Science

Curriculum Aims

We aspire to provide an engaging and inclusive learning environment that encourages every student to explore and ask valid questions about the world around them. We are dedicated to expertly teach a stimulating science curriculum that nurtures knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, so all students reach their full potential in science, thereby preparing them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving scientific world. We aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and informed citizens.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

Science is delivered along a 5-year curriculum plan. Students follow the KS3 national curriculum using the AQA KS3 mastery science specification, which enables progression to access AQA GCSE content.

§ KS3 Curriculum is delivered in Y7, Y8 and Autumn Term Y9 with a clear structure around the ten big ideas; Forces; Electromagnets; Energy; Waves; Matter; Reactions; Earth; Organisms; Ecosystems and Genes. Each big idea contains 2-3 related topics; their difficulty and the links between topics, is reflected in the teaching route, ensuring a broad base before more in depth specialisation at KS4. Regular practical work for hands on learning of how to use scientific equipment, and scientific method is included throughout the topics.

§ Beginning in Autumn 2 Y9, the students are taught the first GCSE topics in each of the three main science fields (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). In these topics, students are re-exposed to many basic concepts that they have experienced in KS3. However, the rigour and depth of the material runs deeper than in prior years in preparation for KS4.

Key Stage 4

Nationally, all students are expected to complete a minimum of two GCSE qualifications in science. At Gartree High School we offer a choice between AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) and choosing an option to take the AQA Triple Science pathway to meet the needs of all learners.

Students studying AQA Trilogy will have six periods of science per week and those studying separate sciences will have nine periods of science per week.

Course:Combined Science (Trilogy)

Exam Board:AQA (8464)

Final Assessment: There are six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. The exams are all 1 hour and 15 minutes and follow the same format. At the end of the course students will be awarded with a qualification equivalent to two GCSE certificates.

Curriculum Overview

The AQA Combined Trilogy Science GCSE offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This course is ideal for students who want to gain a solid grounding in the sciences while studying a broad range of topics. The Trilogy option gives students the opportunity to progress to A-levels in science.

Course structure

Biology Paper 1 topics:

· Cell biology, Organisation, Infection & response, Bioenergetics

Biology Paper 2 topics:

· Homeostasis & response, Inheritance, variation & evolution, Ecology

Chemistry Paper 1 topics:

· Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes

Chemistry Paper 2 topics:

· The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources

Physics Paper 1 topics:

· Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure

Paper 2 topics:

· Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism

Skills Development: Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical laboratory skills. The course encourages curiosity and equips learners with the ability to analyse and interpret scientific information.

Career Pathways: Completing the Combined Trilogy Science GCSE prepares students for further studies in various fields, including the sciences, engineering, healthcare, and environmental studies.

Link to specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-8464/specification/specification-at-a-glance

Course: Triple Sciences

GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics

Exam Board:AQA (8461), (8462), (8463)

Curriculum Overview

Studying the separate sciences means students will cover more content with the topics than on GCSE Combined Science Trilogy course. The AQA Triple Sciences GCSE course offers an in-depth exploration of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed for students who are passionate about science and wish to pursue further studies in these fields. This rigorous GCSE emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry, preparing students for both examinations and real-world applications.

Course structure

Biology Paper 1 topics:

· Cell biology, Organisation, Infection & response, Bioenergetics

Biology Paper 2 topics:

· Homeostasis & response, Inheritance, variation & evolution, Ecology

Chemistry Paper 1 topics:

· Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and the properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, Energy changes

Chemistry Paper 2 topics:

· The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources

Physics Paper 1 topics:

· Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure

Paper 2 topics:

· Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Space physics

Skills Development: Students will enhance their analytical and problem-solving abilities, gain experience in laboratory techniques, and cultivate a scientific mindset that promotes curiosity and innovation.

Career Pathways: Completing the Triple Sciences GCSE opens doors to advanced studies in science, engineering, medicine, and a variety of STEM-related careers

Link to specifications:

Biology: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/biology/gcse/biology-8461/specification/specification-at-a-glance

Chemistry: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/chemistry/gcse/chemistry-8462/specification/specification-at-a-glance

Physics: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physics/gcse/physics-8463/specification/specification-at-a-glance