Science

Igniting Scientific Curiosity: Our KS3 Journey

In the realm of Years 7, 8, and the initial term of Year 9, our students embark on an illuminating journey through the AQA KS3 scheme of work, fortified by the Activate platform. Each riveting topic, spanning approximately 3-4 weeks, culminates in an assessment designed to showcase their newfound knowledge. Our aim at KS3 is not only to captivate students with the allure of scientific discovery but to empower them with an intricate understanding of the world's inner workings.

Unveiling the Marvels of KS3 KS3 serves as a gateway to unveil the marvels of biology, chemistry, and physics while fostering scientific inquisitiveness and problem-solving acumen. Practical and investigative pursuits constitute the core, cultivating their ability to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

The Odyssey of Knowledge - Year 7 & 8 In Year 7 and 8, our students engage in a captivating odyssey through an array of topics, delving into the depths of:

• Enquiry Processes
• Respiration and Digestion
• Periodic Table and Metals
• Variation and Interdependence
• Forces, Pressure, and Magnetism
• Work, Heating, and Cooling
• Photosynthesis and Climate
• Earth Resources and Wave Properties

Navigating to Year 9 The journey extends into Year 9, where students continue their exploration, delving into the KS3 program until the autumn term's conclusion. At this juncture, they pivot towards their Combined Science GCSE modules, setting the stage for a deeper voyage into scientific understanding.

Towards GCSE Exploration For those harboring an ardent passion for science, Year 9 marks the start of their Combined Science GCSE adventure. Those with a fervent yearning for scientific pursuits can opt for Separate Science GCSE courses. A privilege bestowed upon Set 1 and top-ranking students in Set 2 for Science and Maths, it sets the stage for an enriched scientific expedition.

Developing Skills: Nurturing Curiosity Throughout this journey, our students hone their scientific skills in:

• Crafting hypotheses and testing theories
• Identifying hazards and mitigating risks
• Mastering apparatus and techniques
• Fostering observation, inquiry, and problem-solving
• Analyzing methodology, evidence, and conclusions
• Interpreting, evaluating, and effective communication
• Uniting mathematics and technology with scientific contexts

Charting Progress and Engagement Progress unfurls through a constellation of end-of-unit assessments fashioned from past examination papers. Detailed feedback on each unit's progress fortifies their learning. Moreover, our classroom doors are always open, welcoming parents for conversations about their child's scientific odyssey.

As we traverse through KS3, our mission is to kindle the flames of scientific curiosity, fueling a lifelong quest for understanding and discovery.

KS3 Curriculum Map

Navigating GCSE Science: A Path of Progression

Our GCSE courses chart a clear and linear trajectory, intricately woven to escalate in complexity and demand. With unwavering determination, we initiate this journey by immersing students in the key concepts of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This critical foundation bridges the chasm between KS3 Science and the GCSE realm, ensuring a robust grasp of the fundamentals indispensable for advancing through the courses. Regardless of the path they tread, our novel curriculum marries inclusivity and challenge, fostering a conduit for students to further academic pursuits in Sciences post-GCSE.

Voyage of Knowledge - Combined Science and Separate Sciences The bedrock of our curriculum predominantly rests on Combined Science. A balanced weave of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics topics unravels, yielding a composite 2-grade scientific tapestry. All evaluations shall culminate in external examinations at Year 11's denouement. A harmonic equilibrium resides, with equal weighting bestowed upon each exam, embellished with a symphony of question styles - multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, and extended open-response.

For those who yearn to forge an unswerving path into specific domains, Separate Sciences beckon. Rooted in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, these pursuits lead to the acquisition of distinct GCSE accolades. While the examinations remain external, the cadence shifts to a more profound examination, a testament to their aspirational journey. The melange of question styles - multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, and extended open-response - remains, accentuating their academic odyssey.

Mapping the Terrain: GCSE Specifications

GCSE Combined Science Exam Board: AQA | Course Reference: 8464 6 Examinations in total, evenly distributed across the triumvirate of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics components. Each component bears two examinations, each contributing 16.7% to the overall grade.

Separate Science Exam Board: AQA | Course References: 8461, 8462, 8463 In this expedition, students encounter distinct subject domains:

• Biology 8461 paints an intricate canvas of:

  • Cell Biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection & Response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis & Response
  • Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
  • Ecology

• Chemistry 8462 charts a course through:

  • Atomic Structure
  • Bonding
  • Quantitative Chemistry
  • Chemical Changes
  • Energy Changes
  • The rate of Chemical Reactions
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemistry of the Atmosphere

• Physics 8463 unveils the enigma of:

  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of Matter
  • Atomic Structure
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism & Electromagnetism

Thus, our voyage through the realm of GCSE Science is poised to equip students not only with academic mastery but also a holistic understanding of the intricate tapestry that is our scientific world.

KS4 Curriculum Map

Charting the A-Level Journey

Embarking on the A-Level voyage necessitates the attainment of individual subject grade prerequisites. Typically, students must secure Grade 6 or higher in English and Maths, coupled with Grade 6 in relevant GCSE subjects.

The trajectory of A-Level education is characterized by linearity. Assessment culminates in Year 13, as students undergo a comprehensive evaluation. A resplendent prelude takes the form of full mock exams, an integral part of Year 12, transpiring during Term 3. These simulations serve dual purposes: they form the bedrock for UCAS references and proffer guidance for subject retention or relinquishment.

A Level Biology: Navigating Life's Blueprint

Embarking upon A Level Biology beckons students to delve deeper into concepts introduced during GCSE. Themes of cells, organisms, variation, and interrelationships undergo a metamorphosis into a comprehensive mosaic. Concepts such as Biological molecules, Cellular processes, and the intricate dance of Organisms exchanging substances with their milieu come to the fore. Furthermore, the profound landscape of Genetics, Energy transfers, and the pulsating rhythm of ecosystems beckon exploration.

An essence of practicality saturates Biology, akin to all sciences. Through microscopic observations of cellular division, dissections, aseptic techniques unraveling microbial growth, and scrutinizing animal behaviors, students embark on a hands-on odyssey. This tapestry of practical engagement not only fortifies investigation skills but also serves as a stepping stone to success in Biology-centric university studies.

A Level Chemistry: Unraveling the Elemental Canvas

The transition from GCSE to A Level Chemistry mirrors a metamorphosis from the microcosmic to the macrocosmic. A world of substances and their dynamic transformation embraces new dimensions. Atomic structure, bonding, periodicity intertwine in the conceptual tapestry. Organic chemistry, thermodynamics, and the symphony of aromatic chemistry, polymers, and equilibria invite students to unravel the elemental symphony.

Chemistry echoes the ethos of practicality. The journey involves measuring energy flux in reactions, diverse identification tests, rate measurement techniques, and electrochemical studies. This cascade of practical involvement hones investigative acumen and culminates in the confidence to execute successful experiments in university pursuits.

A Level Physics: Pioneering the Cosmos

Physics, a beacon of discovery, traverses from GCSE foothills to A Level horizons. Core concepts of forces, energy, waves, and electromagnetism amplify into a symphony resonating from the quantum to the cosmic. Particle physics, quantum phenomena, and the elusive Higgs Boson adorn the theoretical landscape. Customizing the journey, an array of specialized options - astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics - awaits exploration in the second year.

In the realm of physics, practical exploration is paramount. Experimenting with laser light interference, gravitational acceleration measurement, oscillation systems, and the interplay of temperature, volume, and pressure is the norm. This crucible of hands-on experience equips students with the investigative prowess essential for traversing university studies in Physics.

So, as students navigate A-Level academia, they not only unravel the intricate nuances of these subjects but also equip themselves with the skills and knowledge requisite for future academic pursuits and, perhaps, as pioneers shaping the contours of scientific frontiers.

SMSC in Science at Gable Hall - Click Here

Spiritual - Science involves the search for meaning and purpose in natural and physical phenomena. It is the wonder about what is special about life, an awe at the scale of living things from the smallest microorganism to the largest tree and the interdependence of all living things and materials of the Earth. It concerns the emotional drive to know more and to wonder about the world and aesthetically appreciate its wonders including for example the enormity of space and the beauty of natural objects or phenomenon, plants, animals, crystals, rainbows, the Earth from space etc. 

Moral - Science encourages students to become increasingly curious, to develop open mindedness to the suggestions of others and to make judgements on evidence not prejudice. Students realise that moral dilemmas are often involved in scientific developments. When considering the environment the use of further natural resources and its effect on future generations is an important moral consideration. 

Social - Involves group practical work which provides opportunities for students to develop team working skills and to take responsibility. Students must take responsibility for their own and other people's safety when undertaking practical work. Science has a major effect on the quality of our lives. Students are encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments and the social responsibility involved. 

Cultural - In Science involves thinking of scientific discoveries as as much of a part of our culture as great music and films. Credit is given to scientific discoveries of other cultures. Science is also seen as a contemporary activity and developments are made all over the modern world. It is therefore an activity undertaken by a wide range of men and women in many different cultures both now and in the past. The interdependence of the world in environmental issues is central to science. 

Empowering Through Enriching Connections

Our commitment to cultivating young minds extends beyond classroom walls, as we collaborate with esteemed organizations to provide exceptional experiences.

Navigating Pathways to Knowledge

We fervently advocate for our students' participation in Open Days and immersive excursions featuring captivating lectures at renowned institutions such as Imperial College, UCL, and King's College London. These journeys of discovery not only expand their horizons but also ignite their intellectual curiosity.

Guiding Aspirations to New Heights

Year after year, a significant segment of our students embarks on a journey towards higher education. We nurture their ambitions by fostering a culture of aiming high. As early as Year 12, we guide them through the intricate university application process, providing unwavering support and expert guidance.

Through these partnerships and proactive guidance, we instill in our students the belief that their potential knows no bounds and that their dreams of higher education are well within reach.

Ms Taylor Head of Science

Dr. Oguledo Lead Practitioner Science

Mr Taku Head of KS5 Science

Mr Bovolenta Head of KS4 Science

Mr Hellis-Tatum Head of KS3 Science

Mrs Degan Science Teacher

Mrs Westwood Science Teacher

Mr Rosales Science Teacher

Mr Abraham Science Teacher

Mr Russell AD Science

Miss Khadeeja Sheikha 

Mr Bunn Vice Principal / Science Teacher

Miss Nancolas Vice Principal / Science Teacher

KS3 Science

KS4 Science