KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM OUTLINE

We have a specific emphasis on developing a good understanding of how Science works, while developing an understanding of the specific Science topics detailed below. Students will follow a 2 year KS3, before commencing a 3 year KS4 in Year 9. Students will have the opportunity to sit either the three separate sciences or combined science at GCSE based on ability.

YEAR 7

Year 7 comprises of an initial ‘How Science Works’ introduction course, followed by twelve units of Science broken into four Biology, Chemistry and Physics units each. 

Students are assessed through regular topic tests, practical work, extended writing, homework and a larger summative end of year test.

The Year 7 Biology units comprise of:

7A - Cells, tissues organs and systems

7B - Sexual reproduction in animals

7C - Muscles and bones

7D - Ecosystems

The Year 7 Chemistry units comprise of:

7E - Mixtures and separation

7F - Acids and alkalis

7G - The particle model 

7H - Atoms, elements and molecules

The Year 7 Physics units comprise of:

7I - Energy

7J - Current electricity

7K - Forces

7L - Sound

YEAR 8

Year 8 students will begin to explore further concepts in Science, while maintaining regular recaps of previously covered materials. They will also be expected to continue to develop their understanding of how Science works through regular bespoke lessons, to develop the cognitive skills required for GCSE Science.

The Year 8 Biology units comprise of:

8A - Food and nutrition

8B - Plants and their reproduction

8C - Breathing and respiration

8D - Unicellular organisms

The Year 8 Chemistry units comprise of:

8E - Combustion

8F - The Periodic Table

8G - Metals and their uses

8H - Rocks

The Year 8 Physics units comprise of:

8I - Fluids

8J - Light

8K - Energy transfers

8L - Earth and space

KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM OUTLINE

At KS4, we follow the new 9-1 Edexcel Combined Science and the Triple Award routes. This gives students the opportunity to achieve two or three GCSEs in Science. The GCSE Combined Science courses are comprised of an equal combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Topics included in KS4 Biology are:

Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology

Topic 2 – Cells and control

Topic 3 – Genetics

Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification

Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions

Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals

Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles
 

Topics included in KS4 Chemistry are:

Topic 1 – Key concepts in Chemistry 

Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures

Topic 3 – Chemical changes 

Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria

Topic 5 – Separate Chemistry 1

Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table

Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes

Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science

Topic 9 – Separate chemistry 2
 

Topics included in KS4 Physics are:

Topic 1 – Key concepts of Physics

Topic 2 – Motion and forces 

Topic 3 – Conservation of energy

Topic 4 – Waves

Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum

Topic 6 – Radioactivity

Topic 7 – Astronomy

Topic 8 – Energy & forces doing work

Topic 9 – Forces and their effects

Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits

Topic 11 – Static electricity

Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect

Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction

Topic 14 – Particle model

Topic 15 – Forces and matter

 

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND PATHWAYS POST 16

We provide students with the opportunity to follow a range of pathways at post 16. They can follow an A/AS level course and move onto degree level. Many former students have chosen to continue their studies at college, University and through apprenticeship courses.

We work hand in hand with some apprenticeship providers, to ensure that our students get a wide variety of options to choose from.

EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

We also host a National Science Week every year, in which KS3 students have the opportunity to achieve CREST awards with the British Science Association. Additionally, we run other events where we involve students, parents and the local community, allowing them to engage in different science based activities throughout the week.