Course overview

In year seven students study a combination of biology, chemistry and physics each term. We aim to provide a stimulating and exciting curriculum with scientific investigation being at the centre of their learning. In the autumn term we start by introducing our students to the basics of scientific lab work, including using a microscope to look at cells. They learn to safely use acids, alkalis and bunsen burners and in physics they study the wonder of space. In the spring term students study the topics of reproduction, the earth, geology and electricity. In the summer term students study DNA and variation in biology, particles in chemistry and in physics they investigate magnets, forces and their effects. There is a skills unit that runs alongside these core content units in which students are taught scientific investigation skills such as detailed planning, collecting data, presenting data in tables and graphs and writing conclusions as well as evaluating methodology.

Useful Information

Students are given the opportunity to buy a revision guide at the start of year seven. The contents of this guide cover all of the work that students will learn in years seven, eight and nine. The guide also contains practise questions at the back which students should complete when preparing for assessments. Students will be assessed on their learning for each topic area by a formal test at the end of the topic and by teacher assessment throughout the topic. Useful tools to use for help with homework and extra learning are the BBC Bitesize website and the CGP revision app. If students decide to buy a revision guide practising the questions and checking the answers will further help them prepare for assessments. There is also a homework club for key stage three which is held on Tuesday after school between 3.10pm and 3.40pm in Lab 33. Here students can get extra help with any topics they are finding difficult.

Course overview

In year eight students study a combination of biology, chemistry and physics each term. We aim to provide a stimulating and exciting curriculum with scientific investigation being at the centre of their learning. In the autumn term topics studied include human body systems, atoms, elements & compounds and light & sound. In the spring term students study health and diet, separating mixtures and heat transfers. In the summer term students spend time investigating energy in biology and in physics learn about electricity production and energy resources. In chemistry students delve deeper into the complexities of chemical reactions and how atomic structure can affect reactivity. There is a skills unit that runs alongside these core content units in which students are taught scientific investigation skills such as detailed planning, collecting data, presenting data in tables and graphs and writing conclusions as well as evaluating methodology.

Useful information

Students are given the opportunity to buy a revision guide at the start of year seven. The contents of this guide cover all of the work that students will learn in years seven, eight and nine. The guide also contains practise questions at the back which students should complete when preparing for assessments. Students will be assessed on their learning for each topic area by a formal test at the end of the topic and by teacher assessment throughout the topic. A minimum of two homework tasks are set per topic area. Useful tools to use for help with homework and extra learning are the BBC Bitesize website and the CGP revision app. There is also a homework club for key stage three which is held on Tuesday after school between 3.10pm and 3.45 pm in Lab 33.

Course overview

During the autumn term of year nine pupils consolidate their key stage three knowledge and prepare to start learning the new GCSE sciences. After the christmas holiday pupils began learning content for the GCSE with all subjects starting with key concepts and ideas. This is to ensure that pupils have a depth of understanding ready to build on in years ten and eleven. In biology topics studied include cell structure, prokaryotic cells, osmosis, diffusion and active transport. In chemistry topics covered include the periodic table, electronic structure, reactivity of metals and non-metals, ion formation and types of bonding. In physics pupils learn about energy, energy stores and transfers and electricity, additionally they also practising using equations to allow them to complete calculations to help them apply their physics knowledge effectively.

Useful Information

The GCSE course we follow is AQA, the new specification from 2016. This links well into our A-Level specification which is also AQA. Past papers and revision materials are becoming available to download from the AQA website. Revision guides will be available to buy through school in September.

Exam board : www.aqa.org.uk

Specification : 8461

Final assessment : 100% external examination, comprising of two exam papers (50% each).

Pupils will study a range of topics at either higher (grades 9-4) level. There is no longer a coursework element to the Biology GCSE, however pupils are required to complete twelve compulsory practicals which will be assessed as part of the final exam. 10% of each exam paper will be mathematics applied in a biological context.

Autumn term            

Moving and changing material

Osmosis, enzymes, digestion, how materials are exchanged in plants and animals, the heart and circulatory system.

Health Matters

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, diseases, antibiotic treatments, the defence system of the body, antibodies.

Spring term

Genetics

DNA and the human genome, meiosis, genetic inheritance and genetic disorders.

Variation and evolution

Theories of evolution, fossils, adaptations, forming new species, selective breeding, cloning, ethics in biology.

Summer term

Co-ordination and control

Homeostasis, the eye, reflexes and the brain, diabetes, the kidney, reproduction, IVF and plant hormones.

Internal assessment

Pupils will be formally assessed at the end of each topic. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the End of Year 10 Examinations.

Exam Board : www.aqa.org.uk

Specification : 8462

Final Assessment : 100% external examination, comprising of two exam papers (50% each).

Pupils will study a range of topics at higher (grades 9-4) level. There is no longer a coursework element to the Chemistry GCSE, however pupils are required to complete 11 compulsory practicals which will be assessed as part of the final exam. 20% of each exam paper will be mathematics applied in a biological context.

Autumn term            

Chemical quantities and calculations

Conservation of mass, amount of substance and using moles.

Chemical changes

Reactivity series, metal oxide, neutralisation, salt production, acids, electrolysis.

Spring term               

Energy changes

Endothermic and exothermic reactions.

Summer term

The rate and extent of chemical change

Measuring rate of reaction, calculating rate, factors affecting rate of reaction, equilibrium and concentration.

Internal assessment

Pupils will be formally assessed at the end of each topic. Pupils will sit a GCSE style paper as part of the end of year ten examinations.