Science – Key Stage 3

Our Science department gives students a core foundation of knowledge with an ambitious curriculum that also encourages the development of practical skills in science to apply their theoretical knowledge in contextual way.

In Science we have a curriculum that aims to encourage students to question how the natural world works and be able to explore this through practical experimentation. Throughout years 7 and 8 the students develop a range of core knowledge based on key principles from the national curriculum but this is further extended through exploration of scientific concepts.

In year 7 all students complete an introduction to science module where they learn the fundamentals behind laboratory safety as well as completing a series of practical experiments to develop key technical skills. These include a key understanding of hypotheses, variables and graphical interpretation of data.

After this students complete a variety of topics on rotation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are in line with the requirements from the national curriculum. Imbedded in these topics are practical experiments that require the students to develop their understanding as critical thinkers in science and begin to formulate their own hypotheses using the skills from the introduction to science module. In year 8 the students’ knowledge is further expanded upon and the topics link back to the learning in year 7 imbedding the core principles for each of the scientific disciplines.

Click here to access the KS3 Science Curriculum Overview.

In year 9 students begin their GCSE science curriculum and are taught by separate subject specialist teachers. We follow the AQA Separate Science GCSE syllabus. Details for each subject can be found below:

Click here to access the Biology KS4 and KS5 curriculum page.

Click here to access the Chemistry KS4 and KS5 curriculum page.

Click here to access the Physics KS4 and KS5 curriculum page.

Enrichment

We encourage students to read further around the subject to gain a wider understanding of science in a real world context.

Click here to access the KS3 Science Super Curriculum.

Careers

Science has its obvious career links in the scientific world but also close links to working within specialist professional organisations like the NHS. However, science has many transferable skills including those involving analysis and critical thinking.

Click here to find out more about careers in Science.