Key Stage 3 Science

The following 10 key ideas are delivered across year 7 to 9. These are Forces, Electromagnetism, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. Each idea contains four smaller topics: the building blocks for the big ideas

Science is delivered with a strong emphasis of scientific enquiry in mind.  The skills of planning, observing, analysing and communicating are developed. Students build up their knowledge through practical work, focussing on observations and conclusions formulated.

Science is taught in mixed ability groups where these key ideas are embedded through the synthesis of interactive theory and practical lessons. Mini assessments take place to ensure that we are meeting the learning and developmental needs of each student and that support can be provided in the right areas. In addition, there are 3 formal assessment dates within the academic year where practical and theory can be assessed.

A weekly STEM Club for Year 7 and 8 students will allow students to explore their love for science through a wide range of activities which support learning. This will be extended to Year 9 students in the 2^nd term.

Key Stage 4

For Year 10 and 11 students they can chose between combined science (2 GCSEs) and Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs).

GCSE Combined Science

Why study GCSE Combined Science?

GCSE Combined Science is a combination of three science which complement each other.  They give a broad and in-depth understanding of life and the environment, chemical process, and physical concepts. Students also develop their scientific skills through undertaking a series of required practical work.

What will I study?

The course will require the student to study concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  These will be organised into distinct topics which include reference to developments in science.   There will also be practice of scientific skills and evaluation of data and new theories.

How will I be assessed?

GCSE Separate Sciences

Biology/Chemistry/Physics

Why study GCSE Separate Sciences?

GCSE Separate Science is a suite of three science which complement each other.  They give a broad and in-depth understanding of life and the environment, chemical process, and

physical concepts. Students also develop their scientific skills through undertaking a series of required practical work.

What will I study?

The course will require the student to study the GCSE content of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  Each will give them a separate GCSE. The additional content of the course in comparison to Combined Science engages students who will already have a keen interest in science. The course is taught as a series of concepts, practical work which develops scientific skill and evaluation of data and new theories.

How will I be assessed?

How will this course help me after my GCSEs?

From studying GCSE Separate Sciences, you may go onto a career in the sciences.  The content of the course equips you to also build the foundations for understanding the natural world and an increasingly technological society. Typical careers include medicine, dentistry, optometry, and veterinary sciences.  Including healthcare careers in nursing, physiotherapy, and sports science.  The course develops all skills in terms of acquiring knowledge, analysis of data and evaluation of resources and methodology.  Therefore, the study of separate science lends itself to many other careers which are not science based such as Law and Accountancy. 

Key Stage 5

These are specialist A levels for students who would like to specialise in separate sciences for those seeking careers in STEM related subjects or to purse this at university.

Please see links below for the KS3,4 and 5 Curriculum Intent and easy read curriculum maps, which explains what your child is learning and when throughout the year.