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Science

Subject: Science
Contact: Miss F Sutton

Overview:

Science is studied throughout Key Stage 3 and 4 by all students. Our focus is to deliver lessons on biological, chemical and physical aspects of Science through a varied approach of theory-based and practical hands-on learning. Students will develop confidence in being able to describe, explain and apply scientific ideas as well as building on literacy, numeracy and enquiry skills in every lesson.

KEy stage 3 

Overview

Students are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 and Year 8 and with ability groups set for Year 9. During the first two years of Key Stage 3 students are taught Science through six main topics covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics content. In addition, there is also a focus on Science enquiry including practical, analytical and mathematical skill development. In Year 9, the same enquiry skills are built on through the introduction of GCSE content. Students develop a range of practical skills throughout the year and focus on key science knowledge which links to GCSE to prepare for Year 10.

All students complete two assessments per half term and these are a combination a practical assessments which check for competency in how science works and end of unit tests assessing scientific theory. 

Curriculum Content

Year

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

7

Energy Stores and electricity (Physics)

Particle Model, atoms, elements and compounds (Chemistry)

Cells and organ systems in the body (Biology) 

Acids and alkalis, reactions and the rock cycle (Chemistry) 

Speed, acceleration and space (Physics)

Reproduction, DNA and evolution (Biology) 

8

Balanced diet, digestion and healthy living (Biology) 

Forces, magnets and pressure (Physics) 

The periodic table, chemical reactions and materials (Chemistry) 
Respiration, photosynthesis and biodiversity (Biology) 

Heat transfers, light and sound (Physics) 
Separating mixtures, resources and the atmosphere (Chemistry) 

9

During Year 9 students are taught practical skills and key content in biology, chemistry and physics which links to GCSE content. No Triple content will be taught during Year 9

Some GCSE units are covered to introduce content. This includes:

The units to be completed in Biology are part of B1 and part of B2 (cells and organisation)

The unit to be completed in Chemistry is C1 (atomic structure and the periodic table)

The unit to be completed in Physics is P3 (particle model) 

Assessment Criteria

Please find below the assessment benchmarks for Science.
A child progresses across the grid (from A-I) when they demonstrate a deeper knowledge and wider range of skills in each assessment carried out.

Key staGe 4 

Overview

Students follow two different pathways at Key Stage 4 depending on outcomes in Year 9. The first, where students who are on or above track at Key Stage 3, are eligible to study Triple Science (GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics) where students achieve three GCSE qualifications and this can be chosen as an option. The second is Combined Science for all other students where two GCSE qualifications will be achieved. Either pathway does not limit choices after Key Stage 4. All work covered continues from the topics covered at Year 9.

Students study either the triple route AQA GCSE biology, chemistry and physics or the combined science route, AQA trilogy. At KS4 combined science, students are placed into groups based on higher and foundation tiers.

The Science department’s guiding principle is to ensure that all students are fully prepared for external examinations at the end of Year 11 by ensuring that each pupil has the knowledge and skills to succeed. This is achieved through regular exam practice for assessment, practical experience to apply scientific knowledge through up to 30 required experiments and skills based learning building literacy and numeracy skills in Science.

Exam board and course

Triple Science

AQA GCSE Biology (8461)

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)

AQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Combined Science

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)

Curriculum Content

All students, irrespective of following the Triple or Combined route cover the same topics. However, there is more in-depth content in Triple Science.

Year

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

10

B1/2 (Cells and Organisation),

C2 (Structure and bonding),

P1 (Energy)

B3 (Infection and response)

C3 (Calculation), C4 (Reactions)

P2 (Electricity)

B4 (Bioenergetics),
B7 (Ecology part 1 triple only)
C5 (Energy),
C1 (atomic structure and the periodic table) recap

P4 (Atomic structure) and P3 (Particle model) recap

11

B7 (Ecology),

B5 (Nerves and hormones),

C6 (Rates of reaction),

P5 (Forces)

B6 (Inheritance and evolution), C7 (Organic chemistry), C8 (Chemical tests)

P6 (Waves) and P7 (Magnets)

C9 (chemistry of the atmosphere) and C10 (using resources).

Required practical, skills and AO2/AO3 focus

Revision

Enrichment opportunities:

STEM Club

In September 2022 Queen's Park High School were the first high school in the country to receive the STEM Club GOLD Quality Mark. This is the highest award to recognise the exceptional STEM provision on offer for students.

STEM Club features exciting activities linked to science, technology, engineering and maths. The club involves fun and inquisitive sessions to allow students to explore and further question STEM subjects.

Our STEM club has been hugely successful in recent years with groups of students selected to represent the North West at the National Big Bang finals after winning the regional competition. Our ingenious team of STEM Club students invented an innovative biscuit dunking machine and were awarded runner-up at the Big Bang National Competition. They were also announced winners of the 'Team of the Year' award at the 2019 Cheshire Schools Awards, presented by Lucy Meacock. 

Our STEM Club is immensely popular at Queen's Park High School with currently over 60 Key Stage 3 students taking part in challenging, fun and at times mind-blowing practical activities every Thursday after school.

STEM opportunities and competitions are also offered to all KS3 and KS4 students throughout the year.

  • Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4 STEM Club: Thursdays 3.00-4.00pm (6-8 weeks blocks for each year group)
  • Key Stage 4 and 5 Revision Sessions: days vary

Useful websites to support learning

BBC Bitesize website
AQA Science website