Sciences
Key Stage 3
Our Science curriculum lays a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics through engaging, hands-on learning. Students develop critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and a curiosity about the world around them. Students follow content according to the National Curriculum for science using a clear strand-based approach that reviews and builds on the understanding from KS2.
Practical skills are modelled for students with opportunities for them to develop the skills of enquiry and working scientifically.
During Key Stage 3, students will also have the opportunity to participate in STEM activities, develop their understanding and implications of landfills, and the importance of sustainability for the future of our planet.
What is covered?
Year 7: Cells, tissues, and organs; Mixtures and separation; Energy; Sexual reproduction in animals; Acids and alkalis; Current and electricity; Muscles and bones; Particle model; Forces; Ecosystems; Atoms, elements, and compounds; and Sound.
Year 8: Food and nutrition; Combustion; Fluids; Plants and reproduction; The periodic table; Light; Breathing and respiration; Metals and their uses; Energy transfer; Unicellular organisms; Genetics and evolution; Earth and space; Making materials; Forces and motion; Plant growth; and Reactivity.
Year 9: Key concepts in Biology; Cells and control; Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding; States of matter and separating techniques; Groups in the periodic table; Motion and forces; Conservation of energy; Genetics; and Waves.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Combined Science (Double Science)
This option results in certification of two Science GCSEs that students will gain at the end of the course. They are an excellent qualification for many careers and are also a good preparation for ‘A’ Level in any of the Sciences, including Psychology.
GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science)
Students who study all three Science GCSEs will receive three GCSE certificates, one in each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This is particularly good preparation for advanced study in any of the Sciences. Students will be considered for this course on the basis of their Year 8 and 9 examination and test scores, homework records, and teacher professional judgement. It is expected that a high grade in these examinations will be required; therefore, not all applicants will be accepted.
Students who do not obtain sufficient grades to be accepted onto Triple Science need not worry unduly, as Double Science is still an excellent preparation for A Levels and University.
Key Stage 5
Biology
A Level biology is a multidisciplinary subject that involves blending the practical and the theoretical in order to
achieve a deeper understanding of how living organisms interact with each other and their environments. The
content is divided into six teaching modules, and each module is further divided into key topics.
Students who choose to study biology at A-level will learn about the fundamentals of biology, biochemistry, and
physiology. A large emphasis is being put on vocabulary and practicing exam questions, together with analytical
thinking, clear communication, and showing competence in the practical aspect of the subject.
Chemistry
The subject is informally split into three areas: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. These are interwoven so
that a variety of topics are taught throughout. There is an emphasis on practical work, which is carried out on an
individual basis wherever possible. Students will be given regular homework tasks that will involve research and
sample examination questions, amongst other written tasks. The theory of the course will complement the practical
work and will seek to explain modern chemistry in contexts such as climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and chemical research.
Physics:
The A Level Physics course is split into 13 topics. The majority of the work is based on applying basic physics principles to tackling problems of varying difficulty. Practical work is also included to demonstrate the concepts covered.
This course covers concepts and theories that you will need to be able to understand fully and apply to different contexts when tackling questions. Apart from competency in Mathematics, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, as well as the ability to see how concepts fit together.