The More House Science Department strives to ensure that all students develop a love of discovering the natural world.
Creative strategies are used to enrich the curriculum with a focus on practical work in the KS3 programme and a development of lateral thinking within the context of the GCSE course. A level courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology allow More House students to aspire to tertiary study in the Sciences.
A More House Science education seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of scientific principles and the ability to understand and use methods of scientific inquiry. By preparing students to make responsible decisions concerning science-related social issues, we aim for our students to become scientifically literate citizens with the knowledge and skills to accept the challenges of the twenty-first Century. We are aspirational for our students and prepare them for tertiary study in science as well as a range of scientific careers.
The More House school KS3 Science course follows a curriculum designed to prepare them for the rigours of GCSE study whilst also developing key skills and introducing some of the wonders of modern science. We aim to run a Practical session at least once a week and make full use of the interesting scientific locations that London has to offer. There is a focus on scientific enquiry and we expect the highest standards of work from the very beginning.
· Science Skills; Safety in the Lab, Investigation and the Scientific Method.
· Biology: Cells, The Human Body and Reproduction.
· Chemistry: Chemical reactions, Atoms, elements and compounds.
· Physics: Light and sound waves, Space.
· Biology: Tissues, organs & organ systems, Nutrition, The Skeleton, Ecology.
· Chemistry: Earth Resources and Materials.
· Physics: Electricity, Magnets, Heat and Energy, Energetics.
The GCSE Syllabus begins in Year 9.
We offer two science routes at KS4, both part of the Edexcel GCSE Science Suite; both courses encourage students to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It provides insight into and experience of how science works, stimulating students’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study and career choices.
The majority of the students will study for the Double Award in Combined Science with a small group of high achieving students being selected to work at an accelerated rate, studying more content and preparing for three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It is important to be aware that both routes will be suitable preparation for A level study of the sciences.
Our Year 11 students have already completed the Core Science GCSE and are now completing the Additional Science course. Some girls will also have the opportunity to complete the Further Additional Science GCSE.
• Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials.
The OCR Biology Course provides a wide breadth of knowledge which touches on many varied aspects of a range of topics. These range from the internal workings of organisms in physiology and the interdependence of living things in ecology, to social issues including human influence on the environment and the ethical considerations of genetics. The study of biology therefore encourages an appreciation of these issues and their implications as well as providing an insight into the living world.
The course offered is the OCR-A Level Biology Course. This has a structured approach and many opportunities for practical work. The students are expected to complete a portfolio of practical work throughout the full duration of the course, leading up to a full scientific investigation. A-level biology offers students a range of options for further education or employment. It is a popular subject at A level and in the past we have had many students that go on to study degrees that require biology A level; Applied biology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Zoology, Medicine, Optometry, Biomedical Sciences.
The OCR Chemistry course provides the key principles and practice needed for any student wishing to continue with the subject or branch out into the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or environmental studies, chemical engineering and architecture. It also provides requisite skills for careers as diverse as law and scientific journalism. The course was developed in conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry, GlaxoSmithCline and teachers of chemistry. There is an emphasis on understanding and application; developments in chemistry and their subsequent impacts on society and resources are also covered.
The course begins by building on the work covered at GCSE, with units covering the Periodic Table and energy, Organic chemistry and analysis, Physical chemistry and transition elements. The students are expected to complete a portfolio of practical work throughout the full duration of the course, leading up to a full scientific investigation.
A good understanding of key concepts is developed during the course which contains a synoptic element as befits this linear subject. A-level is a highly regarded academic qualification and is an essential requirement for entry to any UK medical degree.
The OCR Physics course will enable students to enter a wide variety of courses at university. Some careers that can arise from a background in Physics include Astrophysicist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sound Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Software System Engineer, Radiographer, Astronomer, Nuclear Physicist, Optometrist and many more. Physics is a useful subject for any student who wants to be involved in the new technological advances that have shaped our society as well as our understanding of our place in the Universe.
The Physics curriculum includes Mechanics, Electric Circuits, Waves and Quantum Theory and moves on to the Newtonian World and the Field of Modern Physics including Thermal Physics, Magnetic Fields, Nuclear Physics and Medical Imaging. Students will be introduced to the scientific approach and many useful ways to approach real life problems. The students are expected to complete a portfolio of practical work throughout the full duration of the course, leading up to a full scientific investigation.
The department makes use of our location in Central London, taking classes to the nearby Natural History Museum and Science Museum as well as trips to The London Wetlands Centre and the Greenwich Observatory. Students take part in an annual Science fair with the best projects being entered in a regional Big Bang Fair. In February, we also took a group of girls to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and we hope to make this a biannual trip.
We have a range of different science clubs, catering for a range of interests from the Environment to Engineering. Last year’s Science club highlights include a visit the London Aquarium, and hatching some chicks.