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Science
Head of Subject: Dr Nick Gower
ngower@redruth.cornwall.sch.uk
Science curriculum intent
Our science curriculum intends:
- to give students an holistic science education that not only prepares them for further academic pursuits but also empowers them to be informed, curious, and critical thinkers in a rapidly changing world
- to not only promote a love of science but also a love for learning; to understand that scientific advancement is a continuous process where knowledge is constantly evolving
- to help students understand how scientific principles connect with all fields, not just maths and technology, enhancing their ability to see the broader implications and applications of their knowledge.
What does the Key Stage 3 science curriculum look like?
The aim of the Key Stage 3 course is to consolidate and extend the learning covered in Key Stages 1 and 2 and to provide strong foundations for study at GCSE and beyond.
In year 7 and 8, we focus on the foundations of science with units covering the key building blocks in biology, chemistry and physics, establishing the basis for a continually spiralling curriculum. By year 9, we revisit each of these key concepts, extending them towards a GCSE level of understanding and with a particular focus on extending scientific vocabulary.
Each topic lasts a half term and includes a Working Scientifically skills focus. Students will be taught how to work safely in a science lab, use a variety of scientific equipment successfully and analyse their results to form conclusions. Literacy and numeracy feature in all science lessons.
Topics covered in Year 7: Biology – cells and tissues; reproduction and variation. Chemistry – particles and separation techniques; the periodic table. Physics – energy; forces and motion.
Topics covered in Year 8: Biology – body systems; photosynthesis and ecology. Chemistry – chemical reactions; Earth and materials. Physics – waves and space; electricity and magnetism.
Topics covered in Year 9: Biology – cells, tissues and systems; communicable and non-communicable diseases; bioenergetics. Chemistry – atoms and bonding; quantitative chemistry; chemical reactions; energy changes. Physics – energy stores and transfers; electricity; particles; nuclear radiation.
What does the Key Stage 4 science curriculum look like?
The Key Stage 4 curriculum continues the spiral of learning towards the terminal GCSE examinations. All GCSE courses follow the AQA 9-1 specifications. (GCSE Biology 8461, GCSE Chemistry 8462, GCSE Physics 8463 and GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 8464)
Students may follow either the Combined Science or the Triple Science pathway. Two classes will complete Triple Science – achieving 3 GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics.
Both the Triple Science and Combined Science courses are very similar in structure, involving several modules covering all aspects of biology, chemistry and physics. These are examined at the end of Year 11.
How can you support science learning at home?
- Revision can be completed regularly by using their exercise book or revision guide to make mind maps or flash cards on the key topics
- Purchase the recommended revision guide and workbook and regularly use to fill in gaps of knowledge
- Use the EBI comments to improve future work. This will be on their blue feedback sheets
- Make use of homework club to get some extra help where needed
- Encourage students to plan and revise for all assessments and always ask your teacher if there is any area you are unclear on.
