Science

Overview

Students are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 and Year 8 and with ability groups set for Year 9. During the first two years of Key Stage 3 students are taught Science through six main topics covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics content. In addition, there is also a focus on Science enquiry including practical, analytical and mathematical skill development. In Year 9, the same enquiry skills are built on through the introduction of GCSE content. Students develop a range of practical skills throughout the year and focus on key science knowledge which links to GCSE to prepare for Year 10.

All students complete two assessments per half term and these are a combination a practical assessments which check for competency in how science works and end of unit tests assessing scientific theory. 

Curriculum Content

Assessment Criteria

Please find below the assessment benchmarks for Science.
A child progresses across the grid (from A-I) when they demonstrate a deeper knowledge and wider range of skills in each assessment carried out.

Overview

Students follow two different pathways at Key Stage 4 depending on outcomes in Year 9. The first, where students who are on or above track at Key Stage 3, are eligible to study Triple Science (GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics) where students achieve three GCSE qualifications and this can be chosen as an option. The second is Combined Science for all other students where two GCSE qualifications will be achieved. Either pathway does not limit choices after Key Stage 4. All work covered continues from the topics covered at Year 9.

Students study either the triple route AQA GCSE biology, chemistry and physics or the combined science route, AQA trilogy. At KS4 combined science, students are placed into groups based on higher and foundation tiers.

The Science department’s guiding principle is to ensure that all students are fully prepared for external examinations at the end of Year 11 by ensuring that each pupil has the knowledge and skills to succeed. This is achieved through regular exam practice for assessment, practical experience to apply scientific knowledge through up to 30 required experiments and skills based learning building literacy and numeracy skills in Science.

Exam board and course

Triple Science

AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)

AQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Combined Science

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)

Curriculum Content

All students, irrespective of following the Triple or Combined route cover the same topics. However, there is more in-depth content in Triple Science.