Science
Curriculum Intent
Students studying science will develop their scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. They will develop a secure understanding of key blocks of knowledge and concepts to progress to their next stage of education.
By studying science, students will follow a traditional curriculum, which furthers social justice but will also develop analytical and problem-solving skills. These will give students greater opportunities to progress into a range of fields other than STEM careers so they can become influential women of the future across many sectors. Students will use their mathematical knowledge and critical evaluation skills to understand explanations about world issues such as new diseases, food shortages and climate change enabling them to make informed decisions as socially responsible citizens. The aim is that our girls become independent thinkers who can work objectively, both in collaboration with others and individually. They will be willing to adapt their thinking considering new evidence and ideas and accepting critical feedback as an opportunity to improve. Overall the girls should leave school with a love for science so they will want to study it further.
The departmental vision is to produce outstanding future scientists. This involves preparing students to progress to science A Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships. It also includes instilling the vital transferable scientific skills needed for everyone to make informed scientific decisions in society, regardless of future career choices.
- The science curriculum is based on the national curriculum.
- The curriculum follows a spiral structure so that concepts are built on prior knowledge and become progressively harder from Y7 to Y11.
KEY STAGE 3
Year 7
|
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Contact Forces Speed Gravity Particle Model |
Movement Cells Sound Wave Effects |
Separating Mixtures Human Reproduction |
Plant Reproduction Energy Costs Energy Transfers Types of Reactions |
Chemical Energy Variation Interdependence |
Earth Structure Universe |
Year 8
|
Autumn 2 |
Autumn 1 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Light Wave Properties Metals & Non-metals Digestion |
Pressure Elements Periodic Table Breathing |
Work & Heating and cooling Acids & Alkalis Respiration Photosynthesis |
Inheritance Climate Earth Resources Voltage and resistance |
Current Magnetism & Electromagnets Evolution |
Working Scientifically Mathematical Skills
|
KEY STAGE 4
Year 9
|
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Cell Structure and Transport Atomic Structure |
The Periodic Table Conservation and Dissipation of Energy |
Energy Transfers by Heating Cell Division Organisation Digestive system |
Chemical Calculations Communicable diseases |
Preventing & Treating Disease Molecules & Matter Radioactivity |
Working Scientifically Mathematical Skills |
Year 10
|
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Structure & Bonding Organising Animals & Plants Non-communicable diseases |
Electric Circuits Electricity in the home Chemical Changes |
Photosynthesis Respiration Electrolysis |
Energy Changes Forces in Balance Forces in Motion |
Forces in Motion Human Nervous System Hormonal Coordination |
Crude Oil & Fuels Working Scientifically Mathematical Skills |
Year 11
|
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Rates of Reaction Equilibrium Reproduction Variation & Evolution |
Genetics & Evolution Wave Properties Electromagnetic Waves Biodiversity |
Ecosystems Electromagnetism Chemical Analysis |
The Earth’s Atmosphere The Earth’s Resources |
EXAM BOARD: AQA
COMBINED SCIENCE (For further details on the specification, please click here)
TRIPLE SCIENCE (For further details on the specification, please click here)
BIOLOGY:
CHEMISTRY:
PHYSICS:
Useful Websites
Students have access to the digital textbooks and teacher resources including interactive quizzes and exam questions.
Physics OnlineStudents can use the school subscription to watch videos which explain physics concepts and will help with revision.
Videos explaining science concepts concisely and matched to the exam board specifications.
Students can use the app to practise retrieval questions.
Cognito videos
https://www.youtube.com/@Cognitoedu
Videos explaining science concepts using animations.