sCIENCE AND tRIPLE sCIENCE

Intent Statement

We aspire to produce learners who are skilled critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and team players. Students will develop their minds by accessing a stimulating and challenging curriculum supported by a programme of opportunities that will support the creativity and curiosity of each and every one of them. At the conclusion of their high school career, our students will be capable of applying their scientific knowledge to contemporary issues, making connections between scientific disciplines, and pursuing post-secondary education or careers in the many and varied disciplines of science and engineering. 

Key Stage 3

Students in year 7 and 8 follow the AQA Key Stage 3 Science Syllabus. Throughout Key Stage 3 we aim to teach engaging lessons which develop scientific skills as well as knowledge and understanding. Lessons are hands on involving many practical activities.

Year 7 students can also attend an after school Science Club providing further hands on practical Science opportunities. By the end of Key Stage 3 students should have an understanding of the big ideas in Science which should equip them well for success at GCSE level.

Science topics are grouped in themes that cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Themes include Forces, Electromagnets, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystem and Genes. Each theme is part taught in year 7 and part taught in year 8. Within Forces for example, Speed and Gravity are taught in year 7 and Contact forces and pressure are taught in year 8

A link to the AQA Key Stage 3 Science Syllabus can be found here: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/ks3/ks3-science-syllabus

 Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students study AQA GCSE Science. The majority of students follow the AQA Combined Science Trilogy Specification. This is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s in Science.

Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) is offered as an option for those students who would like to study these subjects in greater detail and is particularly advantageous for those students considering A-Level Sciences.

All the courses are designed to engage and challenge our students to reach their scientific potential. Support at Key Stage 4 is paramount and students are encouraged to attend extra revision sessions. Revision guides are available to purchase from the school.

A link to the AQA GCSE specifications can be found
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse