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Science

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Key Stage 3 

During Year 7 and Year 8 students are taught the three sciences through a series of topics.  We follow the New Collins Scheme which covers the recently updated KS3 national curriculum.  

We want students to enjoy Science and we have a well-resourced department where practical work and creative activities are valued. We aim to develop communication skills, scientific literacy, data analysis and ICT skills. Students will be encouraged to solve problems, undertake practical work and to understand how scientific concepts develop.  We run the CREST award, a science club and organise science trips each year.

Students sit an end of year exam in Years 7, 8 and 9, with end of topic tests through the year.  Practical skills are assessed throughout the year, with some work taking the form of more extensive lab reports, which combine multiple skills, including practical work and written communication.

In Year 9 students begin studying for their GCSEs which are assessed at the end of Year 11. 

Key Stage 4 

Students begin GCSE in Year 9 and will either be working towards Combined Science (two GCSEs), or Separate Science (three GCSEs).   Through Combined Science and Separate Science students ill study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with Separate Science students covering additional content and depth. 

Practical skills are embedded within the topics studied, including the Core Practicals that are required to Edexcel.  Students will be guided through these and develop their skills throughout the three years. 

All GCSE Science exams take place at the end of Year 11.

Post 16 Education 

Post 16 we offer specialist teaching of Biology (AQA), Chemistry (Edexcel), Physics (Edexcel) and Psychology (AQA).  These are taught by subject specialists, covering the fundamentals of each subject, as well as the associated practical skills.  As part of their course students will have the opportunity to undertake visits outside of the classroom, including a four day Biology field trip to an FSC site, and a Physics trip to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.