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Science

Key Stage 3

The principal focus of science in KS3 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.

We look at the link 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. They should be 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.

All classes in KS3 have three lessons per week of Science. The GCSE curriculum is started in Year 9.

Year 7

Year 8

Students will take an end of topic test and annual exam. Homework is set once per week.

KS3 Assessment Grid

Key Stage 4

Students have two options at GCSE. They either take all three individual GCSEs (separate science) in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or they take the Combined Trilogy course which is worth 2 GCSEs.
There is no course work element to this course. Students will carry out a number of required practicals throughout the course which may form the basis of exam questions.

GCSE Biology

AQA Biology (8461)

GCSE Chemistry

AQA Chemistry (8462)

GCSE Physics

AQA Physics (8463)

GCSE Combined Science

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)

Students will receive weekly homework related to content studied that week. They will also take end-of-module tests based on the topic they have most recently studied.

Further Study

Both the separate science and the combined science support further study at level 3 qualification. Those who have only done the combined science may have to do some catch-up work for the part of the full GCSE they haven’t covered. This may be done at college or you may be asked to do some home study prior to starting the course.

It is recommended that you take the separate sciences if you wish to study medical based degrees at university.

Department Staff

Mr J Ryan

Head of Science
Teacher of Biology
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator

Mrs C Basu

Teacher of Physics

Mrs V Pendleton

Teacher of Chemistry

Dr D Murgatroyd

Lab Technician