Science

Back
Choose a subject:

Science is taught by enthusiastic and very knowledgeable subject specialists. We are a vibrant, academic department and encourage all of our learners to achieve their best through an exciting curriculum that builds a body of knowledge of the big ideas in Science. The study of Science is essential for many careers and we equip our learners with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the future. Over half of all students in the sixth form choose to study at least one Science course.

In Science, we aspire to provide a curriculum that nurtures the curiosity of all our students so that they are scientifically literate and ready to participate in the rich experiences and opportunities available to them when they finish school. 

In particular, a curriculum that:

  • Builds a body of knowledge of the big ideas in science so that students feel confident in their understanding of the world around them.

  • Develops the skills of literacy, scientific enquiry, and critical thought so that students can engage fully with science both inside and outside of school.

  • Responds to the needs of our students and provides challenge so that they develop resilience and have high aspirations of what they can be.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 and Year 8, all students follow a programme of study that is based upon the National curriculum. The course is designed to be activity and practical based to make the learning both relevant and fun. Students learn how to conduct practical work safely and methodically whilst investigating scientific principles then forming their own conclusions.  Students develop the necessary skills and scientific understanding to prepare them for their Science GCSEs in KS4.

Year 7

  • Cells
  •  Particles
  •  Energy
  • Reproduction
  • Acids
  • Electricity
  • Mixtures
  •  Variation
  • Forces
  • Atoms and Elements
  • Sound

Year 8

  • Combustion
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Periodic Table
  •  Fluids
  • Breathing / Respiration
  • Light
  •  Energy Transfers
  • Metals and their uses
  • Unicellular Organisms
  •  Earth and Space
  • Plant Reproduction
  • Rocks

Year 9

In preparation for GCSE in Year 10, all of the topics in Years 7 and 8 are developed further in Year 9. .

Key Stage 4

Most students follow GCSE Combined Science Trilogy which will lead to 2 GCSE qualifications. Students will be taught by different three staff members specialising in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. They build on concepts met during Key Stage 3. The exam board is AQA and students study the units listed below from Year 9 to Year 11.  Students will also complete 28 required practical tasks as part of the GCSE course.  They will be assessed on practical skills in their GCSE papers.

Biology

  • Cell biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis and response
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology

Chemistry

  • Atomic structure and the periodic table
  • Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
  • Quantitative chemistry
  • Chemical changes
  • Energy changes
  • The rate and extent of chemical change
  • Organic chemistry
  • Chemical analysis
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere
  •  Using resources

Physics

  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism and electromagnetism

Combined Science GCSE prepares students fully for further study at A Level or BTEC Applied Science. 

Exam Board: AQA

For further details, please visit: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Key Stage 5

Students can opt to study either combinations of Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics at A Level.

For detail of the A-Level subjects please see the relevant science page: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Exam Board: Eduqas (Biology) AQA (Chemistry and Physics) 

Back