Science
We believe passionately that our students need the best education that we can provide. With government changes and increased rigor we have devised schemes of work at all key stages that not only go through content but develop skills necessary for our students to reach their full potential as well as try to inspire them to move into science careers. Science is all about finding things out and we have developed our curriculum to improve students? curiosity, independence, determination and resilience. Many scientific discoveries only happened because there were many failed attempts; we try and give our students the opportunities needed to recognise the importance of these skills not only in the classroom but also with our science clubs.
Key Stage 3 (yr. 7 & 8)
All KS3 lessons follow the national curriculum. All our lessons have been written by our teachers to support the learning of our students. We have an emphasis on students finding things out for themselves as any good scientist would do.
As students join us in year 7 we introduce them to Science practical work by developing their experimental skills as well as making sure that all students are able to work safely in a laboratory. Students will be taught in mixed ability groups in year 7 and in sets in year 8. We assess progress every term and all students will complete an end of year examination.
We offer science clubs for KS3 students and compete in various competitions nationally.
Topics at KS3
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
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Year 7 Introduction to Science and Skills |
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| Cells and organisations | Atoms, elements and compounds | Forces and motion |
| Particulate nature of matter | ||
| Pure substances and separation techniques | Electricity and magnets | |
| Nutrition and Digestion | Acids and Alkalis | |
| Year 8 | ||
| Gas exchange systems and respiration | Periodic Table | Electricity and magnets |
| Photosynthesis | Chemical reactions and Energetics | Waves, light and sound |
| Nutrition and digestion | Space | |
| Muscles and the skeletal system | ||
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
We study the AQA Combined Science Trilogy course at KS4 from year 9. We also offer three separate sciences for our more academically able students. All students will start GCSE at the start of year 9. Students are grouped according to ability to best support progress for all learners.
Students that follow the Combined Science route will take 2 papers in each Science of 1 hour 15 mins
Students that follow the Separate science route will take 2 papers in each Science of 1 hour 45 mins
To support student progress we offer a Science clinic where students are able to revise science content and to discuss any misunderstandings or concerns with teachers.
Link for combined science spec
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Link for separate sciences
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
Topics for Separate Science and Trilogy
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
| Cells | Structures, Bonding and Properties | Waves |
| Organisation | Quantitative | Nuclear and Space |
| Infection and Response | Chemical changes | Electricity |
| Bioenergetics | Rates and Energy | Forces |
| Homeostasis | Organic Chemistry | Energy |
| Response | Chemical Analysis |
Magnets and Electromagnets |
| Inheritance | Particle Model | |
| Variation and Evolution | ||
| Ecology |
Key Stage 5 (A2)
Biology
We follow the AQA Biology specification. Students have nine hours a fortnight of contact time. The qualification is linear and examined at the end of the second year of study. We attend the A level Biology Live event each year. Key areas we learn about include: Biological molecules, Organisms exchanging substances with their environment and how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, Energy transfers in and between organisms, Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.
Chemistry
We follow the AQA Chemistry specification. Students will have Chemistry for nine hours per fortnight. This is a linear specification. We attend A-level Chemistry live trip every year. The A-Level in Chemistry content is divided into Physical, Inorganic and Organic chemistry, which is then further divided into key topics; such as Bonding, Rates, Acids and Bases, Electrode Potentials and Electrochemical Cells, Periodicity, Group 2, 7 and the Transition Metals, Analytical Techniques and Organic Synthesis.
Physics
We study AQA. Students will have Physics for nine hours per fortnight. This qualification is linear. We attend A level physics live event each year and go to CERN biannually. During the course we study content such as: Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials, Electricity, Fields and their consequences and Nuclear physics.