Faculty of Science

Learning to be Extraordinary

RESULTS

We are exceptionally proud to have secured the status of “Outstanding” in a subject specific inspection for Science, where we were deemed to be “Outstanding” in every category. Over the years, the Science results at GCSE and A level have gone from strength to strength despite a government driven, decreasing curriculum. We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our students, who work tirelessly with their teachers to achieve such success. In more detail, in 2018 Combined Science the % of grades 5-9 was 10% above county average and 7 % above national average. Chemistry and Physics saw a 100% grade 4-9 pass rate, with Biology securing a 97% pass rate. We have also had several students secure the all allusive 999 in Triple Science, which is a phenomenal achievement.

At A Level, we offer Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Applied Human Biology and Psychology. The progress of our students in Science here at CSIA is in the top 13% of the country, which is really quite exceptional.

WHY TAKE SCIENCE?

Science is everywhere in today’s world. It is part of our daily lives. Advances in technology and science are transforming our world at an incredible pace, and YOUR future will surely be filled with leaps in technology we can only imagine. Being “science literate” will no longer be just an advantage but an absolute necessity. We can’t escape from the significance of science in our world.

KEY STAGE 3

At Camborne Science and International Academy, both years 7 and 8 students have 5 lessons of Science per fortnight. Students complete topics under the branches of Biology Chemistry and Physics throughout their two-year Key Stage 3 studies.

Each year consists of:

Year 7

Cells
Structure and Function of Body Systems
Reproduction
Particles and their Behaviour
Elements, atoms, and Compounds
Reactions
Acids and Alkalis
Forces
Sound
Light
Space

Year 8

Cells
Structure and Function of Body Systems
Reproduction
Particles and their Behaviour
Elements, atoms, and Compounds
Reactions
Acids and Alkalis
Forces
Sound
Light
Space

These are taught on a rotational basis and all students will have completed all units by the end of their academic year. ‘Working scientifically’ skills are taught throughout all units and elements are incorporated in all end of unit assessments.

Key stage 4 

Key stage 4 students have 6 lessons of Science per fortnight if they study Combined Science and 8 lessons per fortnight if they chose to study Triple Science. Students will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and in more detail, they will study the following modules:

VI FORM

Our VI Form meets the needs of all students and provides qualifications that are demanded by both industry and higher education. CSIA VI Form offers a transition from all Key Stage 4 Subjects.

A LEVEL BIOLOGY- OCR

Extend your knowledge of how living things work by following a most popular science A-level course in Biology. Run over two years, this course is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Biology and how they relate to each other. We will help students to build competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills, whilst supporting their interest and enthusiasm for the subject. We will encourage an interest in further study and careers in associated fields. It is our intention that students also gain an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject. The course prepares students who wish to progress into further or higher education, to follow courses in varied areas of Biology (e.g. Human/Marine/Animal/Micro/Plant), and related subjects such as Veterinary sciences Oceanography, Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences and all Medicine related fields.

Course Outline

  • Unit 1 Development of Practical Skills in Biology
  • Unit 2 Foundations in Biology
  • Unit 3 Exchange and Transport
  • Unit 4 Biodiversity, Evolution and disease
  • Unit 5 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
  • Unit 6 Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystem

 

A Level Chemistry- OCR

Extend your knowledge of the behaviour of chemicals and materials by following a most popular science A-level course in Chemistry. Run over two years, this course is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the 3 key areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic and physical) and how they relate to each other. We will help students to build competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills, whilst supporting their interest and enthusiasm for the subject. We will encourage an interest in further study and careers in associated fields. It is our intention that students also gain an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject. The course prepares students who wish to progress into further or higher education, to follow courses in varied areas of Chemistry (e.g. Metallurgy/Pharmacology/Biochemistry), and related subjects such as Veterinary sciences, Biomedical sciences and all Medicine related fields.

Course Outline

  • Unit 1 Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
  • Unit 2 Foundations in Chemistry
  • Unit 3 Periodic Table and Energy
  • Unit 4 Core organic Chemistry
  • Unit 5 Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
  • Unit 6 Organic Chemistry and Analysis

 

A Level Physics- AQA

Physics is a Fascinating A-level, often seen as the most fundamental of the natural sciences. The topics range from the amazing sub-atomic particles of the quantum world to the massive stars in the universe. Principally the course researches the interaction of matter and energy and predicting how they control the world we live in. The Physics A-level course is a wonderful way to begin seeing and understanding the daily influence of complex forces and phenomena and would complement other studies in the fields of science and medicine, along with demonstrating a breadth of interest and ability for the more literary or highly solicited career pathways.

Course Outline

  • Unit 1  Measurements and their errors
  • Unit 2  Particles and radiation
  • Unit 3 Waves
  • Unit 4 Mechanics and materials
  • Unit 5 Electricity
  • Unit 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics
  • Unit 7  Fields and their consequences
  • Unit 8 Nuclear Physics
  • Unit 12 Turning points in Physics

Psychology- AQA

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychology involves the examination and analysis of various theories of behaviour and the consideration of research evidence. You will be encouraged to think critically and to evaluate conclusions in an objective and analytical way. Over the course students study: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology. Students will also study approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology – Explanations of the nervous system, fight or flight, brain structure, biological rhythms and ways of studying the brain.

Unit 1 is externally assessed through a two hour written paper. (33.3% of A level).
Unit 2 is externally assessed through a two hour written paper. (33.3% of A level).
Unit 3 is externally assessed through a two hour written paper. (33.3% of A level).

 

BTEC Applied Human Biology

If you love Biology, especially the aspects more closely linked to how our amazing human bodies function, then look no further. This vocational course gives learners the opportunity to learn fascinating A level standard science but in a more contextual way. Applied Human Biology is ideal for students who thrive in an engaging and hands-on style of learning and it supports progression to an apprenticeship, higher education or employment. This two year course provides a fantastic foundation for progression into health and health science sectors. Example career options include medicine, occupational therapy, allied health and sciences including life sciences, clinical biomedical sciences, physiological sciences and much more. This course could lead to opportunities to work in a range of settings including hospitals, private clinics, industry, research institutes and community healthcare. If choosing a course that could lead to a career in the applied health and health science sector, which plays a crucial role in improving and supporting the health of the nation, then this is the course for you.

 

Course Outline

Year 1

  • External exam in May based on The Principles of Applied Human Biology
  • Internal assignment based on Microbiology and Infectious diseases

Year 2

  • External exam based on Human Body and Health Issues
  • Internal assignment based on Human Functional Physiology

 

Assessment

The BTEC Applied Human Biology course is assessed by external examinations, including those that are based on pre-release material, plus the submission of a portfolio of coursework over the two years of study. Assignments are set in each of the units and are based on the investigations undertaken. Assessments may take any of the following forms: Practical reports, Portfolios of work, Research assignments, Practical investigations and Presentations.

 

The units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction following the application of compensation rules for the internally assessed units.

The overall qualification is graded as P, M, D and D*.

 

NEXUS

Please see Nexus link to see the amazing integration and collaboration between our Science department and NEXUS.

 

CAREERS

Our courses will prepare students for university courses in all Science based courses, or for work in the industry. Below are just a few of the career opportunities that exist to candidates that complete the courses at work. Students have successfully progressed on to many University courses, including; Human Bio-Sciences, Paramedic Science, Mining Engineering, Physics with Theoretical Physics, Natural Science, and Adult and Child Nursing. From our 2015 cohort, one of our students is now studying Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University.  Ex students from our science courses have gone on to the following careers:  Nursing, midwifery, Paramedicine, Medicine, pharmacology, engineering, veterinary science, teaching, architecture and Biomedical research to name but a few.

 

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME

The International programme in our school is immense, and the Science department play a key role in the more Science based trips. For example:

  • Four of our teachers have travelled to Japan and taught Science lessons (in English).
  • 2017 saw our first teacher exchange to Winnipeg, Canada
  • Development of research projects with our students to take to various Science fairs around the world, including Japan, Singapore, Australia, Moscow and South Korea.
  • CSIA hosted the 2013 International Student Science Fair, an amazing experience for our academy and community. The legacy lives on, as we remain in working contact with many establishments that we visited as part of the programme. For example: Falmouth Marine School, Tremough Campus, Padstow lobster hatchery, Gwithian surf academy, Pendennis shipyard, The National Maritime museum, The Eden Project, Roddas creamery, Callestick Farm, Camborne School of Mines, Scottish Power , Bloodhound Rocket car and At Bristol. The tagline for our ISSF, “inspiration through collaboration” seems most appropriate.
  • We also run collaborative projects throughout the year. We are currently working with National Junior College, Singapore and Fort Richmond High School, Winnipeg, Canada. The idea of the collaboration is to give our students the opportunity to work on a research project across the continents.
  • 2017 also saw our pioneer trip to CERN where students were able to visit the Hadron collider!
  • Every year in July CSIA host a mini Science Fair with just a few select international schools. The theme is bespoke each year, but is often base on sustainability with help from our links at Exeter University.

 

 TRIPS AND VISITS

Here at CSIA Science Dept. we run numerous trips to places of scientific interest, to help inspire and motivate our students. Examples of such are:

  • The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth where students were able to learn about various aquatic ecosystems
  • Tremough Campus ‘Exploring Evolution’ workshop
  • Geevor Tin mine engineering event, where Year 7s were challenged to make a fully functioning water wheel from scrap.
  • Salters and Royal Society of Chemistry Student Festival
  • ‘Exploring Particle Physics’ day at the University of Exeter. Students had a video conference with a Doctorate researcher based at CERN in Switzerland. They were challenged to discover the mass of a Higgs Boson, the prize for the highest significance result went to our very own CSIA student.
  • Aberthaw power station and cement works to see large scale chemical industry. The trip also included a tour of the Chemistry department at Cardiff University.
  • Lockheed Martin Merlin Helicopter Engineering Challenge – where students work on a practical problem to rescue a grounded helicopter.
  • BLOODHOUND SSC workshop – the SSC is a supersonic racing car designed to reach speeds of 1000 mph. Our students took part in the workshop this year and actually went on to win the car design challenge, which meant their names will be printed on the side panel of the actual Bloodhound Car
  • In addition, we have inspiring visitors to CSIA, such as the Royal Society of Chemistry and some of the most eminent medical research establishments in the UK in conjunction with UK touring theatre companies. There is also a plethora of trips and speakers as part of the co-curricular aspect of Nexus.
Mike Grocott using dry ice to make a comet in his lecture about careers in space.

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