What is our vision in Science?
In Science we want our students to question the world around them and how it works. We teach science in a contextualised way so that our students can take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to their everyday lives.Our Science curriculum covers a broad range knowledge and methodology within Biology, Chemistry and Physics that allows students to understand the principles and rationale in Science, and make links between theory and practice. This knowledge then enables them to make predictions, draw conclusions and understand how the world around them works. This further enables them to question the uses and implications of Science and make informed contributions to the society they live in a time where Science and Technology is increasingly significant; understanding how risks versus benefits are instrumental in so many choices in life. Working Scientifically underpins how Science is taught and inspires a curiosity and enjoyment of the subject. Opportunities are planned for students to plan and implement investigations, analyse and present data and make conclusions. Assessments are both test based and more open ended to allow students to showcase a wide range of skills.
At Secondary level, many of these concepts and skills, can seem very abstract to many students and we have built in to our schemes examples of how these link to the other sciences, situations they are familiar with and to other curriculum areas (Design Technology, Food & Nutrition, Geography, PE, Maths included) to enable students to see the relevance and importance of these concepts. Our schemes of learning are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain challenging and enable our students to reach their full potential. The complex language of Science is considered in every topic and any previous misconceptions students may have is addressed throughout. Teaching of the schemes is personalised by each teacher for students in their class to ensure that all learners have an engaging and accessible learning experience.
Science curriculum learning journey
Science at KS3
In Years 7, 8 and 9 students study a range of topics that cover the three main disciplines of science – biology, chemistry and physics. These include organisms, their behaviour and the environment, materials, their properties and the earth, and energy, forces and space. This is all underpinned by the ‘Working Scientifically’ strand of the national curriculum.
Year 7 & 8 are taught mixed ability. They are then set at the start of year 9, according to ability. Reviews take place termly allowing for set movement where appropriate.
Curriculum learning grid in Year 7
Curriculum learning grid in Year 8
Curriculum learning grid in Year 9
Support for students
‘KS3 Science revision’ google classroom
Keyword lists on ‘KS3 science revision’ google classroom
KS3 Science revision guides
BBC bitesize
Seneca
Science at KS4
Students are placed in three sets based on ability. All exams for all courses are taken at the end of Year 11.
Combined Science
Students will cover the content for the AQA Combined Science Trilogy course commencing from the February half term of Year 9.
There are 6 exams taken in the summer of Year 11, covering topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Required practicals are carried out in lessons and assessed in questions based on the practicals in the terminal exams, in replacement of Controlled Assessment.
Students will receive two GCSE grades.
Progress is regularly assessed by staff in lessons via classwork, homework and end of unit tests, but also through an ongoing rolling programme of formal mock exams taken in the Hall. The first of these is in the autumn of Year 10.
Separate Sciences
This qualification is offered to the upper ability students and is delivered as an accelerated GCSE course. Students study for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in the same time as other students do Combined Science.
There are 6 exams taken in the summer of Year 11, covering topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Required practicals are carried out in lessons and assessed in questions based on the practicals in the terminal exams, in replacement of Controlled Assessment.
Students will receive three separate GCSE grades.
Extended Learning Opportunities in Science
- Year 7 and Year 8 Science Club
- Year 10 Science Live trip
Further Education & Career Pathways in Science
The skills you will develop studying Science can be transferred to any career but the following careers are strongly linked to Science:
Medical professions, engineering, forensics, research science, sports science, sports psychology.
Useful revision websites
GCSE science revision Google classroom has all the material needed to support the study of science at GCSE
How can parents and carers support learning ?
Parents can support their child by encouraging them to learn Science key words which enables students to apply scientific principles . Knowledge of key words also helps students to decode questions in exams.
Parents/Carers can support their child by checking they have completed homework tasks, encouraging them to prepare for assessments and generally taking an interest in the topics they study in Science lessons ,and wider scientific issues in the news.
