Science

Science

Subject lead: 

Key stage 3 overview

Pupils study a range of Science topics throughout Key stage 3, these provide opportunities for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils will be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Implementation - What will I do?

· Cells & Organisation.

· Skeletal and Muscular System

· Nutrition and Digestion.

· Reproduction.

· Health.

· Photosynthesis and Respiration.

· Ecology.

· Inheritance and DNA.

· Particles and states of matter

· Atoms Elements and Compounds

· Chemical reactions

· The Periodic Table

· Materials including Metals

· The Earth and Atmosphere

· Energy

· Motion and Forces

· Waves

· Electricity and Magnetism

· Matter.

· Space.

Impact - What will I learn?

· To develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

· To see the connections between these subject areas and Science.

· To become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding.

· To relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.

· To understand that science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and ideas and subjecting results to peer review.

Key Stage 4 overview

Teaching in the sciences in key stage 4 continues with the process of building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. For some students, studying the sciences in key stage 4 provides the platform for more advanced studies, establishing the basis for a wide range of careers. For others, it will be their last formal study of subjects that provide the foundations for understanding the natural world and will enhance their lives in an increasingly technological society. Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all students should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should be helped to appreciate the achievements of science in showing how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are inter-linked, and which are of universal application.

Exam Board Syllabus

AQA GCSE Science Trilogy There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.

Biology Paper 1: Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics. Biology Paper 2: Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.

Chemistry Paper 1: Chemistry topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes. Chemistry Paper 2: Chemistry topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.

Physics Paper 1.Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure. Physics Paper 2 Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Impact - What will I learn?

· The use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena.

· That change is driven by interactions between different objects and systems

· That science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review.

· That quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.

· To develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics;

· To develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiry.

· To develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

· To develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry, problem-solving skills and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other environments

· To develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into working scientifically, and appreciation of the relevance of science to their everyday lives.

Key Stage 4 Assessment

Each of the 6 papers will be via written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes, at Foundation or Higher Tier. Each will be 70 marks16.7% of GCSE. Questions will be multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response.

Useful Information: You can find out more information, or download the specification from the AQA website here: AQA | Science | GCSE | Combined Science: Trilogy

 Implementation - Year Plan Science

	Term 1	Term 2	Christmas	Term 3	Term 4	Easter	Term 5	Term 6
Year 8	Forces & Energy	Particles		Building Blocks (Cells & Organisation)	Electricity & Space		Earth Chemistry	Life Processes
Year 9	Forces & Energy	Particles		Building Blocks (Cells & Organisation)	Waves & Electricity		Earth Chemistry	Life Processes
Year 10	Biology 1 Cell Division, Infection and Response Photosynthesis and Respiration			Chemistry 1 Atomic Structure and The Periodic Table, Bonding, Chemical changes, Formulae & Equations			Physics 1 Energy, Electricity & Electromagnetism Particle Model of Matter
Year 11	Biology 2 and Start Chemistry 2 Homeostasis and Hormones, Reproduction, Variation Ecosystems and Human Impact on the Environment.  Organic Chemistry.			Chemistry 2 and start Physics 2 Chemistry in the Atmosphere, Using Natural resources.  Forces and Motion.			Finish Physics 2 and Begin Exam preparation Waves and The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Magnetism and Electromagnetism. Revision and Practice Exam Papers