Science

Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.

Rosalind Franklin

KS3 Science

In KS3, we follow the AQA Activate scheme of work which covers the areas set out in the National Curriculum. We use a 5-year plan where the topics and themes covered throughout KS3 link to topics that form parts of the AQA GCSE Science curriculum. During KS3, students will complete biology, chemistry, and physics topics that are rotated and sequenced to promote long-term retention and recall between the different scientific disciplines. These topics explore the ‘Big Ideas’ in science education and are reviewed with a written assessment after each topic.

We believe that science should be an enjoyable and challenging subject that inspires students to be curious about the world that we live in. Our KS3 syllabus organises the ‘Big Ideas’ and topics of science into clear objectives, outlining what students need to know, what they must be able to apply, and how to extend their knowledge and understanding. Throughout KS3, science lessons will include multiple opportunities to develop students’ cross-curricular skills, including mathematics and literacy. Following this syllabus allows students to participate in activities that develop practical and enquiry skills in science that prepare them for the step up to GCSE science courses taught at KS4.

KS4 Science

During KS4 students will follow the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy course. This course follows on from the KS3 syllabus and is designed to ensure that students engage with all disciplines of science, further strengthening and building upon the knowledge and working scientific skills acquired during KS3. 

This is the natural progression for students after completing KS3. This qualification will see students continue to complete topics in biology, chemistry, and physics further progressing on the content covered at KS3 level. Embedded throughout each component of science are required practicals. These required practicals are linked directly to the content of the course and allow students to develop skills such as: handling data, risk assessments, and maximising accuracy. Skills developed through these investigations are assessed in the examinations. This qualification is assessed by six examination papers: two biology, two chemistry, and two physics, with each paper assessing content from specific topic areas. This qualification is linear, meaning all examinations will be completed at the end of the course. 

KS5 Science

AS and A-Level Biology

Studying AS and A-level can develop students to potentially study science in a higher education setting. The AS and A-level are co-teachable and are taught in consecutive years. These qualifications are linear. This means that students will complete the AS exams at the end of their AS course and all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.

BTEC Level 3 National in Applied Science

At KS5, we also offer a BTEC qualification in Applied Science. The course focuses on all three areas of science, whilst developing maths skills and studying contemporary issues in science. This course is assessed by internally set assignments and externally set assignments, in the form of written examinations. This qualification would be an alternative to studying the A-Level in Biology.

Other options

We may also offer the opportunity of studying a single science GCSE qualification, depending on what has been studied at KS4.


Careers

  • Biologist
  • Chemical engineer 
  • Pharmacist
  • Psychologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Doctor- and other medical professions
  • Forensic scientist 
  • Performance sports scientist