Curriculum

SCIENCE

| Education | Curriculum | Science
Our aim in Science is to enable pupils to understand, enjoy and marvel at the world around them, through enquiry-based lessons that challenge their thinking. We aim to encourage our pupils to develop a positive and practical approach to science. We also seek to develop key scientific skills, combine knowledge with practical application and establish cross-curricular links, where appropriate. We build understanding of the ‘Big Ideas’ in science that are relevant to pupils’ lives during and beyond school.

Science is a core GCSE subject as well as an essential requirement for most Science-based career routes. At KS4, depending on their academic ability, pupils will either study Combined Science (which leads to the award of two GCSEs) or Separate Sciences (which leads to the award of three GCSEs). All pupils will study key aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but pupils taking Separate Sciences will follow a more in-depth and intensive programme of study.

Through the study of Science, pupils will develop the following skills:

  • Communication
  • Prediction
  • Analysis
  • Evaluation
  • Problem solving
Curriculum Overview
Year 7 Year 8
  • Cells
  • Genetics
  • Structure and function of body systems
  • Reproduction
  • Particles and their behaviour
  • Atoms, elements and compounds
  • Chemical Changes
  • Reactions
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Motion and Forces
  • Sound
  • Light
  • Space
  • Practical Skills
  • Health and lifestyle
  • Development of Medicine
  • Ecosystem and processes
  • Adaptations and inheritance
  • The periodic table
  • Separation techniques
  • Metals and acids
  • The Earth and its structure
  • Electricity
  • Magnetism
  • Energy
  • Motion and pressure
  • Waves
  • Practical Skills
Key Stage 4 Combined Science
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
Biology 1

  • Topic 1- Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 2 – Cells and control
  • Topic 3 – Genetics
  • Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
  • Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

Chemistry 1

  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
  • Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures, Topic 3 – Chemical changes
  • Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria

Physics 1

  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 2 – Motion and forces
 Biology 2

  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
  • Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions
  • Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
  • Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals,
  • Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

Chemistry 2

  • Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry
  • Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table

Physics 1

  • Topic 3 – Conservation of energy,
  • Topic 4 – Waves
  • Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Topic 6 – Radioactivity
 Physics 2

  • Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
  • Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
  • Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
  • Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
  • Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect,
  • Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
  • Topic 14 – Particle model
  • Topic 15 – Forces and matter

Chemistry 2

  • Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes
  • Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science

Revision
Key Stage 4 Separate Sciences
Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
Biology

  • Control systems
  • The urinary system
  • The menstrual cycle and fertilisation
  • Micro-organisms and immunity
  • Plants and micro-organisms

Chemistry

  • Qualitative analysis
  • Quantitative analysis

Physics

  • Radiation in treatment and medicine
  • Radiation, the eye
  • X-rays and ECGs
 Biology

  • Behaviour
  • Animal and plant behaviour,
  • Evolution and human behaviour

Chemistry

  • Electrolytic processes
  • Gases, equilibria and ammonia

Physics

  • Production, uses and risks of ionising radiation from radioactive sources
  • Radiation
  • Radioactive decay
 Biology

  • Bio-technology

Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

Physics

  • Motion of Particles
  • Kinetic theory and gases

Revision
Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half-term.

KS4 Exam Board Specification (Combined Science): EdExcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0)

KS4 Exam Board Specification (Separate Sciences): EdExcel GCSE Biology (1BI0), EdExcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0), EdExcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Useful Resources and Revision Support