Subject: Science
CURRICULUM INTENT
We believe in the philosophy that Science is for all and our choice of programme offers something to stretch and challenge our pupils, their abilities and aspirations. We have faith that this wonderful subject can inspire all pupils. We place great importance on teaching young people about how Science influences our everyday lives and aim to develop their curiosity about the world around them.
Our teachers believe in the importance of teaching Science for understanding and are aware that for pupils to achieve well in Science, they must not only master the necessary knowledge, but also understand its value, enjoy the experience of working scientifically, and sustain their interest in learning it.
Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
IMPLEMENTATION
Programmes of Study
Year 7
Students follow the programme of study developed by the Science department which covers the KS3 PoS. Year 7 Covers the following topics: Particles and their behaviour, Cells, Forces and pressure, Structure and function of body systems, Elements, atoms and compounds, Sound, reproduction, Reactions, Energy, Acids and alkalis and Space. Working Scientifically is embedded throughout the whole curriculum.
Year 8
Students follow the programme of study developed by the Science department which covers the KS3 PoS. Year 8 Covers the following topics: Electricity, Health and lifestyle, The Periodic Table, Energy 2021-2022 (Replaced by Light 2022 onwards), Cellular reactions, Separation techniques, Magnetism, Adaptations and inheritance, Metals and acids, Motion, The Earth and atmosphere, Relationships in ecosystems.
Year 9
Pupils continue their scientific journey learning further skills and knowledge to further encourage a curiosity of science in the world around them.
Biology: Dining on digestion; Powerful plants.
Chemistry: Awesome atoms; Radical rates
Physics: Marvellous matter
Year 10
Pupils either follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464), or the separate courses of AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462) & AQA Physics (8463).
Year 11
Pupils either follow the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464), or the separate courses of AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462) & AQA Physics (8463).
IMPACT
Marking and Assessment
Pupils will have both formative and summative assessment throughout their teaching with half year and full year formal assessments for KS3. At KS4 mock examinations will be used to support the ongoing assessments. Feedback will be given in many forms (oral, written, peer-group etc). We also get pupils to engage with many online assessments eg Doddle, Educake, Quizlet etc.
Examinations
We follow the AQA GCSE specifications for both separate Biology, Chemistry & Physics for those pupils who choose this as an option. For the majority of pupils we follow the AQA Trilogy Combined Science.
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)
have the following papers:
Paper 1: 50% (1hr 45 mins)
Paper 2: 50% (1 hr 45 mins)
Combined Sciences have 2 papers for each of the disciplines (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)
Paper 1: 50% (1hr 15 mins)
Paper 2: 50% (1 hr 15 mins)
Revision Guides / Resources
Pupils use a range of revision guides and resources as listed below:
CGP Revision guides
Kerboodle Ebook and resources
Firefly (teacher resources)
Online tools eg Doddle, Educake, Quizziz, Quizlet etc
Staff Details
Mr R McGee – Head of Science
Mrs G Storey – 2nd in Science
Miss J Cross – Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Science
Mrs S Costigan - Teacher of Science
Miss N Dean - Teacher of Science
Miss E Keel – Teacher of Science
Miss L Walsh – Teacher of Science
Careers and Progression
There is a fantastic take up of Science subjects at A-level and degree. Pupils go on to many fascinating jobs including veterinary science, medicine, dentistry, dolphin trainer and so on.
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