Science
Faculty Lead: Mrs L Dolby
KS3
The KS3 Science curriculum is structured around 10 Big Ideas of Science across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This ensures students build a connected, spiraled understanding of key scientific concepts across Years 7 through 9.
We embed targeted vocabulary instruction into every topic, empowering students to master essential scientific terminology to articulate complex ideas with confidence.
Lessons regularly employ cooperative learning techniques to foster active engagement, equal participation, and structured peer discussion.
Practical investigations are integrated throughout the scheme of work, giving students regular opportunities to develop experimental skills, and link theoretical concepts to data collection. Students are challenged to transfer their understanding to unfamiliar scenarios, developing the problem-solving and synoptic thinking required for KS4.
KS4
We retain the key features of our KS3 curriculum into KS4: explicit teaching of high-level scientific vocabulary, cooperative learning structures for collaborative problem-solving, hands-on practical work, and an ongoing focus on applying knowledge to novel exam-style contexts.
To ensure equity as we progress into the higher demand of KS4, lessons are carefully ordered to scaffold complex topics logically. We embed dedicated, protected time for knowledge retrieval at the start of learning cycles, ensuring foundational concepts are secure before building new content. We also place a heavy emphasis on core mathematical skills alongside the deliberate teaching of working scientifically skills.
Students studying Separate Sciences benefit from targeted academic extension opportunities designed to foster passion and excellence. This includes participating in competitive events like the Biology Spelling Bee and Hymers Science Triathlon, as well as attending the national Science Live! conference to engage with leading contemporary scientists.
At KS4 we deliver the AQA specification across both AQA Combined Science: Trilogy and Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), providing an ambitious, tailored curriculum for all learners. Regardless of which qualification students take, they will sit 6 exams (2 per science discipline) all taken at the end of Year 11.
Enhanced Provisions
Our science curriculum extends beyond the mainstream classroom to ensure that all learners have access to an ambitious, high-quality science education.
Each enhanced provision within the school delivers a customised curriculum which maintains high academic expectations while adapting pace, delivery, and support to empower students to reach their potential. Each enhanced provision curriculum reflects the mainstream curriculum for its key stage to ensure progress in Science. Key concepts and skills are maintained to build a foundation to support successful transitions back into mainstream.
10 Big Ideas Over 5 Years...
