Science

Have a look at the Science Ribbweb site, which includes video, animation and worksheet resources. The site is still undergoing development.

Science is the study of the world around us. It is divided into three broad areas of study (Biological, Chemical and Physical Science) which is taught in discrete topics.

At KS3, a wide range of core concepts are taught which give pupils a broad understanding of modern science and scientific thought.

At KS4, the onus depends on whether or not our students wish to pursue a career in science or go on to further scientific study. If not, the emphasis is more on scientific literacy for the 21st Century where debate about science in the news, plays a major part and with less emphasis on fundamental scientific theory. Pupils will gain confidence in a wide range of skills including practical hands on experimental techniques, number work, debating, making and testing predictions, analysing and evaluating evidence and gathering supporting evidence for arguments about modern science.

Year 7 Curriculum

Catalyst scheme of work (I)

  • Cells
  • Reproduction
  • Environments and feeding relationships
  • Variation and classification
  • Acids and Alkalis
  • Simple chemical reactions
  • Particle model of solids, liquids, gases.
  • Solutions
  • Energy resources
  • Electrical circuits
  • Forces and their effects
  • The solar system and beyond

Year 8 Curriculum

Catalyst scheme of work (II)

  • Food and digestion
  • Respiration
  • Microbes and disease
  • Ecological relasionships
  • Atoms and elements
  • Compounds and mixtures
  • Rocks abnd weathering
  • The rock cycle
  • Heating and cooling
  • Magnets and electromagnets
  • Light
  • Sound and hearing

Year 9 Curriculum

Catalyst scheme of work (III)

  • Inheritance and selection
  • Fit and healthy
  • Plants and photosynthesis
  • Plants for food
  • Reactions of metals and metal compounds
  • Patterns of reactivity
  • Environental chemistry
  • Using chemistry
  • Eneergy and electricity
  • Gravity and space
  • Speeding up
  • Pressure and moments

Gifted and talented pupils are given the opportunity to study for GCSE Astronomy, one lesson per week. The examination being taken at the end of Year 10.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

GCSE 21st Century Science (Core Science)

In Year 10 - 9 Modules, including:

  • Air quality
  • Earth and the Universe
  • Keeping healthy
  • Food matters
  • Radiation and life
  • You and your genes
  • Life on Earth
  • Radioactive materials
  • Material choices

Year 11

Pupils are offered a choice of Additional Core Science which is for those pupils wanting to go on to AS/A2 Level Science study OR Additional Applied Science, consisting of science with a more applied onus.

Additional Core Science - is made up of 9 modules:

  • Homeostasis
  • Chemical patterns
  • Explaining motion
  • Growth and development
  • Chemicals of the natural environment
  • Electric circuits
  • Brain and mind
  • Chemical synthesis
  • The wave model of radiation

Additional Applied Science - consists of 3 modules:

  • Life care
  • Scientific detection
  • Communication