"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious!" (Stephen Hawking)
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world's future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Key Stage 3
Students in Year 7 receive 6 lessons in Science per fortnight. They cover topics from tissues and transport to electrical circuits and the solar system. In Year 8, students receive 6 lessons per fortnight and cover subjects ranging from heat food and diseases to hearing and light. This foundational knowledge provides a platform on which Years 9, 10 and 11 can build upon.
Year 7
| Year 7 |
Year 8 |
|
Year 7 Overview
Term 1
Working and thinking scientifically
B1 – Cells
C1 – Particles and their behaviour
P1 Forces
B2 - Structure and function of body systems
Term 2
C2- Elements, atoms and compounds
P2 Sound
B3- Reproduction
P3 Light
Term 3
C3 – Reactions
C4- Acids and alkalis
P4 - Space
|
Year 8 overview
Term 1
Working and thinking scientifically
P2.1 Electricity and magnetism
B2.1 Health and lifestyle
C2.1 The periodic table
Term 2
B2.2 Biological processes
P2.2 Energy
C2.2 Separation techniques
B2.3 Ecosystems and adaptations
Term 3
C3.3 Metals and other materials
P2.3 Motion and pressure
B2.4 Inheritance
C2.4 The Earth
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GCSE Combined Science
| Exam Board |
Subject Leader |
| AQA |
Mrs J Tiernan |
Students at GCSE study either combined science (trilogy), worth two GCSEs, or study separate GCSEs in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Students on the combined science course sit either a foundation or higher tier set of exams. The subjects covered in combined science are:
Biology
- Topic 1: Cell biology
- Topic 2: Organisation
- Topic 3: Infection and response
- Topic 4: Bioenergetics
- Topic 5: Homeostasis and response
- Topic 6: Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Topic 7: Ecology
Chemistry
- Topic 8: Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Topic 9: Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
- Topic 10: Quantitative chemistry
- Topic 11: Chemical changes
- Topic 12: Energy changes
- Topic 13: The rate and extent of chemical change
- Topic 14: Organic chemistry
- Topic 15: Chemical analysis
- Topic 16: Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Topic 17: Using resources
Physics
- Topic 18: Energy
- Topic 19: Electricity
- Topic 20: Particle model of matter
- Topic 21: Atomic structure
- Topic 22: Forces
- Topic 23: Waves
- Topic 24: Magnetism and electromagnetism
Assessments
Students undertaking the combined GCSE in science sit six exam papers: two in biology, two in chemistry and two in physics. Each of the papers assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. The higher tier exams cover grades 4-4 to 9-9, and the foundation tier exams cover grades 1-1 to 5-5. The decision on which tier paper the student will sit will be confirmed in Year 11 and will be made by agreement across all the subject teachers.
Each paper is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each paper is marked out of 70 and worth 16.7% of the GCSE. Questions can be multiple choice, structured, closed short answer or open response.
- Biology Paper 1 examines topics 1-4: cell biology; organisation; infection and response; and bioenergetics.
- Biology Paper 2 examines topics 5-7: homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; and ecology.
- Chemistry Paper 1 examines topics 8-12: atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry; chemical changes; and energy changes.
- Chemistry Paper 2 examines topics 13-17: the rate and extent of chemical change; organic chemistry; chemical analysis; chemistry of the atmosphere; and using resources.
- Physics Paper 1 examines topics 18-21: energy; electricity; particle model of matter; and atomic structure.
- Physics Paper 2 examines topics 22-24: forces; waves; and magnetism and electromagnetism.
Progression and Complementary Studies
Equal emphasis is given to biology, chemistry and physics in the combined science GCSE, and they are taught as separate subjects. Students who follow this course will still be able to access Science at A Level if they achieve high grades (7-6 or higher).
GCSE Biology
| Exam Board |
Subject Leader |
| AQA |
Mr Alexandrou |
Students at GCSE study either combined science (trilogy), worth two GCSEs, or study separate GCSEs in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Students studying three separate GCSEs cover the following subjects in biology:
- Topic 1: Cell biology
- Topic 2: Organisation
- Topic 3: Infection and response
- Topic 4: Bioenergetics
- Topic 5: Homeostasis and response
- Topic 6: Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Topic 7: Ecology
- Topic 8: Key ideas
Assessments
Students sit two papers for GCSE biology. Each paper assesses knowledge and understanding from different topics. Each paper is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Questions can be multiple choice, structured, closed short answer or open response.
- Paper 1 examines topics 1-4: cell biology; organisation; infection and response; and bioenergetics.
- Paper 2 examines topics 5-7: homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; and ecology.
Progression and Complementary Studies
This GCSE provides an idea preparation for students who may wish to go on to study sciences at A-Level.
GCSE Chemistry
| Exam Board |
Subject Leader |
| AQA |
Ms L Tighe |
Students at GCSE study either combined science (trilogy), worth two GCSEs, or study separate GCSEs in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Students studying three separate GCSEs cover the following subjects in chemistry:
- Topic 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Topic 2: Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
- Topic 3: Quantitative chemistry
- Topic 4: Chemical changes
- Topic 5: Energy changes
- Topic 6: The rate and extent of chemical change
- Topic 7: Organic chemistry
- Topic 8: Chemical analysis
- Topic 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Topic 10: Using resources
Assessments
Students sit two papers for GCSE chemistry. Each paper assesses knowledge and understanding from different topics. Each paper is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Questions can be multiple choice, structured, closed short answer or open response.
- Paper 1 examines topics 1-5: atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding, structure and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry; chemical changes; and energy changes.
- Paper 2 examines topics 5-10: the rate and extent of chemical change; organic chemistry; chemical analysis; chemistry of the atmosphere; and using resources.
Progression and Complementary Studies
This GCSE provides an idea preparation for students who may wish to go on to study sciences at A-Level.
GCSE Physics
| Exam Board |
Subject Leader |
| AQA |
Mr Palmer |
Students at GCSE study either combined science (trilogy), worth two GCSEs, or study separate GCSEs in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Students studying three separate GCSEs cover the following subjects in physics:
- Topic 1: Energy
- Topic 2: Electricity
- Topic 3: Particle model of matter
- Topic 4: Atomic structure
- Topic 5: Forces
- Topic 6: Waves
- Topic 7: Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Topic 8: Space physics
Assessments
Students sit two papers for GCSE physics. Each paper assesses knowledge and understanding from different topics. Each paper is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Questions can be multiple choice, structured, closed short answer or open response.
- Paper 1 examines topics 1-4: energy; electricity; particle model of matter; and atomic structure.
- Paper 2 examines topics 5-8: forces; waves; magnetism and electromagnetism; space physics.
Progression and Complementary Studies
This GCSE provides an idea preparation for students who may wish to go on to study sciences at A-Level.
A Level Biology
| Exam Board |
Entry Requirements |
Subject Leader |
| AQA |
Trilogy Science grades 7/7
or
Biology grade 7 and Mathematics grade 6.
|
Mr. A Alexandrou
|
To develop the AS topics still further and to study up to date Human, Plant and Bacterial Biology. To ensure all candidates are confident in their practical, statistical and analytical abilities.
Year 12 Topics
Biological Molecules, Nucleic Acids, Cell Structure, Transport Across Cell Membranes, Cell Recognition and Immune System, Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment, Mass Transport, DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis, Genetic Diversity and Biodiversity.
Practicals 1 – 6
Year 13 Topics
Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy and Ecosystems, Response to Stimuli, Nervous Coordination and Muscles, Homeostasis, Inherited Change, Populations and Evolution, Populations in Ecosystems, Gene Expression and Recombinant DNA Technology
Practicals 7 - 12
Field Trip
A field trip is an important and integral part of this course where students visit the Gower Peninsular in Wales.
Assessment
Paper 1: Assessing content from year 12(35%)
Paper 2: Assessing content from year 13 (35%)
Paper 3: Assessing content from years 12 and 13 with a choice of two essay questions (30%)
Practical assessment is done within Papers 1 – 3 where students are expected understand experimental procedures.
Practical Endorsement
Practical activities are embedded within learning. Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical competences as well as enhancing understanding biological theory. Performance is reported separately to the A level grade as a pass/fail.
Progression into Higher Education/Vocational Destinations
Past students have entered careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary work, nursing and physiotherapy. We have also seen our biologists go onto careers in business, finance, teaching, law, sports management and many others, using the skills of team work and individual study that we have helped them develop.
A Level Chemistry
| Exam Board |
Entry Requirements |
Subject Leader |
| OCR |
Trilogy Science grades 7/7
or
Chemistry grade 7 and Mathematics grade 6.
|
Ms L Tighe |
Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.
Chemistry B (Salters) – a context-led approach.
Learners study chemistry in a range of different contexts, conveying the excitement of contemporary chemistry. Ideas are introduced in a spiral way with topics introduced in an early part of the course reinforced later. The ‘B’ specification places a particular emphasis on an investigational and problem-solving approach to practical work and is supported by extensive new materials developed by the University of York Science Education Group.
The specification is structured in a series of teaching modules that allow the concepts to unfold throughout the course. Each module is intended to be taught through a chemical ‘storyline’. The storylines address topics such as the use and development of fuels, and the use of metals in a wide range of applications including in medicines.
Story Lines
The course follows several story lines, namely:
- Elements of life
- Developing fuels
- Elements from the sea
- The ozone story
- What’s in a medicine?
- The chemical industry
- Polymers and life Oceans
- Developing metals
- Colour by design
Practical Endorsement
Practical activities are embedded within the learning. Candidates complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence as well as enhancing understanding of chemical theory. Performance is reported separately to the A level grade as a pass / fail.
Assessment
Fundamentals of chemistry (01) (110 marks) – 2 hours 15 minutes written paper. Weighting 41% of course.
Assesses the content from across all teaching modules.
Scientific literacy in chemistry (02) (100 marks) – 2 hours 15 minutes written paper. Weighting 37% of course.
Assesses the content from across all teaching modules and places a particular emphasis on scientific literacy. This component features a pre-release Advance notice article.
Practical skills in chemistry (60 marks) – 1 hour 30 minutes written paper. Weighting 22% of course.
Assesses content from across all the modules with a particular emphasis on practical skills
Further Information
Textbooks have been written specifically for the course. A level Salters Advanced Chemistry for OCR B introduces chemical ideas through real live contexts (storylines) and explains the chemical principles behind them. The Activities Pack supports with practical work, data analysis, IT applications and group exercises such as discussions and presentations.
Performance during the course is assessed by a test at the end of each topic. As the transition from GCSE to A level can be difficult, these tests have become increasingly important and are used to monitor progress and highlight strengths and weaknesses. The tests have also proved invaluable in predicting potential A level grades.
Progression into Higher Education/Vocational Destinations
A level chemistry is essential for those who wish to study medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and chemical engineering. Hospitals require the study of chemistry for pathology, pharmacology and clinical biochemistry. The study skills developed in chemistry mean that it is a respected discipline for careers in law, management, banking, computing, accounting and economics.
A Level Physics
| Exam Board |
Entry Requirements |
Subject Leader |
| Edexcel |
Trilogy Science grades 7/7
or
Physics grade 7 and Mathematics grade 6.
|
Mr Palmer |
The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics are to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- their interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with physics
- an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
Physics is suitable for you if you:
- have an interest in, and enjoy, physics
- want to find our about how things work in the physical world
- enjoy applying your mind to solving problems
- enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking
- want to use physics to move onto further studies in Higher Education, support other qualifications or enter physics-based employment.
Topics
Topics covered by paper 1 in the A-Level are:
- Mechanics
- Electric Circuits
- Further Mechanics
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
Topics covered by paper 2 are:
- Materials
- Waves and Particle Nature of Light
- Thermodynamics
- Space
- Nuclear Radiation
- Gravitational Fields
- Oscillations
Assessment
This A-Level is assessed by three externally assessed written papers and further practical activities. The written examinations undertaken are:
- Paper 1 lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes and is marked out of 90. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Students are expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Paper 2 lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes and is marked out of 90. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Students are expected to apply their knowledge and understanding in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Paper 3 lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes and is marked out of 120. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Questions in paper 3 may draw on any of the topics in the specification. It will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. The paper will include questions that assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods (indirect practical skills) that will draw on students' experiences of the core practicals. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Progression into Higher Education/Vocational Destinations
Physics leads onto a wide range of courses and careers. You could use Physics to support other qualifications or move onto further studies or employment, including: a BTEC Higher National (HNC and HND) or a degree course such as Physics, the Sciences, Medicine, Meteorology, Engineering (including Chemical Engineering) and related programmes employment in the area of, for example, radiography and biotechnology.
In fact, Physics is recognised as an entry qualification for a wide range of Higher Education courses and employment opportunities.
