Science

There are two Science lessons each week. Students study all aspects of the KS3 Science National Curriculum in a manner that is appropriate for their ability. Most lessons have a practical element to them, and there is an emphasis on developing independence with practical and investigative skills. Students cover all 3 aspects of Science; Biology, Chemistry and Physics using the key scientific ideas of Cells, Particles, Forces, Energy and Behaviour. 

Topics covered over the year include:

• Lab Safety
• Animal Cells
• Magnetism
• Energy Transfers
• States of Matter
• Plants
• Space
• Electricity
• Chemical Reactions

Students use their practical, mathematical and discussion skills throughout all of their lessons building upon key stage 2 experiences. They use specialist equipment and develop their ability to question, describe and explain the phenomena around them.

There are two Science lessons each week. Students study all aspects of the KS3 Science National Curriculum in a manner that is appropriate for their ability. Most lessons have a practical element to them, and there is an emphasis on developing independence with practical and investigative science. In years 8 and 9, the Science programme of study is run over a two-year cycle. Students cover all 3 aspects of Science; Biology, Chemistry and Physics using the key scientific ideas of Cells, Particles, Forces, Energy and Behaviour. 

Topics Covered over the two years Include:

• Electrical Circuits
• Chemical Reactions
• Cells, Tissues and Organs
• Balanced Forces
• Acids and Alkalis
• Animal Behaviour
• Light and Sound
• Reproduction in Plants and Animals

Students use their practical, mathematical and discussion skills throughout all of their lessons building upon year 7 experiences. They use specialist equipment and develop their ability to question, describe and explain the phenomena around them.

QUALIFICATION: AQA Entry Level (1-3) or Cambridge iGCSE

The majority of students will be following the Entry Level course in Year 10 and 11, some students will be given the opportunity to study the Cambridge iGCSE course and will be entered for examinations during the summer term of year 11 if they are ready.

The topics covered within both schemes are identified within the KS4 National Curriculum. Examples of those included are:

• Biology – Organs and organ systems, healthy lifestyle, microbes and disease, ecosystems, extinction and evolution.
• Chemistry – Fuels, Elements & Compounds, Rates of Reaction, Atoms and Bonding.
• Physics – Forces and Momentum, Energy & Efficiency, Radiation and Waves. 

Assessment: Entry Level Science is assessed by externally set tests and teacher devised practical assessments. Students who complete 3 exams and 3 pieces of coursework will achieve a single award ELC, a double award can be achieved by completion of 6 of each unit (tests and coursework).

iGCSE Science is assessed by completion of formal exams taken in May/June of Year 11, as well as some controlled assessment practical tasks completed during lesson time over the 2-year course. The iGCSE is offered to a small number of students.

A small selection of students will study an alternative curriculum, Science & Me. This covers topics which relate directly to the lives and interests of the students. Topics Include: The Senses, Chemistry in the Home, Transport, Weather, Wildlife, Space. The Science & Me curriculum aims to improve motor skills, raise awareness of safety around chemicals and other hazards, introduce the students to ecology, recycling and care for the world around them. It is fun, relevant and at times rather messy!