We study science because science means discovery. We want all students to have a love of learning science. We hope to achieve this by developing curiosity in practical and independent enquiry. We will promote a deeper understanding of scientific knowledge, progressing through the five years of study, with a focus on developing students’ scientific understanding through the teaching of scientific enquiry skills. Teaching will challenge students of all abilities and promote deeper thinking. Students will begin to appreciate the complexity of science through the different disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics and will have the opportunity to explore these different fields during the course of each academic year, with particular focus on the impact science has on everyday life and the future science can hold.
Key Stage 3
Intent (based on the National Curriculum)
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. Years 7 and 8 introduces the key knowledge and skills needed to foster a love of science and scientific enquiry. It challenges students to think about the world around them. Year 9 builds on core knowledge and skills taught in year 7 and 8 it looks to prepare students for KS4. Content will include a higher level of challenge and seek to develop a resilient learner capable of achieving at the highest level in the sciences.
KS3 is the essential foundation for the five year journey incorporating KS4. The learning journey is carefully planned to allow our learners to be successful confident scientists.
Implementation
Students will be taught about:
- Matter
- Organisms
- Chemical reactions
- Earth structure and the universe
- Genes
- Energy
- Waves
- Forces
- Ecosystems
- Electromagnets
- Cells and organisation
- Atomic structure, bonding, and the properties of matter
- Energy
- Waves
- The particle model of matter
- Infection and response
- Cell Biology
- Energy
- Atomic Structure
- Bonding and the properties of matter
- Organisation Physiology
- The particle model and it’s applications
- Atomic structure and it’s applications
- Endothermic and Exothermic Energy Changes
Links to KS2:
- Working scientifically
- Living things and habitats
- Animals including humans
- Properties and changes of materials
- Earth and Space
- Forces
- Evolution and inheritance
- Light
- Electricity
Relationship to the wider KS3 curriculum:
Mathematics: Interpretation and the use of data
Geography: The relationship between biotic and A biotic factors
History: The development of medicine and scientific discovery
DT: The application of science
English language: Spelling, grammar, punctuation, written analysis, written investigation
Key Stage 4
Intent (based on the National Curriculum)
The GCSE Chemistry course provides additional breadth and depth of scientific content. This is particularly beneficial for students wishing to apply for competitive entry courses at university such as medicine.
The course is designed for students who have a real interest and aptitude for the subject and are willing to put in the extra study required. The final decision on curriculum pathway is not made until the end of Year 10, allowing students time to develop and demonstrate their scientific skills and understanding before their pathway is determined.
Throughout the course students are given opportunities to enrich their understanding of the curriculum and how it relates to the world around us. Students are also given a broad range of opportunities to develop scientific enquiry skills.
Extra-Curricular Ventures/Cultural Capital:
Examples of extra/cross curricular ventures and trips include:
- Year 7 - Science Museum
- Year 8 - Natural History museum
- Year 9 - Royal Institute LYSC
- Year 10 Baylabs BAYER
- Year 11 Royal Institute LYSC plus differentiated trips for sets (e.g. St Mary's Uni Required Practical days)
- Year 12 Biology - Epping Forest Field studies trip
- Year 12 Chemistry - Ecton Hill or Berlin trip
- Year 12 Physics - CERN