We study science because science means discovery. We want all students to have a love of learning science. We hope to achieve this by developing curiosity in practical and independent enquiry. We will promote a deeper understanding of scientific knowledge, progressing through the five years of study, with a focus on developing students’ scientific understanding through the teaching of scientific enquiry skills. Teaching will challenge students of all abilities and promote deeper thinking. Students will begin to appreciate the complexity of science through the different disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics and will have the opportunity to explore these different fields during the course of each academic year, with particular focus on the impact science has on everyday life and the future science can hold.
Key Stage 3
Intent (based on the National Curriculum)
The principal focus of science teaching in key stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils should begin to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. Years 7 and 8 introduces the key knowledge and skills needed to foster a love of science and scientific enquiry. It challenges students to think about the world around them. Year 9 builds on core knowledge and skills taught in year 7 and 8 it looks to prepare students for KS4. Content will include a higher level of challenge and seek to develop a resilient learner capable of achieving at the highest level in the sciences.
KS3 is the essential foundation for the five year journey incorporating KS4. The learning journey is carefully planned to allow our learners to be successful confident scientists.
Implementation
Students will be taught about:
- Matter
- Organisms
- Chemical reactions
- Earth structure and the universe
- Genes
- Energy
- Waves
- Forces
- Ecosystems
- Electromagnets
- Cells and organisation
- Atomic structure, bonding, and the properties of matter
- Energy
- Waves
- The particle model of matter
- Infection and response
- Cell Biology
- Energy
- Atomic Structure
- Bonding and the properties of matter
- Organisation Physiology
- The particle model and it’s applications
- Atomic structure and it’s applications
- Endothermic and Exothermic Energy Changes
Links to KS2:
- Working scientifically
- Living things and habitats
- Animals including humans
- Properties and changes of materials
- Earth and Space
- Forces
- Evolution and inheritance
- Light
- Electricity
Relationship to the wider KS3 curriculum:
Mathematics: Interpretation and the use of data
Geography: The relationship between biotic and A biotic factors
History: The development of medicine and scientific discovery
DT: The application of science
English language: Spelling, grammar, punctuation, written analysis, written investigation
Key Stage 4
Intent (based on the National Curriculum)
Teaching in the sciences in key stage 4 continues with the process of building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
For some students, studying the sciences in key stage 4 provides the platform for more advanced studies, establishing the basis for a wide range of careers. For others, it will be their last formal study of subjects that provide the foundations for understanding the natural world and will enhance their lives in an increasingly technological society.
Students will follow the appropriate pathway (Trilogy combined or Separate science) to support their learning needs. The curriculum also seeks to develop practical skills by incorporating the required practical element of the GCSE curriculum.
Year 11 builds on content delivered in years 9 and 10; it introduces a higher level of challenge in preparation for the GCSE examinations.
Extra-Curricular Ventures/Cultural Capital:
Examples of extra/cross curricular ventures and trips include:
- KS3 Science club
- KS4 STEM club
- STEM Crest award
- Year 5 and 6 Science days. We invite students from local primary schools for a variety of events.
- Year 7 Mandarin Day. Students learn about the history of fireworks.
- Year 8 Earth Attack Blast off. Students carry out scientific investigations based on a theme of alien invasion.
- Year 8 Marine engineering challenge.
- Year 9 Zombie Apocalypse. Students investigate the spread of disease.
- Year 10 The human brain. Students take part in activities linking the human brain and learning skills.
- Year 12 and 13 Science live event at the excel centre.
- Year 12 Biology field trip
- Year 13 Guest speakers (medicine)