Science
Building on from the key areas from KS2:
Living things and their habitats
Plants
Animals (including humans)
Uses of everyday materials
Working scientifically
Rocks
Light
Forces and Magnets
States of Matter
Sound
Electricity
Properties and changes in materials
Earth and Space
Evolution and Inheritance
as well as preparing for the next step of study for GCSEs, our KS3 science curriculum builds on the continuity of learning by enabling our learners to relate their scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and predicting as well as abstract ideas to further develop a firm foundation of knowledge.
KS3
What Will I Study?
Our KS3 content across Years 7, 8 and 9 is under 10 big idea headings:
Forces, Electromagnetism, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes.
Our students will form links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Teachers are constantly monitoring the students learning by using low stakes testing at the start of each lesson, using questioning techniques during the lesson, then the lesson is concluded with a final review to ascertain student’s progress from the lesson
At the end of each topic there will be an end of topic test which will be used to assess the learning of the students for that topic. The test outcomes will then be followed up by a progress task which is assigned to each student to address areas of weakness.
Other Science Experiences
We offer a range of external opportunities to broaden our student’s perceptions of science outside of school. Trips and events are organized throughout the year and have included:
STEMfest event at National Marine Aquarium
BAE Systems, RAF and Royal Navy Education Programme Roadshow
RAF Roadshow
‘Big Bang Event’ at City College, Devonport
‘Big Bang Event’ at Birmingham (TOR)
STEM assembly
KS4
What Will I Study?
Our GCSE study uses the AQA Trilogy specifications for Combined Science and Triple Science (Year 11 only).
These are designed to build upon and deepen scientific knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills from Key Stage 3 using a range of science topics.
At Key stage 4 students study a breadth of topics throughout Biology, Chemistry and Physics where they continue to develop the necessary investigative and mathematical skills to support their growing scientific knowledge.
Topics include:
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; Chemical changes; Energy changes; Organic chemistry; Quantitative chemistry; The rate and extent of chemical change; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; Using resources
PHYSICS: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; Atomic structure; Waves; Forces; Magnetism and electromagnetism.
Forces, Electromagnetism, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes.
Our students will form links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Through years 9 and 10 students complete regular formative progress tasks every two to three weeks. These are supported by 6 summative end of unit tests each year. These end of unit tests are based on past GCSE science exam questions.
A similar pattern is followed in year 11 but using complete past GCSE papers rather than end of topic tests.
Students will sit PPE’s at the end of year 10 and in February in Year 11. At the end of the course students sit 6 GCSE exams, 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics. For Combined Science this leads to 2 GCSE grades. Triple science leads to 3 GCSE grades (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
Other Science Experiences
Students will benefit from range of visits and on site speakers including RAF Roadshow; Medical research taster sessions; Science and Technology showcase event; Young Women into STEM and Babcock mentoring scheme.
Students also have the opportunities to study and discuss the wider role of science in society. This includes an appreciation of the power and limitations of science and consideration of any ethical issues which may arise.
Students will start to explain every day and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments.
KS5
What Will I Study?
This course uses the EdExcel specification of study. In Year 12 students cover an externally examined unit (unit 1) –The Fundamentals of Science, this covers aspects of Level 3 Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also complete an internally assessed module (unit 2) – ‘Scientific Practical Techniques’, this teaches them techniques such as preparing standard solutions, titration and chromatography.
In Year 13 students cover an externally examined unit (unit 3) – ‘Science Investigation Skills’ and an internally assessed unit (unit 8) – ‘Physiology of Human Body Systems’
How Will I Be Assessed?
Assessment is through externally assessed exams and internally assessed assignments.
You will complete your unit 1 exam at the end of year 12, along with submitting assignments for unit 2. In your 12, you will complete internally assessed assignments for unit 8, as well as preparing for the externally assessed unit 3 which involves completion of a practical in controlled conditions, and an exam paper based upon the practical.
Other Science Experiences
All assignments are based around a scenario involving a local business or organisation. Students have the opportunity to have visits from people working in science and medical industries, such as a physiotherapist to aid the learning in unit 8.
A-Level
No Course Available