Science
Curious minds create ambitious futures.
Science at our school is about developing inquisitive minds and confident learners who are equipped to make sense of the world around them, in an ever-evolving STEM environment.
Our Science Department aims to nurture curiosity and independent thinking by encouraging students to explore scientific ideas through discussion, investigation and practical enquiry. We want students to see science as relevant, exciting and essential to understanding both everyday life and global challenges.
Our work is guided by the school values of Respect, Ambition and Achievement. Students learn to show respect for scientific evidence, for safety in practical work and for the ideas of others. We foster ambition by setting high expectations and encouraging learners to challenge themselves, ask meaningful questions and consider future pathways in science. Achievement is supported through a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively, enabling all students to experience success and take pride in their progress.
The science curriculum is sequenced to develop strong foundations in biology, chemistry and physics while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving. Practical work is central to learning, allowing students to test ideas, evaluate evidence and develop resilience as scientists. Teaching is designed to challenge and support learners so that all students, regardless of starting point, can make sustained progress.
Through studying science, students will:
- Build secure knowledge across the scientific disciplines
- Develop the ability to plan investigations, analyse data and draw reasoned conclusions
- Understand how scientific knowledge is created and why it changes over time
- Recognise the importance of science in society and future decision-making
- Develop confidence and motivation to continue science beyond compulsory education
Our aim is for students to leave our school as thoughtful, informed individuals who value science and are prepared to engage with the scientific challenges of the future.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| 7 |
Biology: Cells and organisation Chemistry: Particles, substances and mixtures Physics: Fundamentals |
Biology: Organ systems Chemistry: Chemical changes Physics: Sound and light |
Biology: Life cycles Chemistry: Materials |
| 8 |
Biology: 8A Food and nutrition 8B Plants and their reproduction Chemistry: 8F Periodic table Physics: 8J Light |
Biology: 8C Breathing and respiration Chemistry: 8E Combustion Physics: 8K Energy 8L Space |
Biology: 8D unicellular organisms Chemistry: 8H Rocks 8G Metals and their uses Physics: 8I Fluids |
| 9 | Autumn/Spring | Spring/Summer | |
|
Biology: 8D unicellular organisms Chemistry: 8H Rocks 8G Metals and their uses Physics: 8I Fluids |
Biology: 9D Genetics 9E Evolution Chemistry: 9H Separating mixtures 9I Chemistry calculations Physics: 9M Energy 9N Electromagnetic radiation |
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Key Stage 4 Curriculum
(GCSE Combined Science – Edexcel)
| Year | Autumn/Spring | Spring/Summer |
| 10 |
Biology: 10A Health and disease 10B Photosynthesis Chemistry: 10D Acids 10E Electrolysis Physics: 10H Forces and energy 10I Radioactivity |
Biology: 10C Ecosystems 10C.5 CNS Chemistry: 10F Metal extraction 10G Groups and the periodic table Physics: 10J Electricity |
| 11 |
Biology: 11A Circulatory system 11B Hormone regulation Chemistry: 11C Rates of reaction 11D Fuels and the Earth Physics: 11E Magnetism 11F Particles and energy |
Biology: Revision Chemistry: Revision Physics: Revision |
Homework
All science homework from Years 7-11 is set weekly on the Educake platform. It consists of 30 questions covering the topics currently being studied and retrieval practice of previous learning to help embed the key information and enable students to access learning more effectively.
Science homework club takes place every lunchtime in 1S5, where staff are available to help support students.
Educake has inbuilt revision slides to help aid students with independent revision pre- or post-homework.