Science

Science at Cockermouth School aims to provide students with stimulating, engaging and intellectually challenging lessons that develop an improved curiosity and understanding of phenomena from the sub atomic to the intergalactic. It is important that students develop an awareness of the scientific process of enquiry, facilitated by opportunities to experience the application of experimental skills. By providing a combination of different qualifications, we aim to meet the needs and interests of all students. The department consists of 13 teaching staff and 4 laboratory technicians and this specialist team enables the students to experience a wealth of talent and expertise, whilst developing their inquisitive minds and special interests.

Key Stage 3

Does the Science Department follow the National Curriculum?

No

The Science department delivers its own Key Stage 3 Science curriculum to all students which is largely based on the National Curriculum. The objective is to develop confident young scientists who will have the capacity to analyse and evaluate scientific evidence and communicate their ideas in a coherent, creative and logical manner. Each Key Stage 3 class will have 2 teachers and have 9 lessons per fortnight. All Year 7 students start with an introduction to laboratory techniques before going on to study units including Cells, Reproduction, Particles, Solutions, Acids, Energy, and Forces. In Year 8, these core ideas are developed through the study of Photosynthesis & Respiration, Atoms, Metals & Salts, Light and Sound.

In Year 9, all students begin studying elements of the Foundation Tier Combined Science AQA qualification, including Cells, Infection & Response, Atoms, Analysis & Atmosphere, Energy and Temperature. This forms an introduction to their GCSE Science course.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 all students are entered for GCSE qualifications in Science. We support student progression by offering a range of pathways through GCSE that are delivered with separate specialist teachers for each discipline; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Most students are awarded 2 GCSEs from the AQA Trilogy Combined Science specification, while a cohort of students identified at the end of Year 9 study for three GCSEs in Triple science.

For further information on the GCSE Combined Science specifications please click here. Information about the Triple Science qualifications can be found using these links for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Key Stage 5

A Level Sciences are a popular Key Stage 5 preference and we have large numbers of students opting to take A Level Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics each year. All subjects follow the AQA A Level specification and these allow students to cover a variety of theoretical topics which are then reinforced through practical application.

For further information on the A Level Sciences specifications, please select Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We also offer a Level 3 Applied Diploma in Medical Science which is assessed via both written exams and Non-Examined Assessment. The specification is provided by the WJEC exam board and is an excellent course for any student wishing to study elements of all 3 sciences or those students interested in vocational qualifications such as nursing, midwifery, and paramedic science.

Further information about the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Medical Science can be found using this link.