Your children will study science throughout their school careers.  To meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, science is divided into two distinct stages.  Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11).  The school has a total of seven well equipped science laboratories.

Key Stage 3

The department has adopted the recently revised Exploring Science course at
Key Stage 3.  The course includes the key concepts and processes underpinning the study of science as well as the traditional scientific knowledge.  All pupils
have access to an online version of the course text book.  The course is divided into 18 short units covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics.  Each unit incorporates assessment activities including tests and investigations.

The course builds on children’s previous knowledge and is designed to be challenging to pupils of all abilities.

Key Stage 4

All pupils study science to GCSE level; science is part of the core curriculum.  The course that we will be following is called 21st Century Science which provides pupils with the opportunity to gain two GCSE qualifications.

21st Century Science is a new course developed in response to changes in the National Curriculum and is appropriate for students of all abilities including those who may wish to progress to A levels in science subjects.

The course features many of the major theories of science in a way that encourages students to appreciate their importance to everyday life.  There is considerable emphasis on the explanation and application of scientific ideas.  The course also explores how scientific information is obtained, how reliable it is, what it’s limitations are, and how this information helps society to make important decisions.  Students are prepared to deal with issues involving science which they may meet, for example, mobile phone safety, decisions about childhood vaccinations, and sustainable use of resources.

Pupils who achieve level 6 in KS3 SAT’s may choose to study triple science.  The course is offered as an extra curricular option with independent learning units supported by monthly tutorial sessions.

Science Website