Science
Science
Faculty of Science
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Ethos
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.
Aims
Our curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Progression
Students can progress from this course to:
- GCEs, for example in Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics
- Level 3 vocational qualifications in science, for example. BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science
- employment, for example in a science-based industry where an Apprenticeship may be available
KS3 Curriculum 2020-2021
Year 7, 8 and 9
In Years 7, 8 and 9 all students follow the KS3 National Curriculum. They receive 6 lessons of science per fortnight and are taught in mixed attainment groups. Students in KS3 will have a half termly and end of year exams, as well as interim assessments to check for progress and understanding in the foundations of scientific principles. KS3 pupils begin their study of science by learning how to work scientifically. Through the content across all three disciplines, pupils are taught about: scientific attitudes, experimental skills and investigations, analysis and evaluation and measurement.
Subject Content
Biology: Structure and function of living organisms, Material cycles and energy, Interactions and interdependencies and Genetics and evolution
Chemistry: The particulate nature of matter, Atoms, elements and compounds, Pure and impure substances, Energetics, Chemical reactions, The Periodic Table, Materials, and Earth and atmosphere
Physics: Energy, Motion and forces, Waves, Electricity and electromagnetism, and Matter
KS4 Curriculum 2020-2021
Year 10 and 11
All students follow the KS4 Science National Curriculum. They are set on scientific ability and are taught by a specialist science teacher. At the end of Year 11 all students (apart from those entered for separate science) will be entered for:
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science
Subject Content
Biology: Cell Structure, Enzymes, Transport of Substances, Genetic Information, The Nervous System, Evolution, Health and Disease, Plants and Ecosystems.
Chemistry: Atomic structure, The Periodic Table, Bonding, Acids and Alkalis, Fuels, Rates of Reaction.
Physics: Motions, Forces, Energy, Light and Waves, Radioactivity, Electricity.
Those students that have picked Separate Science as an option will be entered for:
Curriculum Maps
Year 7 - Curriculum Map 2020-21
Year 8 - Curriculum Map 2020-21
Year 9 - Curriculum Map 2020-21
Year 10 - Curriculum Map 2020-21
Year 11 - Curriculum Map 2020-21
Examination Assessment
Combined Science
|
Examinations |
Length of Exam |
Weighting |
|
Paper 1: Biology 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
|
Paper 2: Biology 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
|
Paper 3: Chemistry 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
|
Paper 4: Chemistry 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
|
Paper 5: Physics 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
|
Paper 6: Physics 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 10 min |
16.67% |
Separate Science
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Examinations |
Length of Exam |
Weighting |
|
GCSE Biology (1-9) |
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|
Paper 1: Biology 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
|
Paper 2: Biology 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
|
GCSE Chemistry (1-9) |
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|
Paper 3: Chemistry 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
|
Paper 4: Chemistry 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
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GCSE Physics (1-9) |
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Paper 5: Physics 1 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
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Paper 6: Physics 2 (F/H) |
1 hour 45 min |
50% |
