Science

Key Stage 3

The national curriculum for science aims 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.

Year 7 and Year 8

This curriculum encourages familiarity of scientific concepts and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

The students develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer questions about the world around them. KS3 curriculum is aimed to equip students with the skills they will need for KS4 whilst fostering an enjoyment of the subject.

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Key skills are built into the programme of study, which enables students to be prepared for the challenges ahead. At this stage, practical activities are carried out regularly to ensure the students have a variety of hands-on experience with science.

Year 9

All students begin their GCSE Science course in Year 9. All students study the AQA Combined Science Trilogy. Students are set by science ability and their topics include:

· Cells and Organisation
· Variation and evolution
· Ecology
· Introduction to chemistry
· Chemistry of the atmosphere
· Using Earth’s resources
· Matter and motion
· Energy and electricity

The course identifies the activities and experiences students will come across in everyday life, and links these to scientific ideas and their implications for society. Students are provided with plenty of opportunities to acquire the scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for life as a citizen. This course encourages students to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.

KEY STAGE 4

Combined Science (Trilogy)

Qualification: GCSE Combined Science (Double award). Students will get two GCSEs in Science.

Examination Board: AQA

Exam Specification

Across the three years (Years 9 to 11), students will study seven topics in Biology, ten topics in Chemistry and seven topics in Physics.

Students will take six examination papers

· Two Biology papers - 70 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 15 minutes)

· Two Chemistry papers - 70 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 15 minutes)

· Two Physics papers - 70 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 15 minutes)

All six exams will be taken in Year 11.

There are no controlled assessments, but students will be assessed on their understanding and application of practical skills in the exam papers. This will make up 15% of the exam paper.

Separate Sciences

Qualification: GCSE Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

Students will get three GCSEs in Science. This makes the course very intense but rewarding. Students who study this course need to have the academic ability and resilience to deal with the rigours of this. This course is for students who find science particularly interesting and may consider pursuing a career in a science‐related discipline.

Examination Board: AQA

Exam Specification

Across the two years, students will study seven topics in Biology, ten topics in Chemistry and eight topics in Physics.

Students will take six examination papers:

· Two Biology papers - 100 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 45 minutes)

· Two Chemistry papers - 100 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 45 minutes)

· Two Physics papers - 100 marks each (Duration - 1 hour 45 minutes)

All six exams will be taken in Year 11.

There are no controlled assessments, but students will be assessed on their understanding and application of practical skills in the exam papers. This will make up 15% of the exam paper.