Contact: Mrs C. Phillips
"In the end, it's the people who are curious who change the world." Neil deGrasse Tyson
Curriculum Intent
Science helps us answer questions about everyday life, and develops pupils' curiosity and understanding of the natural world. Our curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the skills to observe, analyse and evaluate information across the 3 science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Course Structure & Overview
Learning is sequenced throughout Key Stage 3 and 4 in a spiral curriculum that revisits key themes in each of the scientific disciplines, where each year builds on the previous year's learning and increased the depth and breadth of pupils' knowledge. Below is an example of how one key concept in each area is developed through Key stages 3 and 4.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Science at Key Stage three covers the national curriculum and provides the foundations for key stage four. The focus of teaching at Key stage three aims to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Enable pupils to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding.
- Encourage pupils to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.
Pupils are taught that science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and subjecting results to peer review. ‘Working scientifically' is taught throughout year 7,8 &9. Literacy and numeracy are developed through use of scientific vocabulary, including the use of scientific nomenclature and units and mathematical representations.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
All pupils study Science at Key Stage 4, there are two routes available to pupils. Combined Science is a double award qualification called Science Trilogy. Pupils study the three scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and receive two GCSE grades averaged across their performance in each discipline. Upper band pupils have the option to study each Science discipline as a separate subject attaining three separate GCSE grades, one in each science subject. This is an excellent route for pupils who which to study science in greater depth. Pupil's opting for the separate science route will cover more content in each unit and provide a broader foundation for those who which to go on to study A-Level sciences. The table below provides an outline of the combined science and separate science GCSE courses.
Progression Routes
Pupils who enjoyed studying GCSE Science have gone on to study A-Levels in subjects such as Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Psychology or other Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC Nationals in Science, Engineering, Health & Social Care, Horticulture and Sports Science. For those not going directly into post-16 education, GCSE Science is a highly valued qualification by many employers because it encourages both academic and practical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills.
Future Careers
GCSE Science opens the doors to a wide range of careers including Agriculture, computing, engineering, environmental science, historic research and preservation, horticulture, marine science, medical and healthcare, veterinary, food science, beauty therapy sciences, sport and exercises sciences, pharmacy services, polymer technology, chemical engineering, manufacturing, dentistry, dental technology, laboratory and associated technical activities or clinical laboratory support.