Science
BackKey Stage 3
The principal focus of science teaching in key stage 3 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. Examples of these big ideas are the links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions. Pupils are encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.
Over the course of Year 7 and 8, students study the following topics in Science:
Year 7
Topic Overview:
YEAR 8
TOPIC OVERVIEW:
Variation, Evolution & Biodiversity
YEAR 9
TOPIC OVERVIEW:
Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
Key Stage 4
Teaching in the sciences in key stage 4 continues with the process of building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate the achievements of science in showing how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are inter-linked, and which are of universal application. These key ideas include:
· the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
· the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
· that change is driven by interactions between different objects and systems
· that many such interactions occur over a distance and over time
· that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
· that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry
Students are entered for Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs) or Triple Science (3 separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics). All students cover the material in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics units, however those taking Triple Science will study these in further depths and have extra topics.
Topics Covered at KS4:
Biology:
Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection & Response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis & Response
Inheritance & Evolution
Ecology
Chemistry:
Atomic Structure & The Periodic Table
Bonding, Structure & Properties of Matter
Quantitative Chemistry
Chemical Changes
Energy Changes
Rate & Extent of Chemical Change
Hydrocarbons
Chemical Analysis
Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Sustainable Development
Physics:
Energy
Electricity
Particle Model of Matter
Atomic Structure & Radioactivity
Force & Motion
Waves
Electromagnetism
Space Physics (triple only)
Students will take 6 exams. Those taking Combined Science will have exams of 1 hour 15 minutes. Students taking separate sciences will have exams of 1 hour 45 minutes. The exams are as follows:
- Biology Paper 1 – Units 1-4
- Chemistry Paper 1 – Units 1-5
- Physics Paper 1 – Units 1-4
- Biology Paper 2 – Units 5-7
- Chemistry Paper 2 – Units 6-10
- Physics Paper 2 – Units 5-7 (+8 for triple scientists)
Within these exams, students are also examined on their understanding and application of the Required Practicals, that will be carried out throughout the course, plus various “Working Scientifically” skills.
For further information regarding the specifications and example exams please follow the link: http://www.aqa.org.uk
Exam board: AQA
Key Stage 5
Our AS and A-level science qualifications build on the concepts and skills developed at GCSE, and focus on inspiring and relevant content that paves the way for the scientists of tomorrow.
Biology – OCR A:
- Development of practical skills in Biology
- Foundations in Biology
- Exchange and transport
- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Communication, homeostasis and energy
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Chemistry – AQA:
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Physics – AQA:
- Particles & Radiation
- EM Radiation & Quantum Phenomena
- Waves
- Mechanics
- Materials
- Electricity
- Further Mechanics & Oscillations
- Thermal Physics
- Fields and their Consequences
- Electromagnetism
- Nuclear Physics
- Option Topic (to be chosen in Year 13)
Students take 3 exams at the end of Year 13 for each A Level Subject.
All A Level students will also complete the Practical Endorsement. They will complete Required Practicals and be assessed on the Common Practical Assessment Criteria. More information can be found at aqa.org.uk or ocr.org.uk.