Science

Our Department

The science department at Bishop Perowne College comprises of 9 specialist teachers, supported by our dedicated technician team of 2. We have eight laboratories, all of which are specifically designed for the practical nature of science. 5 of these rooms have recently benefited from a £311,000.00 refit which has seen them fitted with fume cupboards, touch screen computers and visualisers. We also have a wide range of practical equipment available to us, stored within our two preparatory rooms. In addition to this, science is regularly used outside the classroom, where classes investigate the environment around the school.

Key Stage 3

The science department's programme of study for Key Stage 3 covers all the Principles and Big Ideas in Science Education as described by the Association of Science Education. Some of these topics are studied in further detail at GCSE level and others are not, so we appreciate the importance of quality first teaching & learning to ensure all students receive the fundamental knowledge needed for adulthood. Emphasis at this level is on the practical and functional aspects of science with a long term view to prepare students to become scientifically literate. We follow a bespoke scheme of work made by our teachers, for our students designed to stimulate and inspire through a series of exciting and interactive modules, aimed at developing student awareness of how science works in our world.

Key Stage 4

Science is about investigating how the natural world works. The science department at Bishop Perowne College has developed a curriculum that is designed to engage students' interests at every level by providing relevant and inspiring academic content and practical opportunities to undertake scientific enquiry and learn about the scientific process. Our GCSE science courses build on students' KS3 knowledge of science by studying specific scientific topics. There are 2 courses, both of which conclude with GCSE qualifications.

Our GCSE science courses build on students' KS3 knowledge of science by studying specific scientific topics. There are 2 courses, both of which concluded with GCSE qualifications.

Course 1:Three GCSE's are taken in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

• Six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each paper contributes to 50% of a GCSE grade.
• Each exam paper is 1 hour 45 minutes in length.
• Foundation and Higher tiers are available.
• A single number grade is given for each science, so 3 separate grades are received - each between 1 (lowest) and 9 (highest).

Course 2:Two GCSE's are taken as part of Combined science.

• Six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each paper contributes 16.7% to the combined science number grade
• Each exam paper is 1 hour 15 minutes in length.
• Foundation and Higher tiers are available.
• A double number grade is used for the award of 'combined science' - between 1-1 (lowest) and 9-9 (highest).

STEM

At Bishop Perowne College we share the desire to make scientifically literate students of the future who are both curious and fascinated by the world that surrounds them and wish to pursue science to higher and further education and/or take up careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. Our thriving STEM club is run weekly by Mr Elmougy, second in charge of Science, supported by other science and technology specialists as the activities require.