Department overview

The Faculty of Science hosts a variety of knowledge-rich subjects which are taught as separate subjects but interweave at all levels and spiralise across all key stages. Through the various science disciplines, students are able to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through contextualised learning and real-world application, we are able to look at how to tackle some of the global challenges facing us in our lifetime such as global warming, energy resources and preventing diseases. The study of science also builds valuable transferable skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, numerical skills and effective communication which enhance all aspects of our future personal and professional lives supporting our abilities to make evidence-based decisions in the future.

Key Stage 3 curriculum

At the start of Year 7 we begin with an introductory science skills topic which enables us to start to think like a scientist, work safely whilst completing practical work and to analyse and evaluate our collected data. These skills are necessary for all subsequent topics completed in this key stage.

In Year 7 we cover the following topics:

• Biology (Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes)
• Chemistry (Matter and Earth)
• Physics (Forces, Electricity, Energy and Waves)

These topics are then explored further in Year 8 where key knowledge is consolidated and expanded. There is also a large unit on Chemical reactions within Year 8 with extensive practical work.

In Year 9 we focus on the fundamentals of Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Key Stage 3 so that our pupils have the knowledge and skills necessary to start Key Stage 4 in Year 10.

Key Stage 4 curriculum

At KS4 pupils follow either AQA Trilogy Science or AQA Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

For both Trilogy and Triple Science, the biology topics include:

• Cell Biology
• Organisation
• Infection and Response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, Variation and evolution
• ecology

Chemistry topics include atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding structure and properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, energy changes, the rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere and using resources.

Physics topics include energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure, forces, waves and magnetism and electromagnetism.

In addition, Triple Physics students also complete a topic on Space.

Key Stage 5 curriculum

At KS5 we offer a variety of courses including Level 2 Applied Science, BTEC National AAQ Medical Science and A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Catholic Social Teaching

In Science we encourage students to explore the world, solve problems, and use knowledge to help others. We show faith, hope, and love by teaching that life is meaningful and all people are connected. We study important topics like climate change, recycling, and health. Catholic Social Teaching is present in lessons about dignity, fairness, and caring for the environment. We talk about real-world issues like clean energy, disease prevention, and global cooperation. Science helps students to use their knowledge to do good in the world.

Enrichment opportunities

The Science department offers a weekly STEM group open to all Key Stages. There are also revision opportunities at GCSE and A level.

Curriculum road map

Year 7

• Introduction to science
• Organisms
• Forces
• Matter
• Ecosystems
• Electricity
• Earth
• Genes
• Energy
• Waves

Year 8

• Organisms
• Forces
• Matter
• Ecosystems
• Electromagnets
• Reactions
• Genes
• Energy
• Earth
• Waves

Year 9

• Fundamentals of Biology 1
• Cells and Transport
• Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
• Atoms
• Fundamentals of Physics 1
• Particles
• Fundamentals of Biology 2
• Organisation
• Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
• Atmosphere
• Fundamentals of Physics 1
• Radiation

Years 10 and 11

• Cell biology
• Organisation
• Infection and response
• Bioenergetics
• Ecology
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Bonding structure and properties of matter
• Quantitative chemistry
• Chemical changes
• Energy changes
• The rate and extent of chemical change
• Organic chemistry
• Chemical analysis
• Chemistry of the atmosphere
• Using resources
• Energy
• Electricity
• Particle model of matter
• Atomic structure
• Waves
• Forces
• Magnetism and electromagnetism

Years 12 and 13

• A Level Biology
• A Level Chemistry
• A Level Physics
• BTEC National AAQ Medical Science
• Level 2 Applied Science