Across our science course at each key stage we intend to develop knowledge and skills in three key areas: science knowledge, practical skills, and independent study skills. This is designed to prepare students for the next step in education and potentially careers in science.

1. Science Knowledge

Key Stage 3 (Ages 11–14)

• Build foundational understanding in biology, chemistry, and physics.

• Develop scientific vocabulary and conceptual frameworks.

• Introduce key ideas such as cells, atoms, forces, energy, and ecosystems.

• Encourage curiosity and questioning about the natural world.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE, Ages 14–16)

• Deepen understanding of core scientific principles.

• Apply knowledge to real-world contexts and problem-solving.

• Prepare for exams with structured content in biology, chemistry, and physics.

• Begin to explore the interconnections between scientific disciplines.

Key Stage 5 (A-Level, Ages 16–18)

• Specialise in chosen science subjects with greater depth and complexity.

• Engage with advanced theories, models, and current scientific research.

• Develop analytical and evaluative skills in interpreting scientific data.

• Prepare for university-level science or vocational pathways.

2. Practical Skills

Key Stage 3

• Learn basic laboratory techniques and safety procedures.

• Conduct simple experiments and record observations.

• Begin to understand variables, controls, and fair testing.

Key Stage 4

• Perform required practicals as part of GCSE science.

• Develop skills in planning, executing, and evaluating experiments.

• Use scientific equipment accurately and safely.

• Analyse results and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Key Stage 5

• Master complex practical techniques and instrumentation.

• Demonstrate practical competencies and meet the common practical assessment criteria CPAC

• Design independent investigations and troubleshoot experiments.

• Interpret quantitative and qualitative data with precision.

• Prepare for practical assessments and lab-based careers.

  
  

3. Independent Study Skills

Key Stage 3

• Develop habits of curiosity, questioning, and reflection.

• Learn to organize notes and revise effectively.

• Begin to use scientific sources and simple research tasks.

Key Stage 4

• Take responsibility for learning and revision strategies.

• Use textbooks, online resources, and past papers effectively.

• Practice scientific writing and structured responses.

Key Stage 5

• Engage in self-directed learning and time management.

• Critically evaluate sources and synthesise information.

• Prepare for independent research and academic writing.

• Build resilience and adaptability for higher education or work

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

Key Stage 3

At KS3 student progress is assessed through home learning, practical assessed tasks, end of topic quizzes and three end of phase tests each year. The aim of these assessments is to provide feedback to students so they are informed and know how to improve and progress. Through this process we aim to support students to develop solid independent study skills to prepare them for future assessments.

GCSE

Combined Science: Trilogy (Double Award)

• Subjects Covered: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (combined into one qualification)

• Grades Awarded: Double grade (e.g., 9-9, 8-7, etc.)

Assessment Structure

• 6 Papers Total (2 each for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)

• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes per paper

• Marks per Paper: 70

• Weighting: Each paper is worth 16.7% of the final grade

Paper Breakdown

• Biology Paper 1: Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics

• Biology Paper 2: Homeostasis, inheritance, ecology

• Chemistry Paper 1: Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes

• Chemistry Paper 2: Rates, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, Earth’s resources

• Physics Paper 1: Energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure

• Physics Paper 2: Forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism

Separate Sciences (Triple Science)

• Subjects Covered: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (as three separate GCSEs)

• Grades Awarded: One grade per subject (e.g., Biology - 9, Chemistry - 8, Physics - 9)

  
  

Assessment Structure

• 6 Papers Total (2 per subject)

• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes per paper

• Marks per Paper: 100

• Weighting: Each paper is worth 50% of the subject’s final grade

• Content: Similar to Combined Science but with additional content and depth in each subject.

Practical Assessment (Both Routes)

• No coursework or controlled assessment.

• Required Practical Activities: Students must complete a set of practicals during the course.

• Exam Questions: Practical skills are assessed through questions in the written exams.

A level

AQA A-Level Biology

Assessment Overview

• 3 written papers

• Each paper is 2 hours

• Total marks: 300

• Assessment at the end of Year 13 (linear qualification)

Paper Breakdown

Paper 1 - Topics 1-4 (e.g., cells, biological molecules, exchange, genetics)

• 91 marks

• 35% of A-level

Paper 2 - Topics 5-8 (e.g., energy transfers, homeostasis, evolution, ecosystems)

• 91 marks

• 35% of A-level

Paper 3 - Synoptic paper + practical skills + essay

• 78 marks

• 30% of A-level

Practical Endorsement

• Non-exam assessment (NEA): Pass/fail

• Based on 12 required practicals assessed by teachers

AQA A-Level Chemistry

Assessment Overview

• 3 written papers

• Each paper is 2 hours

• Total marks: 300

• Assessment at the end of Year 13

Paper Breakdown

Paper 1 - Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (topics 1-4, 9-12)

• 105 marks

• 35% of A-level

Paper 2 - Physical and Organic Chemistry (topics 1-4, 13-17)

• 105 marks

• 35% of A-level

Paper 3 - Practical techniques, data analysis, synoptic questions

• 90 marks

• 30% of A-level

Practical Endorsement

• Non-exam assessment (NEA): Pass/fail

• Based on 12 required practicals

AQA A-Level Physics

Assessment Overview

• 3 written papers

• Each paper is 2 hours

• Total marks: 300

• Assessment at the end of Year 13

Paper Breakdown

Paper 1 - Core content (topics 1-5 and 6.1: mechanics, electricity, waves, particles, materials)

• 85 marks

• 34% of A-level

Paper 2 - Core content (topics 6.2-8: thermal physics, fields, nuclear physics)

• 85 marks

• 34% of A-level

Paper 3 - Practical skills, data analysis, and optional topic (e.g., astrophysics, medical physics)

• 80 marks

• 32% of A-level

Practical Endorsement

• Non-exam assessment (NEA): Pass/fail

• Based on 12 required practicals

GCSE Exam Board: AQA

A-Level Exam Board: AQA

Home learning at key stage 3 and key stage 4 is set weekly through the online platform, Sparx science. This platform provides a diverse range of resources and engaging activities that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that students can effectively consolidate their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom and develop skills of time management and knowledge recall. At A level students are set regular assignments to consolidate knowledge, skills and develop exam skills.

Students in KS3 have the opportunity to attend Science club each week, providing them with a chance to engage in interesting and engaging activities and explore different areas of science. Additionally, they can access a wide selection of books and publications from home through the Sora app, making it easy to read and enjoy learning about science beyond the classroom.

Here’s a list of science-based careers that span the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. These careers often overlap disciplines and can be found in academia, industry, healthcare, environmental science, and technology:

Biology-Related Careers

• Microbiologist - Studies microorganisms and their effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

• Geneticist - Researches genes, heredity, and genetic variation.

• Biotechnologist - Uses biological systems to develop products in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

• Ecologist - Studies ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental interactions.

• Marine Biologist - Focuses on ocean organisms and ecosystems.

• Biomedical Scientist - Works on diagnosing and treating diseases using biological samples.

• Neuroscientist - Investigates the nervous system and brain function.

• Zoologist - Studies animal biology, behavior, and conservation.

• Immunologist - Specializes in the immune system and related disorders.

• Bioinformatician - Combines biology, computer science, and statistics to analyse biological data.

Chemistry-Related Careers

• Analytical Chemist - Analyses substances to determine their composition.

• Pharmaceutical Chemist - Develops and tests new drugs.

• Materials Scientist - Studies and develops new materials with specific properties.

• Forensic Chemist - Applies chemistry to criminal investigations.

• Toxicologist - Studies the effects of chemicals on living organisms.

• Environmental Chemist - Analyses pollutants and their impact on the environment.

• Chemical Engineer - Designs processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing.

• Food Chemist - Works on food safety, flavor, and nutrition.

• Cosmetic Chemist - Develops skincare and beauty products.

• Polymer Chemist - Specializes in the chemistry of plastics and synthetic materials.

Physics-Related Careers

• Medical Physicist - Applies physics to medicine, especially in imaging and radiation therapy.

• Astrophysicist - Studies celestial bodies and the universe.

• Nuclear Physicist - Researches atomic nuclei and nuclear energy.

• Optical Physicist - Works with light and its applications (e.g., lasers, fiber optics).

• Geophysicist - Studies the physical properties of the Earth.

• Theoretical Physicist - Develops mathematical models to explain physical phenomena.

• Acoustical Physicist - Specializes in sound and vibration.

• Plasma Physicist - Studies ionized gases and their applications (e.g., fusion energy).

• Quantum Physicist - Explores the behavior of matter and energy at quantum scales.

• Meteorologist - Uses physics to understand and predict weather patterns.

Interdisciplinary Careers (Biology + Chemistry + Physics)

• Biophysicist - Applies physics to biological systems.

• Chemical Biologist - Uses chemistry to explore and manipulate biological systems.

• Environmental Scientist - Combines all three sciences to solve environmental problems.

• Nanotechnologist - Works at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology at the nanoscale.

• Biomedical Engineer - Designs medical devices and technologies using principles from all three fields.

• Pharmacologist - Studies drug interactions within biological systems.

• Radiation Scientist - Works with radiation in medical, industrial, or research settings.

• Climate Scientist - Uses physics and chemistry to model and understand climate systems.

• Synthetic Biologist - Engineers new biological parts and systems.

• Science Communicator or Educator - Translates complex science into accessible knowledge