Science
Welcome to Science at CIS – Exploring the Universe through thinking, fun and finding out.
In today’s highly technological world a sound understanding of science is an essential part of any good education. At CIS we aim to provide a science curriculum that is stimulating, informative and fun. All students study science from Years 7 to 11. In year 7 to 9 students follow the Cambridge Secondary 1 curriculum from Cambridge International Exams. In Years 10 and 11, the majority of our students follow the OCR 21st Century courses in either combined science or all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). The science department firmly believe that all students are capable of a high standard of accomplishment and that these courses reflect our unique international culture and high expectations.
Key Stage 3 (11 to 14 year olds)
In years 7 to 9 the students follow the Cambridge Secondary 1 Science course. This is endorsed and assessed by Cambridge International Examinations.
The course explores aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
We cover the following topics over the 3 years, which are formally assessed by the Checkpoint exams from CIE at the end of Year 9.
Biology
- Plants, structure and reproduction
- Humans as organisms, including sex education
- Variation and Classification of organisms
- Cells; their structures and functions
- Organisms and their environments including food chains
- Human influence on the environment
Chemistry
- States of Matter
- Materials and their properties
- Chemical and physical changes
- Chemical reactions
- Metals and their properties
- The Periodic table and Chemical patterns
Physics
- Forces and movement
- Light, sound and waves
- Magnetism and electricity including static electricity
- Density, buoyancy and pressure
- Energy and Energy Sources
Key skills and cognitive development in Science
Science is more than just knowing facts and figure it’s all about communication, problem solving and the key skills of working with others and dealing with information. As part of developing these core key skills all our programs of study include the skills of scientific enquiry and from Sept 2012 a new course for CIS, know as CASE (Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education), created and supported by the research team at King’s College, London. This uses scientific enquiry as a means to help all students improve their thinking and problem solving skills.
Key Stage 4 (14 to 16 year olds)
Year 10 and 11 follow the OCR, GCSE course, either taking a coordinated course covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics and leading to two GCSE grades or they can opt to take each as a separate GCSE for 3 qualifications. All students are taught by a subject specialist from each of the main disciplines in Years 10 and 11. Every year we spend a day with Homerton College in their labs conducting experiments in the exciting environment of the University’s own labs. Something we think is unique to CIS and making ice cream with liquid nitrogen is a memorable culinary experience!
Beyond the lab walls
All of our courses are supported by an array of additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom and labs. We are regular visitors to the many world class museums in Cambridge, going with the curators into the archives that are not seen by the passing public. The evening trips to the astrological telescopes are always a highlight of the year. But not all our learning beyond the lab needs a trip out of school, we are fortunate to be located on an amazing site surrounded by countryside and we even have our own ponds to explore as part of our environmental work.
Every year we venture down the road to Duxford to join the STEM day of activities with other schools from across Cambridge and surrounding counties.
Once a year we host Science Day when the school comes together around science to explore topics in more detail, from the work of historical figures to current ideas and topical events. This Year 2012 – what else but the Olympics and the importance of physical fitness and healthy living, supported by materials from the London Olympic Committee and the Wellcome Trust.
Come join us and explore the amazing universe of science in a city with a scientific heritage second to none, even our lab benches once graced the hallowed halls of the Cavendish Laboratories, a little heritage to inspire the next generation of excellence.
Mr Knowles, Miss Lee, Mrs Weston, Mr Dixon and Mr Bennett (The CIS Science Team).