Science

Our Science department creates an engaging, creative and inclusive learning environment so students thrive. Our students are future scientists; we equip them with a deep understanding of science and transferable skills to explain and provide solutions for scientific phenomena. Throughout the year, we rotate between biology, chemistry and physics topics. At GCSE, we follow the AQA Combined Science Trilogy specification. Homework is set on a weekly basis.

KS3

Year 7

Our lessons support students in developing their scientific knowledge and investigative skills. We emphasize on practical work so students have a hands-on Science experience. Each of unit of study has a key skill that students develop throughout. Begin your Science journey with an Introduction to Acids and Alkalis, which covers the fundamental skills for practical work. Learn the names of specific apparatus whilst making universal indicator to test the pH of various solutions. In the next unit, you will learn about cells, tissues and organ systems. Delve into the world of what cannot be seen with the naked eye as you prepare specimens to view under a microscope. Decide if substances are classified as solids, liquids, or gases as you learn about the properties of states of matter. In the world of chemistry, you will learn about the properties of metals and non metals, and chemical reactions between them. Evaluate the alternatives to burning fossil fuels as you learn about energy stores. In the topic, Reproduction, learn about the changes that happen during puberty, the importance of egg and sperm, and what happens during pregnancy. In Forces, you will learn about how forces interact and investigate how surfaces affect friction. Explore real world separation techniques used to obtain salt in Mixtures and Separation. Use your knowledge of electricity and magnetism to explain if lights are wired in series or parallel, and how metals are separated in scrapyards. In Ecosystems, discover the adaptations of organisms, and discuss the impact of bioaccumulation on food chains. At the end of the year, journey to outer space as you explore our solar system.

Year 8

At the start of Year 8, bring your investigative skills to the classroom as you use forensic techniques as you solve the mystery of Mr Smart’s stolen basketball. Can you solve the crime? In the next unit, Food and Digestion, you are food scientists that will test for food groups using specific chemicals. Acts as nutritionists that advise patients what to eat based on their lifestyle and dietary requirements. In chemistry unit, Periodic Table, make

models of the atom and carry out practicals to investigate the properties of elements. As material engineers, carry out chemical reactions to put metals in order of reactivity and discuss why metals are used for certain purposes. As sports scientists, explore the changes that happen in the body during exercise

KS4

Year 9

Students cover the fundamental units and skills for their GCSE journey. The knowledge and skills from these units are frequently revisited in Years 10 and 11 as part of active revision. Students build upon KS3 content and skills at a deeper level, for example additional cell structures and types of transport across the cell membrane. There is no Science coursework, however there are required practicals that students are tested on in their GCSEs.

Year 10

Students will follow the AQA Combined Science or Triple Science pathways. Triple Science students have additional lessons to cover the skills and content. We interleave prior content to support revision and a deeper understanding of scientific phenomena. Students complete full mock papers to prepare for their GCSEs.

Year 11

We finish the remaining GCSE units with time to revise prior content and revisit required practicals. Throughout the year, students complete full mock papers.

How will I be assessed?

For Combined Science, students can sit either Higher or Foundation tier. Triple Science students sit Higher tier only.

Whether you follow the Combined Science or Triple Science pathway, all students will sit

· 2 Biology exams

· 2 Chemistry exams

· 2 Physics exams

The number of marks and duration of paper differ according to the pathway:

· Combined Science exams are 70 marks, 75 minutes

· Triple Science exams are 100 marks, 1 hour 45 minutes

Science Curriculum Overview