Learning

Subjects

Science

The science curriculum area aims to enable students to:

• explore their interest and enthusiasm for science
• develop their practical science skills
• evaluate scientific data and evidence, and use this to draw conclusions
• understand the important role science plays within society
• acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding of science necessary for their adult and working lives and for progression to further learning beyond Key Stage 4

Year 7 and 8 (Key Stage 3)
Science is taught as a joint subject at KS3. We use resources from the 'Science Works' scheme across Year 7 and 8. This excellent scheme provides students with a balanced curriculum with a range of resources and learning styles, incorporating practical investigation work and ICT.

Year 7 students also study a ‘How Science Works’ scheme, developing their understanding of the practical skills needed across KS3, 4 and 5.
In Year 7 and 8 students will study the following topics (although not necessarily in this order):

Biology
• Cells
• Ecosystems
• Health
• Plants

Chemistry
• Atoms
• Chemical Reactions
• Acids and alkalis
• Calculations
• Reactivity

Physics
• Energy
• Forces
• Waves

Year 9, 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4)
Biology, chemistry and physics are taught as separate subjects at KS4, with a total of ten lessons a cycle for double award students in Year 10 and 11, and 12 lessons a cycle for triple award students in Year 10 and 11.
We deliver the curriculum through the new suite of specifications, taught by science specialists. The three science subjects are examined at the end of Year 11.

Years 12 and 13 (Key Stage 5)
In the Sixth Form we currently offer AS and A2 Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We have moved to terminal examinations – students sit all of the examinations for their course at the end of the two years.