Science

In each of Years 7 and 8, students complete a range of topics across each of the three main Science disciplines. For more detail about the modules covered, and how they are assessed, please click on the link 'Our Curriculum'. Half-termly tests are used to determine whether students are on, above or below their trajectory progression. This is supported by a range of assessment tasks, including homework, which gives teachers an accurate picture of how well each student is performing. Appropriate intervention will be introduced should students fall below this expected progression or are well above expectations and need some further challenge. In Year 9, students prepare to begin GCSE Combined or Triple Science by completing a range of practical projects alongside topics.

 
At the end of Year 9, the data collected during the year is used to make decisions about options and sets for Year 10 and the start of GCSE. Students considering Triple Science must select it as an option

• Two Biology papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 10% of the marks will be awarded for mathematical based questions and 30% for questions about the RPAs
• Two Chemistry papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 20% of the marks will be based on mathematical questions and 30% on questions about the RPAs
• Two Physics papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 30% of the marks will be based on mathematical calculation and 30% on questions about the RPAs

• Two Biology papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each
• Chemistry papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each
• Physics papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each

The style of questions is the same as for the trilogy GCSE exams and the marks awarded for mathematical calculation and RPAs are the same as for the Trilogy exams.

Whilst Triple Science helps students to prepare for A-level, it is not essential for students to complete this option in order to do any of the A-level Sciences. Students can still do A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics having completed Trilogy Combined Science GCSE. There is also a Medical Science course available with slightly lower entry requirements but which can still earn UCAS points for university entrance purposes.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Throughout the year the Science Department offer a number of STEM-related activities.  These might be during an SMSC day, part of an external visit or an after school club.  In 2020 - 2021 we hope to offer the following: 

• Lego Robotics after school club (Year 8/9 pupils, Wednesday after school)
• Turning Turbines in partnership with V3 and Teacher Scientist Network
• Top of the Bench competition
• Salter’s Chemistry Festival

Students have been involved in many enterprising activities with a focus on STEM, including; developing a range of bath bombs to sell in school that were designed and made by KS3 students. Students also developed futuristic toilets as part of an Anglian Drop 20 challenge. The designs needed to adhere to a strict project focus that required the toilets to save vast amounts of precious water. Sheringham High School won the competition and student, Henry Keen, was commended by Anglian water for his waterless design!

The projects have even extended to designing and making rocket cars! KS4 students took part in a national competition that was linked to promoting the Bloodhound Rocket car that was attempting to break the land speed record. Students were able to use 3D CAD design software to develop a rocket car before getting hands on and building it in class time. A BBC Micro:bit was used to record the maximum speed of the rocket car. Thirty students then travelled to the UTCN to compete  against schools from all over the country. Watching the model rocket cars blast off was…..a blast!

For the past 3 years students have been much more heavily involved in robotics during STEM club. We have used LEGO robotics to develop a series of 1kg sumo wrestlers and a line follower. Students have designed, built, programmed and competed on an international stage with the robots in Vienna, Austria and Tallinn, Estonia.  Sheringham High School has always been placed very highly for all competitions and for the last 2 years we have been the top British team!

This year, with the generous support from the Dudgeon Community Fund, Sheringham is playing the lead role in bringing several Norfolk secondary schools together to compete for the privilege of going to Estonia with an all-expenses paid trip for the victors. The Dudgeon Community Fund has provided resources, managed by Ms Gardener at Sheringham High School, for each school to have LEGO Robotic kits and training has been provided, where necessary, to get new projects off the ground in these schools.