maths or geography, the sciences will support applications for a range of university courses, such as Engineering, Psychology, Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography and Geology.

You could find scientists working in a huge range of professional and financially rewarding careers. These include scientific researchers, economists, doctors, dentists, vets, teachers, engineers, zoo keepers, sports scientists and psychologists. Science qualifications really do open up doors to amazing opportunities!