Curriculum

Science

Our aim in Science is to enable pupils to understand, enjoy and marvel at the natural world, through engaging lessons that challenge their thinking. We aim to encourage our pupils to be curious about the world around them and to develop a positive and practical approach to scientific learning.  We build understanding of science through a wide and varied curriculum in which pupils are regularly challenged. We aim to build understanding of Science that will be relevant throughout the lives of our students.

Our science curriculum focuses on developing key concepts and skills across 5 years. Our 3 Year Key stage 3 ensures that pupils build understanding, giving them the firm foundation, they need to pursue further scientific study.

At Key Stage 4, pupils will undertake one of two routes: studying either Combined Science, or Separate/Individual Sciences. Combined Science leads to the award of two GCSEs, whereas Separate Sciences leads to the award of three GCSEs. Regardless of the route they are assigned to, all pupils will study key aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Curriculum Overview – Key Stage 3
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

Lab Skills

Biology

  • Cells
  • Structure & Function of Body Systems
  • Reproduction

 

Chemistry

  • Particles & their Behaviour
  • Elements, Atoms & Compounds
  • Reactions

 

Physics

  • Forces
  • Sound

Biology

  • Health & Lifestyle
  • Ecosystem Processes

 

Chemistry

  • Acids & Alkalis
  • The Periodic Table
  • Separation Techniques

 

Physics

  • Light
  • Space
  • Electricity & Magnetism

 

 

Biology

  • Adaptations & Inheritance.

 

Chemistry

  • The Earth
  • Metals & Acids

 

Physics

  • Energy
  • Motion & Pressure

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Overview – Key Stage 4
Year 10 Year 11

Biology

  • ​Key concepts in Biology
  • Cells and control
  • Genetics
  • Natural Selection and genetic modification
  • Health, disease and the development of medicines

Chemistry

  • Key concepts in Chemistry
  • States of matter and separating mixtures
  • Atomic Structure
  • The Periodic Table & Bonding
  • Acids & Alkalis
  • Calculations involving masses
  • Electrolysis
  • Extracting metals and equilibria

Physics

  • Key concepts in Physics
  • Motion and Forces
  • Conservation of energy
  • Waves
  • Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Radioactivity

Biology

  • Key concepts in Biology
  • Plant structures and their functions
  • Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
  • Exchange and transport in animals
  • Ecosystems and material cycles

Chemistry

  • Key concepts in Chemistry
  • Atomic Structure
  • The Periodic Table & Bonding
  • Calculations involving masses
  • Groups in the periodic table
  • Rates of reaction and energy changes
  • Fuels and Earth science

Physics

  • Key concepts of Physics
  • Energy-Forces doing work
  • Forces and their effects
  • Electricity and circuits
  • Magnetism and the motor effect
  • Electromagnetic induction
  • Particle model
  • Forces and matter

 

Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half term.

KS4 Exam Board Specification (Combined Science): Edexcel Combined Science (1SC0)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Biology): Edexcel Biology (1BI0)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Chemistry): Edexcel Chemistry (1CH0)
KS4 Exam Board Specification (Physics):  Edexcel Physics (1PH0)

Enrichment Offer

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Science Careers

Studying Science can open up many pathways whether it is on to A Levels, BTECS, Apprenticeships or work. You may decide to become an expert in a specific scientific area by studying at University, and then go on to a specialised career.

Examples of careers in Science:

Biology

Biomedical scientist, Bioengineer, Biomedical engineer, Dietician, Doctor Ecologist, Biology lecturer, Biology teacher, Marine biologist, Microbiologist, Physiotherapist, Research biologist, Sports Scientist, Zoologist, Vet, Zoo keeper, Immunologist, Pharmacist, Optometrist, Dentist, Radiologist.

Chemistry

Chocolatier, Climate scientist, Composites engineer, Computer molecular modelling, Environment officer, Forensic scientist, Geologist, Materials chemist, Motor vehicle apprentice, Research chemist, Chemistry lecturer, Chemistry teacher, Chemical engineer, Pharmacist, Toxicologist, Dentist.

Physics

Air traffic safety engineer, Pilot, Astronaut, Astronomer, Geophysicist, Electrical engineer, Civil engineer, Energy analyst, Medical physicist, Radiographer, Science journalist, Space scientist, Sports engineer, Sports technologist, Cosmologist, Optometrist, Particle physicist, Seismologist, Spacecraft engineer, Robotics.

Further information

For further information about our science curriculum offer, please contact Dr Rashid (Director of Learning for Science) using the school contact details.