Science
Curriculum Sequence
Please click on the icons below to view the curriculum sequence for each Key Stage. The curriculum sequence will show you what students should know and be able to do in the subject, alongside the key ‘tier 3’ subject specific vocabulary that your child needs to understand to allow them to access the deeper curriculum. The curriculum sequence also lists the ‘key assessment questions’ each term/half term that your child will be asked during assessments to help your child to prepare effectively, as well as the ‘disciplinary rigour’ which explains the methods, conventions, rules and practices that are specific to that subject.
Curriculum Intent
In our rapidly evolving world, Science is a vital part of our curriculum. Science stimulates and excites students’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them; it also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge.
We aim to provide an ambitious curriculum which delivers a wide and varied learning experience where every lesson is ‘taught to the top’ and scaffolded to support students to achieve. We strive to develop each students unique potential where everyone feels confident to actively participate and is motivated to learn. Aspiration and ambition for all our learners drive the Science curriculum. All staff work relentlessly to remove barriers to learning and intervene where necessary so that all students can succeed.
The Science curriculum is sequenced to enable all students to build their knowledge and skills across the different key stages. We believe that our students should not only reach their best academically, but also develop a thirst for knowledge, foster a love of learning and leave our school with excellent independent learning skills. They should be able to express their thoughts eloquently and truthfully so they can communicate effectively in the wider world and be active and successful adults in modern Britain. By promoting scientific careers, educational trips and enrichment opportunities, we aim to stretch and challenge them to reach their goals and aspirations and to ensure that a large number of our students are able to pursue careers in Science.
KS3
Years 7-9 are taught in two parallel populations X and Y. Classes are set based on their individual progress and individual needs.
From the very beginning of year 7 students are made aware of aspects of safety and the need for high levels of co-operation and teamwork; they are given opportunities to develop both practical and social skills.
The year 7 curriculum focuses on the basic key concepts and principles of Science which includes Energy, Waves, Matter, the Earth, Organisms, and Genes. We begin to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills. Students are regularly assessed on the content and quality of their work and given the opportunity to review and improve to support progress. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.
Year 8 builds on key concepts and ideas that weren’t examined in year 7 such as Forces, Electromagnets, Reactions and Ecosystem. Students acquire further knowledge and understanding of Science as well as broadening their practical skills.
A range of teaching and learning styles are used across the topics and there is opportunity for teacher-led lessons as well as independent learning tasks throughout the year, varying from topic to topic. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.
Year 9 begins to look more deeply at the ten big ideas in Science – Forces, Electromagnets, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. Each topic is short, with regular assessing of attainment and progress. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.
KS4
Students follow the AQA Combined Trilogy specification.
In Science, students follow topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and sit combined science exams at the end of Y11 to be awarded 2 GCSE’s in Science.
GCSE Trilogy Science offers grades from 9 to 1 but students may be entered for Higher or Foundation Tier depending on their progress.
Students need to complete a list of “required practicals”. Questions in the written exams will draw on this knowledge and these questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks.
Students are placed in groups appropriate to their needs to make differentiation more efficient, there being constant opportunity for students to move from class to class as their needs change.
Students will study towards the foundation or higher examination using exam resources supported by the exam board.
There are regular end of topic tests which allow students to measure their progress through the course. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.
KS4 End of Course Assessment
GCSE Examinations
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
Foundation Level – Grades 1 – 5
Higher Level – Grades 4 – 9
Link for further information about this specification.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is a double award and is worth two GCSE’s.
Students sit all their examinations at the end of year 11.
Science is externally assessed by six, 1 hour 15-minute exams; two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics papers. Students will sit either Higher (grades 4-9) or Foundation papers (grades 1-5).
KS5
Students will be given weekly homework assessments or independent pre-work from teaching staff. Further to this, students will be expected to consolidate classwork with up to 5 hours personal study each week.
There are regular end of topic tests which allow students to measure their progress through the course. End of year examinations are used as summative assessment in the summer term.
Science subjects are always a very popular subject choice at A level, partly because pupils have enjoyed their experience in previous years and partly because Science is seen as a rigorous subject, well respected by employers and universities.
KS5 End of Course Assessment
BTEC National Level 3 Applied Science
Equivalent in size to an A Level and covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. Unit 1 (1.5-hour examination) and Unit 2 (coursework) are taken in Year 12. Unit 3 (practical work and 1.5-hour examination) along with a further optional unit are studied in Year 13.
Overall, 60% of the course is externally assessed exam and 40% coursework.
Click this link for further information.
| AQA Biology (7403) | AQA Chemistry (7405) | AQA Physics (7408) |
|---|---|---|
| There are three examination papers – all are 2-hour exams. | There are three examination papers – all are 2-hour exams. | There are three examination papers – all are 2-hour exams. |
| 10% of the overall assessment of A-level Biology will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. | 20% of the overall assessment of A-level Chemistry will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. | 40% of the overall assessment of A-level Physics will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above. |
| At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Biology will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work. | At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Chemistry will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work. | At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Physics will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work |
Curriculum Implementation
Students are supported with knowledge organisers in all years and “tube maps” showing the route through the curriculum. Dictionaries are available in all labs to help with literacy and word roots are often discussed during lessons. Calculators are always available as are data sheets where appropriate. Classroom teachers will be explicit in making cross-curricular links and Science capital links where possible. All students belong to class Teams where extra work is available for all to work independently. We provide all students with a login to Educake, an online homework platform, where students can set themselves questions to make further progress. Small group interventions run throughout the year which focus on key knowledge and skills. We liaise closely with the SEND department to put in student-specific interventions when necessary. Staff also run before and after school revision sessions.
As a department we support the literacy and numeracy of our students:
Tips and Advice
The Science Department delivers a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) club and a Science Quiz club. Students enjoy the challenges offered during these sessions and find that it aids their learning in all subject areas.
Some students in Y9-11 have the opportunity to complete MedPath.
Staff run regular drop-in revision sessions both before and after school for students who are preparing for examinations or who are underperforming. There are various clubs, competitions, talks, outside speakers and visits that students can enjoy to supplement their learning.
Further Information
Twitter @artdeptSTMCA
National Curriculum for Art and Design
AQA | Art and Design | GCSE | Art and Design. This is also the link for GCSE Photography as it is a part of the Art and Design Suite.
Subject Leader Information
For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.
Miss W Smith – Subject Leader wsmith@stmca.org.uk