Science

At a time when the world’s focus is on the importance of science, never before has it been such an exciting time to consider this area as a progression pathway.

Science remains at the forefront of innovation and exploration and at St Vincent students can study a range of science subjects that will enable you to progress to University and employment.

Blending exciting experiments, classroom learning and study in our fantastic laboratories and teaching spaces, students studying Science subjects are assured of a fun and enthralling learning experience led by our passionate and supportive teaching staff.

APPLIED SCIENCE

LEVEL 3 TRIPLE

This is a multifaceted and exciting course which explores aspects of all three sciences (physics, chemistry and biology). This course has a large proportion of practical work, which is focused on relevant real-world science which can be contextualised to every day life. This course covers core knowledge within chemistry, biology and physics as well as the career prospects for these areas of science.

Students will learn core content relating to chemistry (e.g. reaction mechanisms, functional chemistry, practical chemistry and industrial chemistry), biology (including medical physics, anatomy and physiology and the science behind disease and medical advances to treat diseases) and physics (fluid dynamics, energy and many other areas related to physics).

This course offers the opportunity to explore science in a way which enables students to not only develop their core science knowledge in chemistry, biology and physics but also their confidence, practical skills, organisation skills, exam technique, research skills and many more. This is an exciting and engaging course which has a large proportion of practical work. If you are curious and love to explore why things work, this could be the ideal course for you.

Course duration:

Two years.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at Grades 4 – 9, including at least 4 in Science, or Mathematics and English at GCSE Grade 4.

How students will learn:

Students will learn through varied and engaging lessons incorporating core content, a range of assessment and application tasks, research tasks and extensive practical work.

Assessment:

Written exams, course work, practical assessments.

Student profile:

Curious, hard-working, innovative, committed, diligent, organised.

Enrichment opportunities:

Industrial trips, workplace trips, opportunities to explore work-based laboratories and university open days as well as science related enrichment trips.

Progression routes:

University, Apprenticeships, Training, employment, self-employment.

Potential university courses:

Nursing, Paramedic, Physio Therapy, Biomedical Science, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Physics, Engineering.

Potential career paths:

Nurse, Paramedic, Physio Therapist, Science Teacher, Research and Development Scientist, PhD Student, Engineer.

APPLIED SCIENCE

LEVEL 3 SINGLE

This is a course which explores science as a whole, including dedicated units which focus on chemistry, biology and physics. The course is applied, so there is a large proportion of practical work which is relevant and exciting for students. Students will be taught about progression routes within science including higher education options and careers.

Students will learn core content related to chemistry, biology and physics - as well as real world applications of this knowledge and practical skills related to these areas. Students will also learn exam skills, time management skills and gain a range of practical skills in the laboratory.

This is an exciting and varied course which is ideal for anyone who is curious and excited to explore the world of science, including its applications in a range of career roles, everyday situations and real-world research.

Course duration:

Two years.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at Grades 4 – 9, including at least 4 in Science, or Mathematics and English at GCSE Grade 4.

How students will learn:

Students will explore science in an inquisitive way, using a range of real world applications to contextualise this knowledge. This course includes examined units and coursework-based units, with a large proportion of practical work. Industry visits and trips will be incorporated wherever possible.

Assessment:

Written exams, course work, practical assessments.

Student profile:

Hard-working, well-organised, curious, diligent, hands-on, inquisitive, innovative.

Enrichment opportunities:

Industrial trips, laboratories and University open days.

Progression routes:

Higher education at University, Apprenticeships, Employment, self-employment or training.

Potential university courses:

Nursing, Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, Forensic Science, Foundation year degrees in Science.

Potential career paths:

Nurse, Paramedic, Research and Development Scientist, Pharmacist, Science Teacher, PhD Student, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist.

APPLIED HUMAN BIOLOGY

LEVEL 3 SINGLE

This course is to designed to inspire and develop your enthusiasm for human biology whether you want to take this course for interest or whether you need it to support your future career. You will gain insight into current issues in human biology including stem cells, immunisation, heart disease, genetic manipulation and novel treatments.

Students will learn key concepts of human biology that will enable you to understand the workings of the inner human body, including all body systems and the intricacies of homeostasis and how we stay alive. You will learn about small molecules like DNA to large body systems like the cardiovascular system.

Taking this course could open many doors in your future. If you dislike exams there is only one in the two years and the internal assessments are equally weighted to the external assessments. The content is all human biology based and applies the theory to real life situations such as antibiotic resistance, ECGs and heart disease as well as microbiology and infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV and even Covid-19.

Course duration:

Two years.

Entry requirements:

English and Maths at grade 5 or above, And GCSE Science Grade 5 or above.

How students will learn:

Students will learn the topics through reading papers, dealing with data, dissections, design and implementation of experiments, problem solving, presentations, research and debates.

Assessment:

Written exams, course work, controlled assessment.

Student profile:

As a student you need to be keen to learn, dedicated to your studies, be able to revise independently and have a passion for human biology.

Enrichment opportunities:

Natural History Museum and Science Museum and Human Body Works.

Possible combinations:

Applied Science, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Science and Health and Social Care.

Progression routes:

University or Apprenticeships in Allied Health Professionals such as nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, as well as Biology or Science related courses.

Potential university courses:

Nursing, Biomedical Science, Midwifery.

Potential career paths:

Mental Health Nursed, Dental Nurse, Occupational Therapy.

BIOLOGY

GCSE

This course is about biology, the study of living things. This means that the subject is as diverse as the living world itself. The course encompasses the study of viruses, bacteria, plants, animals and humans. It concentrates on human body systems and inheritance and reproduction.

Biology GCSE is a highly regarded qualification. Employers and Education institutions know it is an excellent course to prepare for work in careers such as nursing, lab technician, microbiology, agricultural work. If you are considering teaching as a career GSCE Biology fulfils the GCSE science requirement.

Course duration:

One year.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSE grade 3 or above.

How students will learn:

Students will develop self confidence in science and a positive attitude towards it recognising the importance of science in our everyday lives and society. Practical skills will be learned as it is an intrinsic part of our course. Skills are developed that learners may transfer to employment in many different possible careers.

Assessment: Written exams.

Student profile:

Students with a positive attitude, willingness to learn and study and curiosity of livings should apply.

Enrichment opportunities:

Life Labs Southampton, Natural History Museum/ Science Museum and Body Works.

Possible combinations:

Level 2 provision such as Health and Social Care, GCSE Maths or English.

Progression routes:

Level 3 Science Subjects or or ultimately on to a PGCE with a relevant degree.

Potential university courses:

Teaching, Nursing, Biomedical Science.

Potential career paths:

Midwifery, Microbiologist, Environmental Scientist.