Science

Subject:  Science

CURRICULUM INTENT

Our Vision 
At the heart of our Science curriculum is a commitment to Archbishop Temple’s values of Faith, Nurture and Service. We aim to deliver an ambitious, knowledge-rich and inclusive curriculum that inspires curiosity, secures deep scientific understanding and empowers every student to flourish academically and personally. We believe that all students can succeed in science and that a strong foundation in scientific thinking enables them to understand and positively shape the world around them. 

 

Faith 
We believe every student is uniquely created with the capacity to achieve highly and think deeply. Our curriculum reflects a commitment to high expectations for all, rooted in the belief that ability is not fixed and that excellence is attainable through effort, guidance and resilience. 

Through the study of science, students explore the complexity and wonder of the natural world. We provide opportunities to engage with moral, ethical and cultural dimensions of scientific discovery, encouraging respect for different perspectives and thoughtful reflection. By developing secure knowledge and intellectual confidence, students grow in self-belief and develop trust in their ability to question, analyse and reason. 

 

Nurture 
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge builds cumulatively and coherently over time. Foundational concepts are secured before students move to more complex ideas, allowing all learners to make sustained progress. 

We explicitly teach, model and scaffold scientific thinking to ensure equal access for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have additional needs. Regular retrieval practice, assessment and responsive teaching help to close gaps and strengthen understanding. 

Within our classrooms, we aim to develop curiosity, resilience and respect. Students are encouraged to ask questions, learn from mistakes and engage in purposeful discussion. In doing so, we nurture confident, independent learners who feel both supported and challenged. 

 

Service 
We intend for students to leave Archbishop Temple as scientifically literate and socially responsible citizens. Our curriculum connects scientific knowledge to real-world issues such as climate change, sustainability, medical ethics and technological innovation. Students learn not only how science works, but why it matters. 

By exploring scientific challenges and career pathways in science, we broaden aspirations and demonstrate how scientific knowledge can be used in service of others. We promote responsibility, encouraging students to consider their role in protecting the environment, improving health and contributing positively to society. 

 

Academic Excellence and Preparation for the Future 
We prepare students thoroughly for external examinations while going beyond specification requirements to deepen understanding and cultural capital. Practical work remains central to our curriculum, ensuring students can plan, conduct and evaluate investigations safely and accurately. 

Through a balance of rigorous knowledge acquisition, disciplinary thinking and real-world application, our intent is to develop knowledgeable, reflective and principled young people who embody Archbishop Temples’s values of Faith, Nurture and Service in their learning and in their lives.

 

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 and micro-organisms. 

Chemistry: Amazing Atoms; Radical Reactions

Physics: Marvellous Matter & Energetic Energy

Click here to view the Year 9 Options information for Science. 

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

Miss J Cross – Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of Science

Mrs S Costigan - Teacher of Science

Mrs J Drake – Teacher of Science

Miss B Ince - Lead Teacher of Chemistry

Miss E Keel – Head of Year 9 & 10 / Teacher of Science

Miss L Walsh – Teacher of Science

Mr J Futter – Science Technician

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.