Department: Science 

Curriculum Intention:  

For all pupils to: 

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics 
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them 
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future 

Curriculum Implementation: (a brief overview of how the curriculum is implemented at each key stage. You do not need to replicate details form the learning journey here. For options and examined qualifications please give the course details and link to the appropriate exam board website). 

• KS3 is based on the Activate programme that intends to prepare students for the AQA GCSE. The following link is the site through which all students can access the course and resources to support their learnng. 

https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login?user_return_to=%2Fapp%2Fcourses%2F22882  

• KS4 students study the AQA course for either Trilogy or Separate Sciences. Both routeways involve study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  

The following link gives students access to the course content and resources https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login?user_return_to=%2Fapp%2Fcourses%2F22882 

These links are the AQA exam board specifications: 

Combined Science: Trilogy https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464/specification-at-a-glance  

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

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

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

• KS5 students can select from our suite of level 3 courses.  We offer A’levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics along with the BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science. 

Biology A-level follows the Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield) course: 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/biology-a-2015.html  

Chemistry A’level: Students study the OCR Chemistry B (Salters) A’level course:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/chemistry-b-salters-h033-h433-from-2015/  

Physics A’level: 

Physics A-level follows the OCR Physics A course H156 H556: 

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/ 

Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science: This vocational course is a mixture of external and internal assessments and is equivalent to 2 A’levels.  The link below takes you to the specification.  The two optional units studied are Physiology of Human Body Systems and Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis. 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Science/2016/specification- and-sample-assessments/BTEC-L3-Nat-Dip-in-Applied-Science-Spec.pdf  

Monitoring and assessing curriculum impact:

• KS3 – regular retrieval tasks, skills baseline assessment in Year 7, termly 45 mark summative assessments 

• KS4 - regular retrieval tasks, termly extended writing assessments in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, termly summative assessments in the form of mock exam papers. 
• KS5 - A’level students complete regular assessments on the topics they are studying, along with formal examinations at the end of year 12 and the year 13 mock examinations.  

BTEC students complete external exams in January and June of year 12 and January of year 13; all of which have mock assessments as part of the preparation.  The remaining units are all assignments; students are given clear guidance on what is required for each level (pass, merit and distinction), and are given the opportunity to re-submit their assignments following verbal and written feedback if appropriate.