Science
Subject Intent
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Aims
In the science department our aims are to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
We are a leading Space department and hold Associate Department Status with The Princes Teaching Institute (PTI). As Associate Department we are recognised nationally for our innovative teaching and action research. Through the PTI our staff and pupils have access to the country’s leading academics who are working at the forefront of cutting edge research and development in the field of Science.
Our science department has modern lab facilities and is very well-resourced. As such we are able to provide pupils with a wide range of practically based science experiences. We also have a very extensive range of e-based learning software packages which allow us to provide high quality blended learning for our pupils.
All pupils are streamed by ability after the first autumn half term in year 7 so we can tailor the curriculum to best suit the needs of all learners.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 (KS3) Science focuses on the big scientific ideas. The generalisations, principles and models which connect concepts in biology, chemistry and physics are the basis for the syllabus at KS3. The syllabus is designed to allow students to learn to see the world analytically, to explain phenomena and make predictions – all skills they need for their next stage of scientific learning.
Content is organised under 10 big idea headings: Forces, Electromagnetism, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. An overview of when topics will be studied is shown below.
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Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
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Year 7 |
Skills & Organisms |
Forces |
Matter |
Reactions |
Ecosystems |
Genes |
Year 8 |
Periodic Table |
Waves |
Keeping healthy |
Chemical Reactions |
Electricity |
Energy from Food |
Year 9 | Cells | Atoms | Energy | Organisation | Bioenergetics | Electricity |
Pupils at KS3 will be expected to complete weekly homework tasks using the online learning tool KayScience alongside two written or project-based homework’s per half term. Further, they will have access to the online textbook and learning resource of ‘Kerboodle’ to supplement their schoolwork and aid in home-based revision. Homework at KS3 is designed to complement the learning in the classroom by embedding core scientific knowledge & develop subject skills in a creative and independent way. All homework is set via the Class Charts platform.
Key Stage 4
The majority of pupils will study Combined Science which results in 2 GCSEs while some pupils in the yellow pathway will have the opportunity to take their science further and study Triple Science, resulting in 3 GCSEs. Triple Science is not an option subject; pupils selected to study this subject are chosen based on their academic ability. We follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy suite of examinations. For Combined Science, pupils will cover 7 Biology, 9 Chemistry and 6 Physics modules.
AQA : Combined Science : Trilogy (2 GCSEs) |
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Aims of the course
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What’s assessed: There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each paper carries an equal weighting. Pupils will be fully assessed under exam conditions at the end of the GCSE course in Year 11. |
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How it’s assessed: Each subject will require pupils to sit a written exam 1 hour 15 minutes long, that is a total of 6 exam papers or 7hrs and 30 mins. Foundation and Higher Tier - 70 marks (Paper 1 & 2 are both equally weighted, each are worth 50% of the GCSE) |
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Questions A range of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
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What’s assessed: |
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Paper 1 Foundation or Higher |
Paper 2 Foundation or Higher |
What's assessed Biology Paper Topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics
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What's assessed Biology Paper Topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology |
Chemistry Paper Topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical |
Chemistry Paper Topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources
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Physics Paper Topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle |
Physics Paper Topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism |
Questions in paper 2 may draw on an understanding of concepts from paper 1. |
AQA : GCSE Triple Science: Trilogy (3 GCSEs Biology, Chemistry and Physics) | |
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Aims of the course
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What’s assessed: For each separate science the assessment comprises of two papers at either foundation tier (papers 1 & 2) or higher tier (papers 3 & 4). Each paper carries an equal weighting. Pupils will be fully assessed under exam conditions at the end of the GCSE course in Year 11. |
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How it’s assessed: Each subject will require pupils to sit a written exam 1 hour 45 minutes long, that is a total of 6 exam papers or 10hrs and 30mins. Foundation and Higher Tier - 100 marks (Paper 1 & 2 are both equally weighted, each is worth 50% of the GCSE) |
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Questions A range of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. |
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What’s assessed: |
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Paper 1 Foundation or Paper 3 Higher |
Paper 2 Foundation or Paper 4 Higher |
What's assessed Biology Paper (1 or 3) Topics 1–4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics
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What's assessed Biology Paper (2 or 4) Topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology |
Chemistry Paper (1 or 3) Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes |
Chemistry Paper (2 or 4) Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
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Physics Paper (1 or 3) Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure |
Physics Paper (2 or 4) Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics |
Questions in paper 2 may draw on an understanding of concepts from paper 1. |
Pupils at KS4 are expected to complete weekly revision tasks through the online learning tool KayScience to supplement their learning and preparation for GCSE exams. Pupils are also given the opportunity to extend their scientific understanding through regular written and project-based homework’s. A variety of other internet-based learning resources are provided to support pupils independent study at KS4. All homework is set via the Class Charts platform.