Science

Welcome to the Science Department! In years 7 and 8, we focus on the “10 Big Ideas” that serve as foundational concepts for the GCSE curriculum, introducing students to essential scientific principles through engaging topics such as Forces, Energy, and Ecosystems. As students progress into years 9 to 11, they can choose between the Combined Science (Trilogy) course, which covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for two GCSEs, or opt for Separate Science courses for a more in-depth study with individual GCSEs in each discipline. With a strong emphasis on practical work and access to online resources, we aim to foster a comprehensive understanding of science that prepares students for future academic endeavours.

In years 7 and 8, the Science department teaches Science through "10 Big Ideas." This approach is part of the AQA Five-Year Science program. It helps students explore the key concepts they will need as foundational knowledge for their GCSE studies.

The 10 Big Ideas are:

  1. Forces

  2. Electromagnetism

  3. Energy

  4. Waves

  5. Matter

  6. Reactions

  7. Earth

  8. Organism

  9. Ecosystems

  10. Genes

Each major topic, referred to as a "big idea," encompasses four smaller topics that increase in complexity. This structure allows students to begin with simple and concrete concepts before progressing to more abstract ones. For instance, under the big idea of "Waves," students would first explore "Sound" and "Light" before advancing to "Wave Effects" and "Wave Properties."

The lessons are designed around the "Activate" scheme produced by Oxford Publishing. All students will have access to the online textbook and additional resources through Kerboodle, which they can utilize to enhance their classroom learning.

There is also a strong emphasis on practical work to foster the broader skills involved in Scientific Inquiry.

KS3 Science Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/ks3/science-3/specification

In years 9-11 all students will either study the Combined Science (Trilogy) course or the Separate Sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics offered by AQA.

The Combined Science course covers aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and is worth 2 GCSEs. It is examined in six 1hr15 minute papers.

The Separate Science courses are worth one GCSE each and are assessed in two 1hr45minute papers per GCSE.

Grades for both routes are based on the terminal papers in year 11. There are a number of set Required Practical tasks which can be examined in the papers.

Students will continue to have access to online textbooks an additional resources through Kerboodle.

Combined Science
Biology

1. Cell Biology

2. Organisation

3. Infection & Response

4. Bioenergetics

5. Homeostasis & Response

6. Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7. Ecology

Chemistry

8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
10. Quantitative chemistry
11. Chemical changes
12. Energy changes
13. The rate & Extent of Chemical Change
14. Organic Chemistry
15. Chemical Analysis
16. Chemistry of the Atmosphere
17. Using resources

Physics

18. Energy
19. Electricity
20. Particle Model of Matter
21. Atomic Structure
22. Forces
23. Waves
24. Magnetism & Electromagnetism

Alongside the previously mentioned concepts, there exists a set of additional foundational ideas that possess universal relevance. These principles have been intricately woven into the fabric of the subject matter, enriching the content. They serve as the bedrock for numerous components of the science assessment, supporting and enhancing critical understanding throughout the learning experience.

KS4 Science Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-8464/specification