Science

Our curriculum is designed to encourage and develop inquisitive learners who are enthusiastic about science. 

We want them to be safe practical scientists, confident in their abilities but also resilient. Our schemes of work and assessments are integrated, overarching, progressive and rigorous.

 

KS3 Curriculum

Science is studied for four lessons a week across the whole key stage.  For all our learners, we are looking to identify their basic science knowledge from KS2 and then expand and build on this learning to create good foundations for GCSE.  The curriculum follows the “Exploring Science” scheme of work and within it pupils are introduced to key vocabulary and practical skills in every lesson.  We are looking to build resilience as well as enquiring minds.

Homework at KS3 is intended to support learning in school. As well as specific focused tasks, the faculty also uses an IT based system called ‘Educake’ which is a brilliant, retrieval and practice question database that allows teachers to monitor learning and identify areas for improvement both in and out of school.

 

KS4 Curriculum

Science is studied for six lessons a week for all pupils over the two-year course. During this key stage, we are looking to consolidate and embed deeper understanding of key concepts, skills and learning.  We are also encouraging wider understanding of science beyond the classroom and in their everyday lives. 

Our differentiated scheme follows the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course. Pupils study science from all three of the main disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The final award is the equivalent of two GCSEs in Combined Science. 

For pupils wanting to study for separate sciences, they have the chance to select Triple Science as one of their options at the end of year 9.  They will have three further lessons a week which allows us to teach the extra units of work to convert the 2 GCSEs Combined Science qualification into 3 separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Homework is set every week and as with KS3 is a mixture of directly focused tasks, ‘Educake’ activities, and ongoing revision building to the final examinations.

 

Additional Information

Science includes extra-curricular clubs and activities throughout the year. 

Whizz, Bang, Stink is the incredibly popular science club aimed at enthusing year 7 students with the practical scientific principles of science.

The faculty also runs a range of trips and visits including; Cheltenham Science Festival, GCSE Live; the Gloucestershire Schools Christmas Lecture.  We also have a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and regularly organise visiting workshops and guest speakers for pupils.