Across both key stages, all science lessons provide a balance between theoretical and practical based learning.

Key Stage 3

Pupils receive 8 hours of lessons across a 2-week timetable.  Taught in mixed ability classes by one teacher.

Key Stage 4

Pupils have two options to study GCSE Science, both of which follow the AQA specifications.

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy

This is a two GCSE course where pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils are taught by 1 teacher in mixed ability groups. Pupils receive 8 1-hour lessons over the two-week timetable.

In Year 11, pupils are grouped further in mixed ability groups based on tiering for examinations (Foundation or Higher).

Separate Science

Pupils opting to take the separate science courses take separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils are taught by subject specialists and there are, on average, 4 lessons a fortnight for each subject across Year 10 and Year 11.  This is the best option for pupils who are likely to take Science A-Levels.

Required practicals form part of both courses and pupils gain mastery of practical techniques across Biology, Chemistry and Physics by completing these practicals first-hand. Questions in the AQA examinations test pupils’ knowledge, analysis and evaluation skills of these important practical activities.

Home Learning

At KS3 pupils receive weekly home learning utilising KS3 Oxford Revise textbook and topic knowledge organisers.

At KS4 pupils receive weekly home learning using the KS4 Oxford Revise textbooks.

All home learning is incorporated throughout the curriculum as part of the retrieval and interleaving plans. 

Assessment

All topics include regular assessment points in the form of progress tasks. Pupils receive detailed and purposeful feedback in the form of feedback lessons, providing the opportunity to respond and improve their learning and understanding.

KS3 and Year 10

Formative assessment takes place at three points within the academic year. These assessments comprise of two sections:

A: Multiple choice question - focussing on the knowledge that’s of prior learning

B: Extended written response focussing on application of knowledge and practical skills.

Year 11

Examinations take place at the end of Year 11, along with an internal mock window, which reflects the suite of examinations pupils will receive.

GCSE Combined Science

Pupils sit 6 papers overall (2 per subject). Pupils receive two grades, based on the average of these examinations. This means that pupils achieve a pair of grades that represent their achievements across all three subjects.

Separate Sciences

Pupils sit two exams per subject and, as they are separate GCSEs each grade is unrelated to the other subjects.

STEM Curriculum

The science curriculum is further broadened with the inclusion of our dedicated STEM curriculum, increasing the cultural, social and scientific capital of our pupils.

The curriculum includes:

• Black History Month,
• Women in STEM,
• National Careers
• Apprenticeship Week
• Engineering Week
• British Science Week
• Earth Day,

LGBTQ in STE 

• GCSE Combined Science 
• GCSE Biology
• GCSE Chemistry
• GCSE Physics

A range of extracurricular activities are available to pupils in all key stages, in addition to the extensive support sessions available.

Opportunities on offer for 2023/24:

• STEM Club
• Space Exploration Club
• Science Documentary Club
• Gardening Club (Summer 2024)
• KS4 Study Support

All Key Stage 3 pupils are provided an opportunity to achieve the Crest Awards for Discovery, Bronze and Silver.

Age appropriate career and further study pathways are embedded throughout the science curriculum.

This is further supported by the dedicated STEM focus curriculum, specifically centred around National Career, Apprenticeship and Engineering weeks.