Science

Students are supported, encouraged and inspired in their learning through the following mechanisms:

High quality teaching delivered by well qualified, caring and supportive staff, who are kept abreast of the latest developments through regular training and CPD opportunities

Provision of curriculum resources such as knowledge organisers/glossaries/handbook (KS4) which enhance and outline the knowledge (including subject specific vocabulary) that all children must master

A scheme of learning for each topic, which carefully plans for progression, breadth and depth of learning through the delivery mechanisms of long term, medium term and short term planning documentation

The use of regular but creative assessment techniques, such as the inclusion of low stakes ‘Quantum science’ quizzes which are used regularly to support learners through increasing space in their working memory and practising important retrieval techniques, helping to improve their confidence levels

Embedding of challenge questions for pupils, enabling them to either apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner or to question the extent they currently understand a topic

Educational visits and trips from experts who will enhance the learning experience of students

The use of blended learning opportunities that will support students in closing knowledge gaps and in turn build a more solid foundation for new learning

The use of a bridging curriculum to support students in their knowledge transition for specific topics between key stage 2 and 3

Using introductory topic powerpoints, that highlight to students’ potential careers that they may aspire to

Students are given multiple opportunities to improve their science/ cultural capital through educational visits, visitors, up-to-date text books, exposure to supplementary specialist material such as ‘The New Scientist’, conversations that relate to careers and Further/Higher Education

Planning:
At key stage 3 our students cover a broad curriculum of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Working Scientifically is a topic that underpins much of the work covered. Literacy and Numeracy development are also key areas that we focus on developing throughout the key stage.

The topics taught at key stage 3 are shown below.  The example given is for the current year 9  and shows their pathway for year 7 and 8.

Year 10 AQA Trilogy

Autumn Term 1
Chemical changes
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter

Autumn Term 2
Bonding, structure and the properties of matter (continued)
Infection and response
Energy
Electricity

Spring Term 1
Electricity (continued)
Energy Changes
Bioenergetics
Particle model of matter

Spring Term 2
Particle model of matter (continued)
Rate and extent of chemical change

Summer Term 1
Homeostasis and response

Mock exam weeks

Summer Term 2
Homeostasis and response (continued)
Atomic Structure

Year 11

Autumn Term 1
Quantitative Chemistry
Forces

Chemistry Paper 1 Mock Exam

Autumn Term 2
Forces (continued)
Using resources

 Physics Paper 2 Mock Exam

 Chemistry Paper 2 Mock Exam

Spring Term 1
Targeted Revision

 Biology Paper 1 Mock Exam

Spring Term 2
Targeted Revision

 Physics Paper 1 Mock Exam

  Biology Paper 2 Mock Exam

Key stage 4 AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (equivalent to 2 GCSEs)

Students study a balance of Biology, Chemistry and Physics over 3 years.

Students will sit a total of six written examinations at the end of Year 11 covering the entire GCSE specification which will count for a 100% of their final grade. All papers are equally weighted. Throughout the course, students are expected to complete required practical tasks which are assessed internally and externally in the written examinations.

Students are supported in their studies by being given regular ‘Quantum Questions ‘and end of module tests that helps to improve retrieval practice and improves students’ long-term memory.

AQA Triple Science: (3 separate GCSEs)
Students who choose Triple Science as one of their option subjects will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will achieve 1 GCSE in each of the Sciences.

Students will sit a total of six written examinations at the end of Year 11 covering the entire GCSE specification which will count for a 100% of their final grade. This will be composed of 2 papers for each of the 3 science disciplines. Throughout the course, students are expected to complete required practical tasks which are assessed internally and externally in the written examinations

Students are supported in their studies by being given regular ‘Quantum Questions ‘and end of module tests that helps to improve retrieval practice and students’ long-term memory in preparation for final examinations.

Assessment:
Assessment within science uses a combination of both formative and summativepractice.
Some forms of assessment are peer assessedEnd of topic tests
Extended pieces of scientific writing to demonstrate knowledge and understanding (6 markers).
Assessed practical work (as a pre-requisite to the Required Practicals carried out at key stage 4)

Required Practicals
Formal end of year examinations, including th use of GL Assessments.

Homework:
 Key stage 3 – homework centres around the familiarisation, spelling and definition of key words. All students are given topic based glossaries and Knowledge Organisers in order to improve their retention, recall and retrieval skills.

Key stage 4 – Students are given topic based extended homework booklets at the beginning of each topic as well as ongoing practice surrounding examination style questions. Students are given a handbook containing Knowledge Organiser (Topic based) in order to improve their retention, recall and retrieval skills. Over the course of key stage 4 students are regularly given additional retrieval practice using a class based random question generator

Extra- Curricular, Curriculum experiences: 
The science department runs a number of activities.  Specific examples of trips that have taken place in the last 5 years are shown below:

Birmingham Think Tank
Cern – Switzerland – Hadron Collider
Leicester Space Centre
RAF Cosford
Bristol science centre
Stem Ambassador visits/ workshops HS2
Peer mentoring

In the addition to the above, with the bonus offer of support from OAT we are delighted to offer the following targeted activities during the 2023-24 academic year, and beyond:
Science summer camp – Year 10 students
Disneyland Paris – Year 9
British Science Week celebrations – All year groups
The Science Cup – All students
Students Conferences – Year 11 students
A trip to Miami 2025 – Year 8 or 9
Your contribution to Quantum – An OAT Science and Technology national magazine written by students for students!
StemFest – Social Action Projects.
Team science are looking forward to hearing your expression of interest for any of the above!