Science Curriculum Information
Intent
The faculty aims to produce confident, articulate and well-developed scientists who can work and use a range of scientific vocabulary, knowledge and practical skills. We aim to deliver a curriculum with academic rigour to support, challenge and motivate pupils to be learners both independently and collaboratively. Pupils are provided with opportunities to cultivate a thirst for scientific knowledge and develop practical skills, analytical approaches to problem solving which equip them for life in a modern society. Enrichment provided beyond lessons aims to develop pupils awareness of applying science within the community and the diversity of careers in Science in the world at large.
Aims for Key Stage 3
Pupils consolidate and extend a knowledge and a love of science from KS2 to KS3, providing a seamless, structured and successful transition for pupils to KS4.
Pupils develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Pupils develop their use of scientific vocabulary, including the use of scientific nomenclature and units and mathematical representations.
At Key Stage 3 pupils have 3 hours of Science lessons each week broken down into a Biology, Chemistry and Physics lesson. The pupils focus on the following topics during Key Stage 3.
Biology: Cells, Structure and function of the body and systems, Reproduction, Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystem processes, Adaptation and Inheritance, Cell Level Systems, Genes Inheritance and Selection, Feeding the Human Race and Maintaining Health.
Chemistry: In the Lab, Particles and their Behaviour, Elements, Atoms and Compounds, Chemical reactions, Acids and alkalis, Periodic Table, Separation Techniques, Metals and Acids and the Earth. Particle Model and Evidence for atoms, Compounds and mixtures, Earth systems, Predicting and Controlling reactions.
Physics: Sound, Light, Space, Forces, Electricity and Magnetism, Energy, Motion and Pressure, Forces and Motion, Waves in Matter, Electricity and circuits, Beyond the Earth.
For more detailed information you can view our Programmes of Study below:
Aims for Key Stage 4
Pupils should be able to demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge and understanding, applying these correctly to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts using accurate scientific terminology.
Pupils will use conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena.
Pupils understand that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact and that every effect has one or more cause.
Pupils understand that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review. That quantitative analysis is a central element of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.
Pupils can critically analyse data to draw logical, well-evidenced conclusions.
At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the OCR Gateway Specification. The pupils can follow two learning pathways, Combined Science or the Triple Science route. The pupils will study these courses within Biology, Chemistry and Physics classes each week.
Triple Science follows a course focusing on the three individual sciences with the awarding of three separate GCSE Grades, whilst the Combined Science awards 2 grades for all specialist areas. Both courses cover all the key concepts associated with Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are highly experiential, focusing on developing key practical skills via set “Required Practical” tasks in all subject disciplines.
Combined Science covers all course material that is relevant for transition to Advanced Level study. Both courses provide active engagement and interest, although Triple Science provides a route that requires deeper knowledge and breadth of learning. Consequently, this is advised for pupils who want to extend their knowledge of science and its processes and is beneficial to those who might be considering pursuing Science to Further Education.
In Year 10, pupils have four hours of Science lessons. Science is broken down into a Biology, Chemistry and Physics and a Rotation lesson. In Year 11, the pupils are provided five hours of Science lessons each week, broken down into three core Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons along with two Rotation lessons.
To view our Science Learning Journey for Key Stages 3 and 4, please click here Science Learning Journey 23-24.jpg
For more detailed information you can view our Programmes of Study by clicking the links below:
GCSE Assessment
Triple Science: Pupils will write final assessments at the end of Year 11. All sciences have two 1 hour 45 minute papers at either Foundation or Higher Tiers. Each paper covers 50% of all the content covered and will also contain questions focusing on key practical skills taken from the Required Practical elements of the course material.
Combined Science: Pupils will write final assessments at the end of Year 11. All examinations are 70 minute papers at either Foundation or Higher Tiers. Pupils will write six exam papers (two for each Science) for the award, with each paper consisting of 50% of all the content for that Science. Some questions will focus on key practical skills taken from the Required Practical elements of the course material.
