Science
Key Stage 3
The principal focus of science in KS3 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.
In our study, we explore how the structure of living organisms is connected to their functions. We also focus on the particle model, which helps us understand the properties and interactions of different types of matter. Additionally, we examine energy resources and how energy is transferred, as these are crucial for understanding these interactions. Students will be encouraged to connect scientific concepts to real-world phenomena and use models and abstract ideas to develop and assess their explanations.
All classes in KS3 have three lessons per week of Science. The GCSE curriculum is started in Year 9.
Year 7
- Forces and Matter
- Electromagnetism and Organisms
- Reactions and Ecosystems
- Energy and Earth
- Genes
- Waves
Year 8
- Forces and Matter
- Electromagnetism and Organisms
- Reactions and Ecosystems
- Energy and Earth
- Genes
- Waves
Students will take an end of topic test and annual exam. Homework is set once per week.
KS3 Assessment Grid
Key Stage 4
Students have two options at GCSE. They either take all three individual GCSEs (separate science) in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or they take the Combined Trilogy course which is worth 2 GCSEs.
There is no course work element to this course. Students will carry out a number of required practicals throughout the course which may form the basis of exam questions.
GCSE Biology
AQA Biology (8461)
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
GCSE Chemistry
AQA Chemistry (8462)
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using the Earth’s resources
GCSE Physics
AQA Physics (8463)
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle Model
- Atomic Structure
- Forces
- Observing and recording motion
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Space physics
GCSE Combined Science
AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
- All Biology modules
- All Chemistry modules
- All Physics modules
Students will receive weekly homework related to content studied that week. They will also take end-of-module tests based on the topic they have most recently studied.
Further Study
Both the separate science and the combined science support further study at level 3 qualification. Those who have only done the combined science may have to do some catch-up work for the part of the full GCSE they haven’t covered. This may be done at college or you may be asked to do some home study prior to starting the course.
It is recommended that you take the separate sciences if you wish to study medical based degrees at university.
Department Staff
Mr J Ryan
Head of Science
Teacher of Biology
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator
Mrs C Basu
Teacher of Physics
Mrs V Pendleton
Teacher of Chemistry
Dr D Murgatroyd
Lab Technician