Science

Aims & Objectives

The Science faculty aim to inspire scientists of the future, developing skills of scientific enquiry.  We do this by teaching physics, chemistry and biology through a skills-based curriculum at KS3 and offering a number of different curriculum routes to engage and motivate students at KS4 and KS5.  Furthermore, the curriculum is enriched with extra curricular activities run by the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex and the Royal Institute.

Assessment

• At Key Stage 3
  KS3 students follow a skills-based curriculum that covers the three strands of science:  biology, chemistry and physics.  There are up to 12 modules per year and students are assessed throughout the key stage using a variety of activities, including two formal examinations per year.
• At Key Stage 4
  There are a  number of different KS4 Science courses available at PACA, depending on your child’s interests, strengths and future career aspirations.  These include: 
  GCSE Science
  GCSE Additional Science
  GCSE chemistry, GCSE  physics and GCSE biology (triple science)
  BTEC in applied sciences (level 2).
•  At KS5
  As well as offering AS and A2 biology, chemistry and physics at the sixth form, we also offer the level 3 BTEC in Applied Sciences.  Unlike the traditional science A levels, the BTEC is assessed purely through coursework and it provides an alternative curriculum route for students who may not have achieved a grade B in a science GCSE course.