Science
We study science because an understanding of its principles and canon enables students to enquire and make critiqued and informed decisions throughout their lives, by applying their knowledge and understanding to the real world. Its reach is total - from the outer reaches of the universe to the inner workings of our cells. Using laboratory work, we both investigate scientific principles and inculcate students in the scientific method. We equip learners with the confidence and competence to choose to pursue careers that build on and apply their scientific knowledge and understanding. Studying science enables students to be informed citizens who positively contribute to their communities and society.
Principles
In science students learn by:
- Developing their understanding of the basic concepts of science - including but not exclusively cells, particles and forces - in order to access and add to the vast canon of scientific knowledge and understanding.
- Developing their understanding of scientific models, enabling them to evaluate others and develop their own.
- Critiquing knowledge and data by applying scientific principles regarding reliability and validity.
- Analysing data and evaluating experiment design, in order to make valid conclusions.
- Using extended writing to consolidate, develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.
Key Stage 3 and 4 content
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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Year 7 |
Cells and Organisation Reproduction Nutrition Respiration Breathing Photosynthesis Skeletal and Muscular System Ecology |
Introduction to Science Atoms, Elements and Compounds Pure and Impure Substances
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Energy Motion Particles Forces Earth and Rocks Fields |
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Year 8 |
Inheritance and Genetics Pathogens and Disease Biodiversity and Evolution |
Introduction to Science Chemical Changes Materials Climate |
Forces Space Energy Thermal Electricity Waves Pressure
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Year 9 |
Cells Biology Animal Organisation Bioenergetics |
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table Bonding structure and properties of matter |
Particle model of matter Energy |
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Year 10 |
Plant organisation Bioenergetics Infection and response Homeostasis Inheritance, variation, and evolution |
Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Energy changes The rate and extent of chemical change |
Electricity Atomic structure Forces Waves Motion |
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Year 11 |
Inheritance, variation, and evolution Ecology
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Organic chemistry Chemical analysis Chemistry of the atmosphere Using resources |
Motion Waves Forces Magnetism and Electromagnetism Space Physics (separate Physics only) |
Key Stage 5 content
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Year 12 |
Year 13 |
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Biology |
Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Statistics Practical Endorsement |
Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression Statistics Practical Endorsement
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Chemistry |
Development of practical skills in chemistry Foundations in chemistry Periodic table and energy Core organic chemistry Practical Endorsement |
Physical chemistry and transition elements Organic chemistry and analysis Practical Endorsement |
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Physics |
Development of practical skills in physics Foundations in physics Forces and motion Electrons, waves and photons Practical Endorsement |
Newtonian world and astrophysics Particles and medical physics Practical Endorsement |
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Exam Specifications
AQA | 8464 | GCSE Combined Science
AQA | 8461 | GCSE Biology
AQA | 8462 | GCSE Chemistry
AQA | 8463 | GCSE Physics
AQA | 7402 | A Level Biology
AQA | 7405 | A Level Chemistry
AQA | 7408 | A Level Physics
Documents
| Science curriculum overview 23 24 | Download |
