Year 7 & 8

Science is a core subject at KS3 and KS4.

In KS3 (Year 7-8), is mapped to the National Curriculum and is taught using the OxBox Scheme of Work and resources. These resources are highly innovative and engaging focussing on active learning. The pupils are encouraged to develop higher order thinking skills as well as acquiring a sound grounding of Science. Pupils are prepared for the end of Key Stage Exams (SATS) at the end of year 8. These levels along with other assessments throughout the two years are used to set targets for GCSE performance.

Typical units of work covered are in year 7:

• Being a Scientist
• Cells
• Reproduction
• Differences
• Classification
• Acid reactions
• Particles
• Elements and compounds
• Chemical reactions
• Electricity and magnetism
• Energy
• Forces

Space Typical units of work covered are in year 8:

• Life support
• Keeping healthy
• People and environment
• Shaping life
• The periodic table
• Using elements
• Metal reactions
• What’s in rocks?
• Heating and cooling
• Light
• Sound
• Moving around
• SATS
• Taster of KS4 Curriculum

At KS4 (Year 9-11), pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE Specification. This is a new specification designed to meet all the changes requested by the Education secretary. It is highly challenging as well being interesting, developing highly skilled learners.

Year 9 &10

All pupils are taught the core Science GCSE in Year 9 &10. They will take module exams on three occasions (November, March and May). They will also complete one controlled assessment.

What will you study?

Units covered at KS4 are:

Unit 1 – Influences on life

Unit 2 – Chemistry in our world

Unit 3 – Universal physics

Unit 4 –Controlled assessment chosen from a particular curriculum area.

Science will provide students with:

• The ability to learn current developments in Science.
• The ability to work independently and also in groups.
• A transferable skills for life.

How will you be assessed?

There are three module exams and one controlled assessment. Each exam is worth 25% and the controlled assessment is also worth 25%. Pupils can obtain GCSE grades ranging from A*-G.

• The ability to work independently and also in groups.
• A transferable skills for life.
• The ability to learn current developments in Science

How will you be assessed?

There are three module exams and one controlled assessment. Each exam is worth 25% and the controlled assessment is also worth 25%. Pupils can obtain GCSE grades ranging from A*-G.

Year 11

All pupils are taught the Additional Science GCSE in Year 11 (Old specification). They will take module exams on three occasions (November, March and May). They will also complete three controlled assessments.

What will you study?

Units covered at KS4 are:

Unit 1 – Biology B2

Chemical reactions in living organisms; Chromosomes, genes and DNA; Growth in plants and animals; Growth and the environment; Energy flow; Pollution; Material recycling; Human impact

Unit 2 – Chemistry C2

Carbon compounds; Elements; Using chemical reactions; Compounds; Understanding molecules; Hot and cold reactions; Chemical bonds; Rates of reactions

Unit 3 – Physics C2

Up to speed; Force facts; Full of energy; In a spin; Atoms; Insulators; Energy; Electromagnetic waves; Energy

Unit 4 – Three controlled assessments chosen from each curriculum area. Skills test

• Science will provide students with: The ability to work independently and also in groups.
• A transferable skills for life.
• The ability to learn current developments in Science

How will you be assessed?

There are six module exams (two for each curriculum area) and three controlled assessments and a skills test. Each exam/ assessment is worth 10%. Pupils can obtain GCSE grades ranging from A*-G.