Courses

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.

Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.

Overview

Science

Introduction

The Science Department strives to ensure that all students achieve their best and that they have sufficient knowledge and understanding to become confident citizens in the increasingly scientific world. Through excellent teaching and enthusiasm for their specialist subjects, teachers inspire all students and promote high levels of engagement, aspiration and progression.

Science is taught by biology, chemistry and physics specialists from Year 8 upwards in one of our ten laboratories and three classrooms. Years 7 and 8 are taught in mixed ability groups, with setting from Year 9 onwards. We aim to involve students in practical work whenever possible. Learning and teaching approaches are varied in order to engage and challenge all students. We encourage students to question the scientific method and nurture their interest such that they pursue further study. There is a significant level of uptake of science subjects in the sixth form and beyond.

Course leader

Mr J Carter

Return to key stage 3 courses

Curriculum

Course content

In Years 7 to 9, students study a broad range of scientific topics that lead to development of ‘how science works’ skills, student confidence at carrying out practical work and a solid foundation of knowledge for GCSE. An in-house scheme of work is followed that matches the requirements of the National Curriculum. Year 7 classes are taught ‘science’ but from Year 8 they have dedicated biology, chemistry and physics lessons.

Tests are given at the end of each topic at key stage 3 and the average result from these tests is used as the basis of groupings and access to triple science the following year. There is a lot of practical work and plenty of team work/small group work.

Topics

Year 7

Biology
- Cells.
- Plants.
- Environment.
Chemistry
- Introduction to science.
- Solids, liquids and gases.
- Acids and alkalis.
Physics
- Forces.
- Energy, heating and cooling.
- Earth and space.

Year 8

Biology
- Reproduction.
- Respiration and circulation.
- Genetics and environment.
Chemistry
- Simple chemical reactions.
- Atoms, elements and compounds.
- Solutions and separation.
Physics
- Electricity and magnetism.
- Light.
- Sound.

Year 9

Biology
- Diet and health.
- GCSE begins after October half-term.
Chemistry
- Metals and reactivity.
- Further chemical reactions.
- GCSE begins after October half-term.
Physics
- Forces, motions and simple machines.
- GCSE begins after Christmas.