Science
Curriculum Intent
Our science curriculum is based on developing scientific thinking. It is accepted that preserving scientific curiosity makes for a better scientist, and both the national curriculum and the GCSE science specifications combine powerful knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics in achieving this. Scholars also develop ideas about working scientifically, inspiring our scientists of the future.
The study of science follows the ‘big ideas principle’ exploring links between ten big idea headings; forces, electromagnetism, energy, waves, matter, reactions, earth, organisms, ecosystems and genes. Scholars develop scientific language, experimental skills and strategies to analyse and evaluate questions about the world around them to a mastery level.
Our curriculum is comprehensive. The content is delivered in a logical order, using mastery goals. Scholars follow a three year KS3 and two year GCSE program, cumulatively increasing in challenge throughout the 5 years. Scholars develop a scientific competence and proficiency that open doors to remarkable opportunities in science beyond their school life.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Scholars begin their study of science by developing fundamental scientific ideas in matter, forces, energy and cells. Scholars will also learn about the human body and how it changes during adolescence, whilst maintaining their natural curiosity exploring the earth and the universe.
Year 8
Scholars continue on their scientific journey with an increase in challenge, identifying patterns in the periodic table and investigating how chemicals react. They learn about how body systems and plants are organised to support life. Scholars look at how humans interact with the environment and learn how that impacts the environment in which we live. Scholars also maintain their curiosity exploring how waves allow us to communicate.
Year 9
Scholars continue to secure foundational knowledge in electricity, electromagnetism and genes before advancing their ‘big ideas’ at a more advanced level. As the year progresses scholars develop their knowledge further, through the study of; cell biology and organisation, the particle model, atomic structure and how atoms bond.
Useful Links
Key Stage 4
We have two GCSE routes that scholars can take; GCSE Science Trilogy and GCSE separate sciences.
Both routes allow scholars to advance on to A level science courses. GCSE separate sciences are particularly suited to those scholars aspiring to enter into scientific related careers.
GCSE Science - Trilogy (Exam Board: AQA)
Scholars study trilogy - which is a double award in science worth two GCSEs. Subject content is drawn from all three separate science disciplines; biology, chemistry and physics. It is assessed by six, 1 hour 15 minute exams, each worth 16.7% each. Scholars will also undertake 21 compulsory practical’s that will enable them to develop competency in working scientifically.
Biology Paper 1:
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
Biology Paper 2:
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
Chemistry Paper 1:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
Chemistry Paper 2:
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Physics Paper 1:
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure.
Physics Paper 2:
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
Useful Links
AQA Combined Science Trilogy BBC Bitesize - Combined Science Trilogy GCSEPod
Separate Science Route
Some scholars may study biology, chemistry and physics as part of the separate science route. Scholars will be awarded three separate GCSEs, one for each science discipline.
Each discipline is assessed separately, each having two, 1 hour 45 minute exams, each worth 50%.
GCSE Biology (Exam Board: AQA)
Biology Paper 1:
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
Biology Paper 2:
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance
- Variation and evolution
- Ecology
Scholars will undertake ten biology compulsory practical’s that will enable them to develop competency in working scientifically.
Useful Links
AQA Biology BBC Bitesize - Biology GCSEPod
GCSE Chemistry (Exam Board: AQA)
Chemistry paper 1:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
Chemistry paper 2:
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources.
Scholars will undertake eight chemistry compulsory practical’s that will enable them to develop competency in working scientifically.
Useful Links
AQA Chemistry BBC Bitesize - Chemistry GCSEPod
GCSE Physics (Exam Board: AQA)
Physics paper 1:
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
Physics paper 2:
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Space physics
Scholars will undertake ten physics compulsory practical’s that will enable them to develop competency in working scientifically.
Useful Links
AQA Physics BBC Bitesize - Physics GCSEPod
Curriculum Overview