Science
Science is one of the cornerstones of secondary education, the study of which helps to develop inquisitive thought and both literacy and numeracy skills through analysis and investigation.
At the Oratory School we aim to educate students well beyond any examined curriculum to be scientifically literate, thoughtful adults who can make informed decisions about their own health and life choices and make contributions to shaping the economies and societies of tomorrow
Specialist Subject Teachers
Each science is taught by specialist subject teachers. The content is presented in an order that tells a coherent and logical story and practical work is an important part of the course. Written exams develop the knowledge and understanding that students have gained, and practical work is linked to content to embed related skills and knowledge. The courses cover a systematic body of scientific knowledge, skills and the practical nature of Science.
Intellectually Curious
Our students are encouraged to read widely, enabling them to more fully appreciate scientific issues and advances. The library is well stocked with up-to-date texts which not only fully support all of the courses we deliver, but also go well beyond these, for the interested reader and those who may be preparing for entry to university. 6th Form Journal Club provides opportunities for scientists at all levels to develop critical reading skills by evaluating scientific literature.
Broad & Engaging
Our location in South Oxfordshire (sandwiched between two ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns) is especially useful to our biologists, while our extensive grounds often host a range of physics experiments too. Our proximity to London and Oxford allows us to take advantage of the vast range of offerings from museums, universities, theatres, and other institutions.
Biology
The department has a wealth of resources to engage students in the wonder of the living world. Our dedicated and inspiring teaching staff make excellent use of these resources and our beautiful campus to create an exciting, dynamic and illuminating learning environment. Students will get to spend time both in and out of the classroom learning about the world around them, and lessons are as hands on as possible to allow students to learn through practical experience. Good use is always made of our ‘beyond the syllabus study room’ where students can sit, surrounded by a collection of plants and tropical fish, with access to interactive IT equipment and a whole range of resource books.
All students study Biology to GCSE level.
COURSES OFFERED
AQA KS3 Science [Biology Component]
AQA GCSE Trilogy [Biology Component]
AQA GCSE Biology
A LEVEL Biology [OCR Biology A]
GCSE
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PAPER |
COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
WEIGHTING |
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Biology |
Topics 1-4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and Response; and |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7% |
|
Biology |
Topics 5-7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology. |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7%
|
Beyond the course: The study of Science to GCSE and beyond is essential for a variety of university courses and a vast number of careers require a firm grounding in Science. To go on to train as a doctor, veterinarian, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer or sports trainer, a strong knowledge of at least one of the sciences will be required; and there are thousands of other careers for which it will be similarly essential. It is also a desirable qualification for those not wishing to study Science at a higher level as the course helps develop inquisitive thought and both literacy and numeracy skills through analysis of investigations.
A LEVEL
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COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
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Content is split into six teaching modules:
Module 1: development of practical skills in Biology Module 2: foundations in Biology Module 3: exchange and transport Module 4: biodiversity, evolution and disease Module 5: communication, homeostasis and energy Module 6: genetics, evolution and ecosystems
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Biological processes (37%) 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
Biological diversity (37%) 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
Unified Biology (26%) 1 hour 30 minutes written paper
Practical endorsement in Biology (non-exam assessment) |
Beyond the course: by studying Biology, a wide range of degree courses is open to students, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy. Biology also has close links with Sports Science, Geography, and environmental and Chemistry-based university degree courses. This course is also suitable for those learners wishing to follow an apprenticeship route or those seeking direct entry into Biological Science careers.
Enrichment and Co-curricular:
The Science Department runs an everchanging programme of activities, including clubs, trips and competitions, many designed to foster a love of biology and the natural world. Our inaugural biological drawing competition attracted many entries from our talented biologists and artists alike, and this will become an annual event in the Science calendar. 6th Form students take part in a field work exercise at Studland Bay to carry out an in-depth profile of the sand dunes. The 1st and 2nd Forms have a visit from an animal encounter experience or a trip out to Beale Park. 4th Form biologists and geographers visit Studland Bay to carry out fieldwork, allowing students to put into practice the theory of sampling techniques, and to collect and analyse real data relating to sand dune succession. Biology workshops, such as modelling whole body dissection, and talks feature heavily in our British Science Week celebrations.
Chemistry
At the Oratory School we are passionate about Chemistry. Our teachers, who are highly qualified practitioners with a wealth of experience in both academia and industry, encourage interest in the subject by adopting a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning and offering a practical-rich curriculum. We aim to make students aware of the effect Chemistry has on the world around us. All age groups attend lectures, practical sessions and presentations in order to make Chemistry accessible to all and to complement the GCSE and A Level specifications that are studied. Students are actively involved in the learning process and all classes encounter lab work of varying complexity as they develop mathematical, problem-solving, analysis and evaluation skills alongside the chemical content invaluable to their everyday lives.
All students study Chemistry to GCSE level.
COURSES OFFERED
AQA KS3 Science [Chemistry Component]
AQA GCSE Trilogy [Chemistry Component]
AQA GCSE Chemistry
A LEVEL Chemistry [OCR Chemistry A]
GCSE
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PAPER |
COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
WEIGHTING |
|
Chemistry Paper 1 |
Topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes. |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7%
|
|
Chemistry Paper 2 |
Topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7%
|
Beyond the course: The study of Science to GCSE and beyond is essential for a variety of university courses and a vast number of careers require a firm grounding in Science. To go on to train as a doctor, veterinarian, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer or sports trainer, a strong knowledge of at least one of the sciences will be required; and there are thousands of other careers for which it will be similarly essential. It is also a desirable qualification for those not wishing to study Science at a higher level as the course helps develop inquisitive thought and both literacy and numeracy skills through analysis of investigations.
A LEVEL
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COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
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Module 1: development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2: foundations in chemistry
Module 3: periodic table and energy
Module 4: core organic chemistry
Module 5: physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6: organic chemistry and analysis. |
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 2 hours 15 minutes written paper Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques (37%) Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 2 hours 15 minutes written paper Paper 3: Unified chemistry (26%) Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 1 hour 30 minutes written paper Practical endorsement in chemistry (non-exam assessment) |
Beyond the Course: the study of Chemistry to A Level is essential for a wide variety of university courses, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Veterinary Science, many Biological subjects, and Chemistry itself. Whether the subject is studied for its own sake or as a qualification to proceed to other degree courses, the successful pupil will be a logical and capable problem-solver with an analytical mind.
Enrichment and Co-curricular:
The Science Department runs an everchanging programme of activities. Chemistry-based activities have included workshops, such as Spectroscopy in a Suitcase, laboratory days at the University of Oxford or University of Reading, and the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills by taking part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. We like to get involved in practical laboratory-based events, such as the RSC Schools Analyst competition for lower 6th students, and for budding chemists lower down the school we attend Salter’s Festival of Chemistry and the RSC Top of the Bench competition.
Physics
The most fundamental of the sciences: from the smallest constituents of the atom to the largest structures in the universe, Physics has something to say about it all. Not just a collection of theories and facts but a way of thinking about the world, Physics enables students to develop many higher-order skills through experiments, demonstrations and open-ended discussions. At the Oratory School, Physics is taught by specialist teachers who love their subject and aim to encourage curiosity and enthusiasm in their students; simultaneously ensuring that they are taught to a rigorously high standard to allow them to pursue the highest level of qualifications should they wish to do so. There is a spirit of enthusiasm and fun within the department; we really do enjoy teaching Physics and aim to share this enthusiasm and passion with the students.
All students study Physics to GCSE level.
COURSES OFFERED
AQA KS3 Science [Physics Component]
AQA GCSE Trilogy [Physics Component]
AQA GCSE Physics
A LEVEL Physics [AQA]
GCSE
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PAPER |
COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
WEIGHTING |
|
Physics Paper 1 |
Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure. |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7%
|
|
Physics Paper 2 |
Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and |
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes Foundation and Higher Tier 70 marks Questions: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
16.7%
|
Beyond the course: The study of Science to GCSE and beyond is essential for a variety of university courses and a vast number of careers require a firm grounding in Science. To go on to train as a doctor, veterinarian, physiotherapist, chemist, beautician, architect, surveyor, engineer, farmer or sports trainer, a strong knowledge of at least one of the sciences will be required; and there are thousands of other careers for which it will be similarly essential. It is also a desirable qualification for those not wishing to study Science at a higher level as the course helps develop inquisitive thought and both literacy and numeracy skills through analysis of investigations.
A LEVEL
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COURSE CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT |
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Content is split into different sections: 1: measurements and their errors 2: particles and radiation 3: waves 4: mechanics and materials 5: electricity 6: further mechanics and thermal Physics 7: fields and their consequences 8: nuclear Physics 9-13: optional topics such as Turning Points |
Paper 1: Sections 1-5 and 6.1 (periodic motion) (34%) 2 hour written paper, 85 marks Paper 2: Sections 6.2 (thermal Physics) and 7-8 (34%) 2 hour written paper, 85 marks Paper 3: Section A: Practical skills and data analysis (45 marks) Section B: Optional topic (35 marks) 2 hour written paper Practical endorsement in Physics (non-exam assessment) |
Beyond the Course: Physics remains a highly regarded A Level subject and its study brings with it many transferable skills which evidence an organised, dextrous and questioning intellect. Through studying Physics, a wide range of degree courses are open to you, for instance: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Material Sciences, Geology, Architecture, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Medicine, Mathematics and Particle Physics, to name just a few. All these courses open doors into careers in industries such as aerospace, defence, education, energy, engineering, instrumentation, manufacturing, science and telecommunications.
If you choose the route of an apprenticeship in research or industry environment, an A Level in Physics is often compulsory. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), training provider Gen2, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) are some examples of apprenticeships where an A Level qualification in Physics is essential.
More information can be found on the Institute of Physics website, Your future with physics: A guide for young people https://www.iop.org/careers-physics/your-future-with-physics
Enrichment and Co-curricular:
The Science Department runs an everchanging programme of activities. Physics-based activities have included astronomy workshops; the Bloodhound engineering project; trips to the Big Bang Fair, McLaren and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory; building and design projects [previous 6th Form students built a functioning Ruben’s Tube] and 6th Form physicists compete in the Physics Olympiad.
Enrichment
In the Science Department, learning does not stop when students leave the classroom, and we provide a multitude of extra activities for interested students to get involved with. We believe that it is vital that student enthusiasm be fuelled, and that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom when students are passionate about the subjects they are studying.
In addition to subject-specific activities and events, the department facilitates an ever-evolving programme of activities designed to inspire and enthuse. Recent examples of these include:
- Minecraft STEM Club: developing understanding of science-based ideas and concepts through modelling and building
- 6th Form Science Journal Club: provides opportunities for scientists at all levels to develop critical reading skills by evaluating scientific literature and thereby improving their scientific literacy, introducing them to new concepts and techniques, and, most importantly, improving confidence and communication skills.
- Local trips: Science Museum, Royal Institution, GCSE Science Live
- International trips: 2021 - Iceland [Biology & Geography collaboration]
- Eggucation: rare breed chicken conservation – hosting a brood of eggs and live-streaming the chicks hatching
- Guest Speakers: 2021 – Dr Jess Wade [Imperial College London] a post-doctoral researcher working with on chiral organic light-emitting diodes, she also works tirelessly to engage with the public, champion women in STEM and tackle the gender bias on Wikipedia.
- All 6th Form scientists and psychologists attended the 2021 UNESCO virtual conference celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19"
