Science
Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied separately across KS3 and KS4, as we believe they are important subjects in their own right so students have a clear understanding of each discipline within the Science curriculum.
Year 7: Science
In year 7, students will have one Science teacher that teaches them all three disciplines on a rotation, the order that topics are studied within each term may vary but all students will cover all topics by the end of the term. All students start the year with the introduction to science topic, here we learn about what it means to be a scientist and learn the key skills students will need throughout their time at secondary school. We look closely at the different aspects of the scientific method, lab safety and students have the opportunity to learn how to use the equipment within a laboratory environment, obtaining their bunsen burner licence.
In Chemistry, students are introduced to matter, including classifying and identifying solids, liquids and gases. Students then go on to learn about chemical reactions and how to determine with it is a physical or chemical change and if a physical change what separation techniques can be used to return it back to its starting point. During the Summer term we focus on the Earth. We start by looking at its different components and then move on to the rock cycle and how the three rock types are formed.
In Biology, students are introduced to ecosystems and develop their ideas of feeding relationships through food chains and webs. Students then go on to learn about organisms and identify simple plant and animal cells and then move on to covering specialised cells and their adaptations. Students will also look at the human body to investigate how cells, tissues and organs are interrelated. During the Summer term we focus on Genes. We start by looking at inherited and environmental factors which determine our characteristics. We then cover the male and female reproductive systems and stages involved in fetal development.
In Physics, students are introduced to forces and look at speed, acceleration and graphing analysing results. Students then go on to learn about energy covering the different energy types, power and energy efficiency. During the Summer term we focus on electromagnets. We start by looking at how to set up series and parallel circuit and then measure potential difference and current in a circuit.
Year 7 Curriculum Overview: Science
Year 8: Science
In Chemistry, students study climate change and begin to look at the carbon cycle and greenhouse gases and its effect on the environment. Students then go on to learn about the Earth’s natural resources and look into extracting metals and other raw resources. Following this students will build on their Year 7 work on chemical reactions and energy look at how bond making and breaking effect the energy taken in or given off. During the Summer term we focus on the Periodic Table. We start by looking at the differences between atoms and elements and then an atom's structure. We finish off by looking at trends and patterns in the periodic table distribution of elements.
In Biology,students learn about the processes of breathing and digestion in the autumn term. They will also learn about nutrition and the effects of some drugs on parts of the human body. This is followed by a study of two key biological processes essential to all life on Earth: Respiration and Photosynthesis. During the summer term we focus on Evolution and Inheritance. Students start by looking at Biodiversity and the theory of natural selection. Finally, the relationship between DNA, chromosomes, and genes, and how inherited characteristics are transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction are covered.
In Physics, students will build on their forces work from Year 7 and look at contact forces and pressure. Students then go on to learn more about different types and properties of waves. During the Summer term we build on knowledge of electromagnets and investigate ways to vary the strength of an electromagnet. Students will also explore the magnetic field patterns around different types or combinations of magnets. There will be additional energy projects which will support pupils during the transition into Year 9 using electric motors to move weights and then investigating how to prevent heat loss by conduction, convection and radiation.
Year 8 Curriculum Overview: Science
Year 9: Science
Year 9 Curriculum Overview: Seperate Science
Year 9 Curriculum Overview: Combined Science
Year 10 GCSE Science
Year 10 GCSE Curriculum Overview: Combined Science
Year 10 GCSE Curriculum Overview: Seperate Science
Year 11 GCSE Science
