Science

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

The national 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 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.

Curriculum Learning Journeys

Key Stage 4 Science

Pupils will study EITHER GCSE Combined Science (Double Award) OR all 3 separate Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Triple Award). Those that chose to follow the separate science pathway will cover additional content within the areas of study listed below.

Studying the separate sciences means students will cover more content than GCSE Combined Sciences and will provide a more thorough preparation for A-level Science courses, although studying Combined (Double) science does not preclude a student from taking Sciences at A level.

Course content

There will be a focus on the following areas:

  • Scientific knowledge
  • Mathematical skills
  • Knowledge of practical methodology
  • Interpretation of data and graphs
  • Literacy and communication
Biology 1. Cell biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology
Chemistry 1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
2. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 3. Quantitative chemistry
4. Chemical changes
5. Energy changes
6. The rate and extent of chemical change
7. Organic chemistry
8. Chemical analysis
9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
10. Using resources
Physics 1. Forces
2. Energy
3. Waves
4. Electricity
5. Magnetism and electromagnetism 6. Particle model of matter 7. Atomic structure 8. Space physics

Biology Curriculum Learning Journey

Chemistry Curriculum Learning Journey

Physics Curriculum Learning Journey

Exam Board – AQA

Specification  

Assessment

Combined science 6 papers (2 chemistry, 2 biology and 2 physics) Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes
Higher and foundation
Each paper is equally weighted (16.7%) Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed, short answer and open response.
Separate sciences Biology
2 papers
Each paper 1 hour 45 minutes Higher and foundation
Each paper worth 50% of the grade Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.
Chemistry 2 papers
Each paper 1 hour 45 minutes Higher and foundation
Each paper worth 50% of the grade Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Physics 2 papers
Each paper 1 hour 45 minutes Higher and foundation
Each paper worth 50% of the grade Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Key Stage 5 Biology A Level

Course content

Year 1

  • Unit 1: Biological molecules
  • Unit 2: Cells
  • Unit 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Unit4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 2

  • Unit 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms
  • Unit 6: Organisms response to changes in their internal and external
    environments
  • Unit 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  • Unit 8: The control of gene expression

Exam board – AQA

Specification – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402

Assessment

Exam (2 hours) Mixed content from units 1-4 35% of qualification
Exam (2 hours) Mixed content from units 5-8 35% of qualification
Exam (2 hours) Mixed content from units 1-8 30% of qualification

 

Key Stage 5 Physics A Level

Course content

A Level Physics is a challenging subject that requires a high level of motivation. It enables you to

develop personal skills such as problem solving, analysing detailed information, perception and interpretation of our physical environment. Within lessons we are able to work on group activities or on

independent tasks. The course incorporates a number of modules which are stimulating in their depth and content. Alongside the modular exams there is an assessed practical that contributes to your final grade. After obtaining your grade, ‘A’ Level Physics is a highly valued subject by Higher Educational establishments in relation to such areas as Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics, Computing and Business.

Core Content

  • Measurements and their errors
  • Particles and radiation
  • Waves
  • Mechanics and materials
  • Electricity
  • Further mechanics and thermal physics
  • Fields and their consequences
  • Nuclear physics

Options

  • Astrophysics
  • Medical physics
  • Engineering physics
  • Turning points in physics
  • Electronics

Exam board – AQA

Specification 

Assessment

Exam (2 hours) Mixed content from units 1-5 and 6.1 Periodic Motion 34% of qualification
Exam (2 hours) Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8 34% of qualification
Exam (2 hours) Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis plus students enter for one option subject 32% of qualification