Science forms part of the core curriculum at both KS3 and KS4, with groups organised into sets in all year groups. Students can elect to study the individual Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) as post-16 courses.
The Key Stage 3 curriculum lasts for 3 years and follows the National
Curriculum for Science . Our aim is to cover a broad range of
knowledge and skills to develop young people’s understanding of the
scientific method and their place in the Universe. Through analysis
of development of scientific models, pupils develop a critical
understanding of their impact on daily life and the wider world.
Students learn to use the scientific method to critically assess past
scientific theory and understand the development of scientific
knowledge and become acutely aware of the rigors of scientific
developments. The topics taught at KS3 are specifically designed to
foster and develop a love for the subject and create subject
expertise whilst supporting progression onto KS4 and beyond. We
create opportunities for pupils to learn the key knowledge and skills
needed and we regularly revisit topics deliberately and
systematically in our long term planning to develop long term memory.
The Key Stage 4 curriculum lasts 2 years and aims to build on the
love of science fostered at Key stage 3. Students follow one of two
routes: the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (Edexcel), or the Edexcel
separate science route; GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE
Physics. The teaching of the KS4 curriculum builds on the key
knowledge from the Key Stage 3 and allows for development of more
complex models and systems. The Key Stage 4 curriculum focuses on
development of knowledge via the teaching of the history of
scientific development and uses practical skills to underpin core
scientific principles. Science at Key Stage 4 requires the analytical
approach that was developed at Key Stage 3, we use the principles of
the scientific method to further develop this, leaving our students
as competent, problem solvers, critical thinkers with a healthy level
of skepticism.
Our KS5 continues to develop the last 5 years and now looks at the
nuance of the sciences selected by candidates, with a much more
deliberate approach to disciplinary knowledge and a higher focus on
metacognitive methods of teaching and learning. Our A-level programmes
aim to promote the value of scholarship, while developing our
candidates for University study or higher/degree level apprenticeship
in STEM fields.
We offer OCR Biology, AQA Chemistry and OCR Physics A-Levels, which
also include the CPAC practical endorsement. The A-level science
programmes are delivered using a flip learning model. Subject content
is delivered by subject specialist teachers.
Students are assessed regularly according to the science assessment and feedback policy via questioning, written work and end of topic/synoptic tests to monitor pupil progress and to correct misconceptions where appropriate. At KS4 the students complete interleaved practice exam questions to reinforce knowledge retention. These are spaced carefully throughout the curriculum, ensuring topics are revisited regularly to build working memory and to enable better knowledge retention. At Key Stage 4 and 5 we additionally assess with greater foci on exam styles questions and synoptic questioning. The Key Stage 4 and 5 curriculums are ultimately assessed terminally in a formal exam series with national grade boundaries