BIOLOGY

The Biology lessons will attempt to cover a broad range of topics from the microscopic to the very large. There will be some ideas that build upon knowledge they have garnered from their studies already, but many of the principles covered will be completely new. Some time will be devoted to considering the Biology Challenge – an international competition run by the Royal Society of Biology.

Week 1 Cell Structure Week 6 Circulatory system
Week 2 Biological Molecules Week 7 Plant Responses
Week 3 Evolution Week 8 Immunity
Week 4 Genetics Week 9 The Nervous System
Week 5 Biochemistry Week 10 Gene Technology

There will also be an opportunity for two ‘double lessons’ where the learners can attempt some longer practical work on dissection and animal behaviour.

CHEMISTRY

The Chemistry lessons will attempt to cover a range of topics that delve into the quantum world of the atom as well as the macroscopic effects that result from chemical reactions. There will be some ideas that build upon knowledge from their studies already, but in novel contexts, with a view to linking it to the other sciences. Some time will be devoted to considering problems from the Top of the Bench competition, run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Week 1 A History of Chemistry Week 6 Vibrating Particles
Week 2 Organic Molecules Week 7 Organic Problem Solving
Week 3 Size and the mole Week 8 Reaction Rates
Week 4 Polymers & the Plastic Revolution Week 9 Of Metals and Men
Week 5 Hydrogen and its role Week 10 DNA, Life and Macromolecules

There will also be an opportunity for two ‘double lessons’ where the leaners can attempt some longer practical work on the synthesis of aspirin and making a chemical clock.

PHYSICS

The Physics lessons will concentrate on extending existing ideas met at GCSE across the broad sweep of the subject. The course will include some extended practical work. In addition, the leaners will be able to use the School’s observatory situated on the roof of the science block. Some time will be devoted to considering the Physics Challenge – a competition run by Oxford University.

Week 1 Kinematics Week 6 Hooke’s Law and the Young Modulus
Week 2 Electric Circuits Week 7 Waves
Week 3 Newton’s Laws Week 8 Radioactive Decay
Week 4 Units Week 9 Electromagnetism (especially Faraday’s Law)
Week 5 Ideal Gases Week 10 Optics (mostly Snell’s Law)

There will also be an opportunity for two ‘double lessons’ where the learners can attempt some longer practical work on the efficiency of a catapult and resistance networks.