Science

AIMS

We firmly believe that the study of science brings us closer to our creator Almighty Allah (SWT). As mentioned in the glorious Quran:

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving creatures of all kinds that He has spread therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed proofs, evidences, signs for people of understanding.” (Qur’an 2:164)

The study of science helps pupils’ understanding of the world around them and offers opportunities for them to find explanations. They are encouraged to link practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence.

Pupils discover how advances in science contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.

According to the Department for Education:

“ A high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.”

 At Abu Bakr science department we believe that the study of science helps our pupils to become:

• Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8)

At KS3, all pupils follow the National Curriculum for Science in order stimulate their interest in the physical universe. The curriculum consists of an interesting line up of topics taught by an enthusiastic team of teachers who develop pupils’ skills to engage in, explore and explain the world around them.

Years 7 and 8 are taught 4 lessons of science per week.
The main topics covered at Key Stage 3 are:

Year 7

Biology B1 – Humans as Organisms

Chemistry C1 – Chemical Building Blocks

Physics P1 – Energy and Forces

Year 8

Biology B2 – Ecosystems, Health and Inheritance

Chemistry C2 – Chemical Reactions

Physics P2 – Electricity and Magnetism

Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)

In years 9, 10 and 11 pupils embark on a double award GCSE Science taught by Science specialists. The examining body for Science KS4 is AQA; the specifications for AQA GCSE combined Science: Trilogy course is taught over the three years and pupils are taught 4 lessons per week in year 9, 5 lessons per week in year 10 and 5 lessons per week in year 11. By the end of KS4, all our pupils achieve 2 GCSEs in Science. There will be the opportunity given to the very able pupils to complete separate sciences in order to gain 3 GCSEs, this will be at the discretion of the science teachers.

The combined science: trilogy course consists of the following topics:

At both key stages, lessons consist of a variety of activities including questioning, discussion, making links, problems solving, decision making and group work as well as independent learning. Practical work is a significant part of lessons and this may be a simulation, role play or lab activity.

Pupil progress throughout KS3 and KS4 is monitored in a number of ways such as homework tasks, practical work, presentations, pupil – teacher discussions, end of topic tests and finally the end of year examination. British values, In-depth research tasks and Islamic perspectives are incorporated throughout the curriculum for each year group.

Science Opportunities out of Lessons

The Science department prides itself in arranging various useful and interesting visits to local and national museums, and science centres. The following visits have taken place during academic year 2016-2017:

• Think Tank Science Museum
• Leicester Space Centre
• Big Bang Fair
• Botanical Gardens

Pupils have opportunities to participate in:

• Science club for years 7,8 and 9 every Thursday in the laboratory
• Revision Club for years 10 and 11 at lunchtimes
• Science competitions
• Science links with other subjects to provide cross-curricular learning.
• During Science Week (March 2017) we had various activities, competitions and “The Weakest Link” testing the contestants’ knowledge of Science in Key Stage 3 and 4 and was enjoyed immensely by pupils and staff alike.

 Results

The Science Department has an impressive record of A*-C grades.

Staff

There are four teachers in the Science Department as well as a laboratory technician.

Ms. Z. Siddiqui, Mrs. N. Kazi, Ms. A. Begum, Ms. M. Kashash, Ms. A. Mazhar