Sciences inc. Psychology

Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) allows us to develop an understanding of all phenomena. It challenges all aspects of our imagination, helps further develop investigative skills and teamwork. Science expands our understanding of the wonders of life and the world around us. Science is a subject for all people regardless of ability and background. A good scientific brain is integral to the ability to make informed rational choices and to understand the information we perceive in the world around us.

Science is a successful subject here and the boys perform above the national level at KS4 and KS5. Many pupils go on to study at some of the world’s best universities. We are proud of the boys we teach, for the endeavour they show and the success they enjoy at GCSE and A level where all three of the sciences are a popular option, with the addition of Psychology in KS5 (Sixth Form).

The Psychology course (scientific study of the workings of the mind and how it influences behaviour) in KS5 is a great introduction to Psychology, the specification has an extensive coverage of core topics covered in year 12 with plenty of additional topics to choose from in year 13. All topics include key approaches and help to develop evaluative and analytical research skills.

The exam board for GCSE and A level is AQA – you will find the links to the exam course specifications at the end of the KS4 and KS5 sections below.

Key Stage 3

Our KS3 Science syllabus organises the big ideas and topics into clear objectives. We follow the Activate (Oxford University Press) KS3 Science course designed and written specifically to cover the new 2014 KS3 Programme of study. It is the most popular course for KS3 Science and provides ideal preparation for all GCSE routes with comprehensive and flexible assessment and progression.

We also have KERBOODLE which is an online bank of resources, assessments and support for creative and effective lessons which can be accessed remotely, including online tasks.

Embedding good practical skills at KS3 is an important aspect of Science at secondary school. Activate includes all relevant ‘practicals’ in every topic to enhance pupils scientific knowledge, students will still be safely exposed to these through videos and teacher demonstrations during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Year 7

ORGANISMS: Movement, Cells
FORCES: Gravity, Speed
ELECTROMAGNETS: Potential difference & Resistance, Current
MATTER: Particle model, Separating mixtures
ENERGY: Energy transfer, Energy costs
REACTIONS: Metals & non-metals, Acids & Alkalis
ECOSYSTEMS: Plant reproduction, Interdependence
WAVES: Sound, Light
GENES: Variation, Human reproduction

Year 8

ORGANISMS: Breathing, Digestion
FORCES: Contact forces, Pressure
ELECTROMAGNETS: Electromagnets, Magnetism
MATTER: Periodic table, Elements
ENERGY: Work, Heating & cooling
REACTIONS: Types of reactions, Chemical equations
ECOSYSTEMS: Respiration, Photosynthesis
WAVES: Wave effects, Wave properties
GENES: Evolution, Inheritance

Year 9

Commences the GCSE syllabus

C1 (Chemistry): Atomic Structure
B1 (Biology): Cell structure & Transport
P1 (Physics): Conservation & Dissipation of Energy

Key Stage 4 - GCSE

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is the science suite we follow which is a double award worth two GCSEs. It is assessed by 6, 1 hour and 15 minute exams, 2 for each of the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics;

Paper 1: B1-B9 / C1-C7 / P1-P7
Paper 2: B10-B16 / C8-C12 / P8-P12

This syllabus includes what students need to know, be able to do, key opportunities for skills development signposted throughout and sections outlining the requirements for skills in working scientifically, maths and practical assessment. It includes a total of 21 required ‘practical’s across all 3 Sciences, students will still be safely exposed to these through videos and teacher demonstrations during the Coronavirus pandemic.

We commence the syllabus in Year 9 (KS3)

Year 10