GCSE Science Courses

The primary aim of this course is to prepare you for life as a citizen in our scientific and technological society. By the end of the two year course you should be able to
appreciate and understand the impact of science and technology on everyday life
take informed personal decisions about issues that involve science
understand the essential points of media reports about matters that involve science
reflect critically on the information included in and omitted from such reports
take part confidently in discussions with others about issues that involve science.
The topics include Air quality, You and your genes and Radiation and life as well as six others.

Assessment is 66% through modular exams in years 10 & 11 and 33% through coursework including a case study in which you explore a current issue concerning science.

GCSE Additional Science

This course is designed to complement the GCSE Science course ensuring coverage of the full science curriculum, introducing a wider range of scientific concepts and skills. The aim is to provide an insight into
what is involved in being a scientist
how scientists develop scientific understanding of ourselves and the world
how these understandings can be applied to the benefit of humanity.
The topics include Homeostasis, Chemicals in the natural environment and The wave model of radiation as well as six others.
Assessment is 66% through modular exams in years 10 & 11 and 33% through coursework - a report on a practical investigation in year 11.

Science (TRIPLE AWARD)

There will be the opportunity to study for a triple award (i.e. three GCSEs) in science. This course will involve some teaching in period 6 (ending at 4.00pm) and during some core P.E. time. You will need to have achieved level 6 at KS3 to start this course. You will get three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will be well prepared to study science further at A level.

More details on this course are available on the project's public website www.21stcenturyscience.org.uk. During the course students are able to access many of the course's written and ICT materials through the users website www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.com (password available from the science department).

Biology

This course will develop your understanding of biological facts together with an appreciation of their significance in new and changing situations. You will improve your practical skills and be better able to link theory and experimental work.
We hope that you will continue to enjoy and further develop your personal interest in the study of living organisms as well as recognising the responsible uses of Biology in a wider society.

The course includes an amount of practical activity to support the theoretical content, and to develop your investigative and scientific approach to the subject. Handling data from experimental work and from numerous other sources requires a basic mathematical competence.

In conjunction with Chemistry or Physics this course provides a suitable preparation for University courses in Biology, other biological or related studies, and professional vocational courses. However, it is also complete in itself if you do not intend to study Biology at a higher level.

Specification: AQA
AS Specification: 5416
Unit 1 Biology and Disease
This unit covers the basics of cell biology and asks students to show their understanding through study of disease and the immune system
Unit 2 Variety of living organisms
How the code of DNA is interpreted and the significance of this information to living things is the central theme of this module
Unit 3 ISA/PSA
This assesses your practical skills and ability to apply your knowledge in new and unfamiliar situations

A2 Specification: 6416
Unit 4 Populations and environment
The course looks at respiration and photosynthesis as well as man's effects on ecosystems
Unit 5 Control in cells and organisms
Cells can maintain their internal environment, communicate, reproduce and coordinate their actions, this unit looks at how all this happens
Unit 6 ISA/PSA
Your practical skills will be tested at A2. There will be lots of opportunity to stretch and challenge yourself as some aim for A* grades and extra
Entry requirements: At least five GCSEs at grades A* to B, including GCSE Double Award Science (higher paper) at grade BB or above or GCSE Biology at grade C or above.

Chemistry

Student Site: chemistry.wheatleypark.org (requires Google Apps signin)

Chemists are interested in the way materials behave and react under different conditions, and the ways in which we can use these materials to benefit society. In this course you will be introduced to many of the ideas and theories which attempt to explain the behaviour and reactions of different materials, and you will learn about some of the ways in which Chemistry is important in the modern world.
The course aims to convey the excitement of contemporary chemistry. It explores frontiers of research and applications of chemistry and relates them to the concepts students need for AS and A2 chemistry. There is an emphasis on developing practical skills throughout the course, leading to an individual one month research project in Y13.

Chemistry is an essential choice for many careers including medicine and veterinary science. It also provides the theoretical basis for all biological sciences and strongly supports students wishing to pursue these courses to a higher level. Other career routes include forensic science, for which a chemistry degree provides by far the best entry route. If you choose chemistry and go on to study for a chemistry degree, you will end up being one of the most highly sought after gradates out there!

Specification: OCR Salters

AS Specification

Unit 1 Chemistry for Life
This unit covers the basics of atomic structure, chemical equations and the periodic table. Also covered are the building blocks to understanding organic chemistry and fuels.
Unit 2 Chemistry of Natural Resources
This unit looks at the ionic chemistry of soluble salts, chemicals of the atmosphere and how polymers have changed our world.
Unit 3 Chemistry in practice
This is the internally assessed practical part of the course 

A2 Specification

Unit 4 Chemistry of Materials
Medicines, materials and the stuff of life including DNA are topics for this module. Together with a look at steel production this wide ranging
offers a broad chemical experience.
Unit 5 Chemistry by design
Agriculture, Colours and the Oceans are the key themes explored. Key processes such as redox reactions and chemical bonding are studied through them.
Unit 6 Individual investigation
Your practical skills will be tested at A2. There will be lots of opportunity to stretch and challenge yourself as some aim for A* grades and extra support for all as needed.
Entry requirements: At least five GCSEs at grades A* to C, including GCSE Double Award Science (higher paper) at grade CC or above or GCSE Chemistry at grade C or above and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above.

Teacher in charge: Mr R.D.Nixon

Physics

Student Site: physics.wheatleypark.org (requires Google Apps signin)

People who have studied physics are valued not just because they know something about how the universe works but also because they can solve problems by thinking in original ways. If you take this course you will have an experience that combines theoretical and practical physics. We hope that you will develop a knowledge and understanding of physics and the skills you need to work successfully in new and changing situations.

Our course will cover some basic things, such as Newton's laws, that have been known for hundreds of years but will also be right up to date with the latest discoveries in some fields. There is a focus on practical work throughout the course.
Physics is an excellent foundation for many Higher Education courses and it opens up many opportunities, especially in science and engineering. It is also a really exciting subject to study in its own right. It is useful to study Mathematics and Chemistry alongside Physics; Biology, Design & Technology and Geography also develop many similar skills.

Each year some of our students continue their studies in Physics at university or apply their knowledge in courses such as engineering or architecture. Above all else we aim to ensure Physics lessons are challenging but enjoyable.

Specification: Edexcel AS 8PH01 & A2 9PH01

There will be 6 separate units, combining studies of traditional and modern physics, theoretical,
applied and practical work. There will be tests of between 45 and 90 minutes on each unit.

AS Specification:

• Unit 1 Physics on the Go
• Unit 2 Physic at Work
• Unit 3 Exploring Physics

A2 Specification:

• Unit 4 Physics on the Move
• Unit 5 Physics from Creation to Collapse
• Unit 6 Experimental Physics

Entry requirements:At least five GCSEs at grades A* to C, including GCSE Double Award Science at grade BB or above or GCSE Physics at grade B or above and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above. It can be an advantage to combine Physics with AS Mathematics but this is not essential.

Further details of the course can be found on the Edexcel website.

Drama

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Photography

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Y13 Photography

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Music

Music GCSE is a varied course that covers music in many different styles, and is suitable for any type of musician. We follow the AQA exam specification.

If you choose music GCSE, you will be assessed on vocal or instrumental performance. You will compose pieces of music to fit with guidelines provided by the examiners. You will also learn about music from three "strands" of musical learning, which are the Western Classical tradition, Popular music from the 20th and 21st centuries, and World Music.

In your assessed performances you can play or sing music of your own choice, in any style, on any instrument or voice. It is not a requirement to have instrumental lessons, or singing lessons, but many GCSE candidates find that it helps them do better in this section of the exam. You can choose music that is of an appropriate level of difficulty for your instrumental or vocal skills.

You will learn more about different types of music from the classical tradition, about different styles of popular song including the Blues, '60s popular music, rock, hip-hop, RnB, and Musical theatre, and about different World musical cultures, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The music GCSE course is structured in an integrated way, so you will learn about different musical styles by exploring them in practical ways, as well as by listening and reading about them. You will develop a technical vocabulary that enables you to discuss musical features with precision and in detail.

You will be taught skills in musical composition which will enable you to complete two pieces of assessed work. You can choose from a wide range of musical styles and resources, and can develop your own musical interests in this area. Many GCSE students make use of our ICT resources, which include a suite of Apple Mac computers running composing software, and a professionally equipped recording studio.
At the end of the course, you will take a listening exam, which will test your knowledge and understanding of the music you study during the course.

Students who enjoy and do well at Music GCSE generally:

• Enjoy performing music on voices or instruments, and like developing and extending their skills
• Are open-minded about music in different styles, and like finding out about them
• Like developing their own creative ideas

Sixth Form

AS Music

• Unit 6MU01 Performance
• Unit 6MU02 Composition
• Unit 6MU03 Developing musical understanding.

AS Music develops your skills in performing and composing, and your understanding of the history and analysis of music. You will take part in performances at school as an instrumentalist or singer, both in ensembles and as a soloist. You will study a variety of techniques of composition. You will compose and record your own original compositions. You will study a list of Set Works in detail, from a variety of musical styles, and get to understand the techniques and procedures used by composers from many eras. You can perform in any style or genre, and have a wide choice of composition assignments.

A2 Music

• Unit 6MU04 Extended performance
• Unit 6MU05 Composition and technical study
• Unit 6MU06 Further musical understanding

The A2 units follow on directly from AS, but require more depth and development of ideas and skills. The performance assessment at A2 is a 12-15 minute recital. The minimum standard of difficulty is roughly equivalent to Grade 6. In both AS and A2, performing units are assessed through coursework, composition through controlled assessment, and musical understanding through a 2-hour exam paper.

Entry requirements
You need to be an enthusiastic musician, and be involved regularly in performing music as an instrumentalist or singer. You need to be able to read music. If you do not have a good GCSE pass in music, you should have passed an instrumental or singing exam at grade 5 or above. Music A level is a demanding academic course, and is good preparation for any academic degree subject. It is a requirement if you want to study music at university or music college.

Course Leader Dr Peter Foster

Music Technology

Why Study Music Technology at A level?

• The main focus of A level Music technology is on the creative use of computers and recording equipment to make music. You will enjoy it if:
• You enjoy manipulating sounds creatively
• You are confident using computers and can learn new software easily
• You have a wide range of musical interests
• You can link ideas together and find creative solutions to problems
• You enjoy practically-based courses (65% of A level music technology is practical portfolio work).

AS Modules

• Unit 1: Practical portfolio 1
• Unit 2: Listening and analysing

In your AS year you will learn how to use a range of recording software and hardware, including Cakewalk Sonar, Reason and Sibelius. You will also learn how to set up and record a band in our well-equipped recording studio.Your practical portfolio for AS music consists of a multi-track recording of a band (you have to set up and opete all the recording equipment), a backing track produced on a computer, and a creative arranging task. You will also learn about the development of recording technology since 1910, and its impact on the development of popular music. This is assessed through an exam paper

A2 Modules

• Unit 3: Practical portfolio 2
• Unit 4: Analysing and producing.

Your A2 practical portfolio will extend the skills you developed in the AS year. You have to produce two multi-track recordings of a band. You will learn techniques of recording and mixing that are used in professional studios, and will be expected to achieve a nearprofessional standard in your recordings. You will also compose an original piece. The exam at the end of A2 includes some practical tasks as well as a test of your theoretical understanding of the process of recording and producing music.

Entry requirements
You need to be confident and experienced with computers, and able to learn to use new applications. You need to have a wide interest in different styles of music (mostly popular).
If you do not have a good GCSE pass in music you will need to learn to read music,and should have some experience of playing a piano or keyboard. Music technology A level will give you the skills necessary to make high-quality recordings
of your own band, or your own music. It is also relevant to any media-related course in higher education (including music or music technology).

Microsoft Academy

What is it?

A series of Microsoft acredited qualifications that are internationally recognised. They cover the full range of Office 2010 applications.

How do you get qualified?

Enrole on one or more of the courses and follow the online programme in your own time. When you feel ready for an exam, request an exam slot. You can get qualified at Specialist, Expert and Master Level. All certificated are highly valued by employers.

Requirements

Access to the internet and Office 2010 and a Windows Live account. To take part, contact Mr Nixon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Google Apps for Education

This service provides the following features to all members of wheatleypark.org (all staff and students). Tips on using the service can be found on the IT Blog.

• Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Instant Messaging
• Online Google Documents
• Calendar
• Google Sites
• Google Groups

These are the core services which allow usrs to share ideas and work colaboratively with ease on any internet connected device. Have a look at the brief video below to get a feel for what you can do. Any student that does not have their user details can pop in to IT Support or see Mr Nixon.

Some user Guides or visit the Learning Centre

Learning Platform

The schools Learning Platform provides a wide range of resouces for students and allows them to access online courses.

Students can also find their timetable, progress data and store their own files on the Learning Platform.  

Student can obtain user details if they have lost them from IT Support of Mr Nixon.

Student Homepage

IT Systems

This page gives you some idea of how our IT systems work. WPS IT Blog

School Network

The school has over 400 networked computers spread across the site. These run Windows 7 (all 64 bit) and Office 2010. The school also has some Apple computers for Photography and Media Studies. 

The client computers are served by a VMware based virtual server infrastucture that runs a blend of Windows Server 2008R2 and Linux virtual machines. We will shortly be introducing the use of ultra thin clients as a robust and energy efficient alternative to regular PC's.

Cloud Computing

Most of the schools data is held offsite in the 'cloud'. We have three main cloud based systems. Google Apps for Education for email and document sharing, the Learning Platform for online learning and SIMs for student data.

Website

This website has been constucted using the Joomla opensource content management system entirely inhouse. Joomla is a very powerful and free way of constucting complex multiuser websites with little more than a browser and a text editor. The school website is best viewed in a modern web browser e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari. If you are still using Internet Explorer, I would recommend switching to Chrome or Firefox.

If you would like to know more please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .