Curriculum
Science
Subject Vision
In science we focus on the real world and look at issues such as climate change, renewable energy, nano technology and more. We see Science education in school as the start of a lifelong experience of learning, discovering, and developing the skills to understand the world around us. As Edwin Hubble the astronomer said, ‘Equipped with our five senses, we explore the universe around us and call the adventure Science.’
In Science, pupils study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics as they develop the skills that scientists use as they go about their work. All year groups are sorted into two bands known as H and G. At key stage 3 pupils build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills that they have already developed in their Primary School. It is our aim that every pupil achieves an externally validated qualification in Science by the end of year 11.
Curriculum Plan
KS3
In Year 7 and Year 8 pupils study science for three hours a week and complete the following topics:
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KS3 |
YEAR 7 |
YEAR 8 |
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CONTENT |
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• Forces - Contact Forces and Pressure • Electromagnets - Magnetism and Electromagnetism • Energy - Work, Heating and Cooling • Waves - Wave Effects and Wave Properties • Matter - Periodic Table and Elements • Reactions - Chemical Energy and Types of Reaction • Earth - Climate and Earth Resources • Organisms - Breathing and Digestion • Ecosystems - Respiration and Photosynthesis • Genes - Evolution and Inheritance |
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KEY SKILLS |
• Plan and identify variables • Test Hypothesis • Estimate risks • Use specialist equipment to take measurements • Handle and manipulate equipment with confidence • Recognise hazards and plan how to minimise risks. • Reviewing theories |
• Collect, present, and analyse data • Investigative skills • Plan and identify variables • Test Hypothesis • Estimate risks • Use specialist equipment to take measurements • Handle and manipulate equipment with confidence • Recognise hazards and plan how to minimise risks. • Reviewing theories |
KS4
In Year 9, pupils begin their GCSE qualification and study science for three hours a week. They study varied topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils in Year 9 have several options and can study either AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Pupils in Year 10 and 11 continue with the option that they chose in Year 9 Most pupils study the AQA Combined Science GCSE Trilogy course. This is a combination of Biology, Physics and Chemistry and enables pupils to gain two GCSE qualifications. Some pupils study separate AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics and can gain a triple GCSE qualification in these subjects. The exams for all these courses contribute 100% of the marks towards their final grade and there is no coursework element. All Year 10 and year 11 pupils study Science for four hours a week.
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KS4 |
YEAR 9 |
YEAR 10 |
YEAR 11 Combined Science |
Year 11 Triple Science |
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CONTENT |
• Biology Cell Biology Organisation • Chemistry Atomic structure and the periodic table Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
• Physics Energy Waves Electricity Magnetism and Electromagnetism Particle Model of Matter Atomic Structure
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• Biology Infection and response Bioenergetics Homeostasis and response • Chemistry Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Energy changes The rate and extent of chemical changes • Physics Forces Energy Waves Electricity Magnetism and electromagnetism Particle Model of Matter Forces Space Physics |
• Biology Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Ecology • Chemistry Organic Chemistry Chemical Analysis Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using Resources • Physics Energy Waves Electricity Magnetism and Electromagnetism Particle Model of Matter Atomic Structure and Forces. |
• Biology Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution Ecology • Chemistry Organic Chemistry Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Using Resources. • Physics – Energy Waves Electricity Magnetism and Electromagnetism Particle Model of Matter Atomic Structure Forces and Space Physics. |
|
KEY SKILLS |
• Analyse Patterns • Discuss limitations • Draw conclusions • Collect, present and analyse data • Investigative skills |
• Analyse Patterns. • Discuss limitations. • Draw conclusions. • Collect, present and analyse data. • Investigative skills. |
• Refining skills acquired from Years 7-10. |
• Refining skills acquired from Years 7-10. |
Assessments:
All pupils complete end of unit assessments after completing each unit.
Pupils are also assessed on units of work covered at the end of each term.
All Year 11 pupils complete 2 GCSE Mock examinations.
The GCSE exams contribute 100% of the marks towards their final grade and there is no coursework element.
Outcomes : 2019
GCSE Combined Science 9-4 73%
GCSE Biology 9-4 64 %
GCSE Chemistry 9-4 61 %
GCSE Physics 9-4 96%
What next?
Progression Pathway at KS5
• A level Biology • A level Chemistry • A level Physics
• Level 3 BTEC Applied Science • Science Apprenticeships.
These courses can lead to careers in STEM such as :
• Medicine • Nursing • Biochemistry
• Dentistry • Radiography • Forensic Science
• Petrochemical Industries • Pharmaceutical Industries
(Reviewed December 2020)
COVID: DUE TO THE SCHOOL CLOSURES BETWEEN MARCH 2020 – JULY 2020 AND ONGOING GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME SMALL, TEMPORARY ADAPTIONS TO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. WE WILL ENDEVOUR TO RETURN TO A NORMAL CURRICULUM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME.
