Science
We see science as helping to explain everything in the world around us. Our aim is to give our pupils the tools to understand the modern world where scientific advances continue to drastically change our lives and to give pupils the curiosity to ask why.
Our vision is to:
- Give a sense of awe and wonder through actually doing science
- Achieve academic excellence with an emphasis on the basic foundations of the subject
- Innovate in our curriculum delivery
- Bring science to life with real-world links
- Build key skills needed for succeed
As part of this vision, we have developed a new Key Stage 3 curriculum. Through this, we aim to bring our vision to life with a new curriculum sequence and an emphasis on exciting our pupils with our fascinating subject.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8, and 9 pupils study a range of topics across the three sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Biology topics include: cells and the body, keeping myself healthy, our planet, inheritance and ecology.
Chemistry topics include: particles, basic chemical reactions, patterns in chemistry, separation techniques and the chemistry of our planet.
Physics topics include: energy, forces, space, light and sound, and electricity and magnetism.
Key Stage 3 is designed to provide pupils with a foundation in key scientific knowledge and skills as a basis for further progress during their GCSE courses.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4,
In Year 9, pupils will study the key early topics as a foundation for further studies along one of the two curriculum pathways
- Separate Sciences, which will lead to separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Combined Science, which will lead to a double award GCSE in Combined Science.
Pupils follow the AQA 9-1 Science GCSE curriculum, culminating in multiple examinations at the end of Year 11 at either Foundation or Higher Tier. In Year 9, pupils will study the key early topics as a foundation for further studies along one of the two curriculum pathways from Year 10 onwards. Selection for the Separate Sciences pathway is dependent on assessment results and attitude to learning.
Pupils are assessed regularly throughout the course, through end of topic assessments and Academy ranking examinations. Class groups are fluid and altered accordingly, to ensure that lessons are tailored to pupils’ needs and progress is secured.
Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities
There is a weekly KS3 Science Club for our pupils in Years 7 and 8, where pupils will experience sessions ranging from practical investigations to scientific debates. Each year group will attend at least one trip throughout the year. Our Year 11 pupils also have a wide range of interventions on offer to help them prepare for their end of GCSE examinations.
Examination Information links:
GCSE Biology:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
GCSE Chemistry:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
GCSE Physics:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
GCSE Combined Science:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Recommended resources:
There are a wide range of resources available for pupils studying science.
For KS3, BBC KS3 Science Bitesize is very useful:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
For KS4, BBC KS4 Science Bitesize is also useful and will be updated soon with new GCSE content:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv
At GCSE, we highly recommend revision guides and exam practice materials published by CGP, which are readily available from bookstores and online. If purchasing these, please ensure that they are for the new AQA 9-1 specifications.