THE TEAM AND FACILITIES:

KS3 Science

At Key Stage 3, students study a range of key scientific ideas across Years 7 to 9, including cells, energy, forces, particles and ecosystems. These topics are carefully sequenced to build a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, helping students to understand how science explains the world around them.

Science is delivered with a strong emphasis on scientific enquiry. Students develop important skills such as planning, observing, analysing and communicating. Through regular practical work, they learn to make predictions, record observations and draw informed conclusions.

Lessons combine interactive teaching with hands-on investigations, allowing students to build knowledge and confidence over time. Students also develop their use of scientific language and apply mathematical skills when working with data.

Science is taught in mixed ability groups for Year 7 and 8 and then are streamed in Year 9, where all students are supported and challenged to succeed. Regular mini-assessments help to monitor progress and identify where additional support is needed. These mini-assessments are designed to support current learning and recall of previous topics.

KS4 Science

At Key Stage 4, students can choose between GCSE Combined Science (worth 2 GCSEs) or GCSE Separate Sciences (worth 3 GCSEs). Both pathways build on the key ideas introduced at Key Stage 3 and develop a deeper understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Science is delivered through a carefully sequenced curriculum using the AQA GCSE courses. Students explore important scientific concepts such as organisation in living systems, chemical reactions, energy, forces and the structure of matter. Learning is supported through practical work and real-world contexts, helping students to understand how science applies to everyday life and future careers.

Lessons place a strong emphasis on scientific enquiry. Students develop key skills including planning investigations, collecting and analysing data, evaluating evidence and communicating ideas clearly. They also build confidence in using scientific terminology and applying mathematical skills within science.

Students are supported and challenged to develop independence and think like scientists, understanding how scientific ideas are developed and tested over time. The curriculum encourages curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students for further study and a wide range of career pathways.

Assessment is through AQA examinations at the end of Year 11, with regular practical work completed throughout the course. Knowledge and understanding of these practical activities are assessed within the written exams. Ongoing assessments during the course ensure that students are supported to make progress and achieve their full potential.

Studying science at KS4 helps students to develop valuable skills in analysis, evaluation and logical thinking. These skills support progression into further education, apprenticeships and careers both within science—such as medicine, engineering and environmental science—and in a wide range of other fields.

End of Course Assessment model

How will I be assessed?

Separate Sciences

Exam Board	AQA - Biology 8461, Chemistry 8462, Physics 8463
GCSE Biology
Paper B1	Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics (50%)
Paper B2	Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology (50%)
GCSE Chemistry
Paper C1	Atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry, chemical changes; and energy changes (50%)
Paper C2	The rate and extent of chemical change: organic chemistry; chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources (50%)
GCSE Physics
Paper P1	Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and atomic structure (50%)
Paper P2	Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics (50%)
Non-Examination Assessment	Students will carry out practical activities alongside the course.  Knowledge of this work will be tested for in the exams.

Combined Sciences

Exam Board	AQA Trilogy 8464
Paper B1	Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics (16.7%)
Paper B2	Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology (16.7%)
Paper C1	Atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; quantitative chemistry, chemical changes; and energy changes (16.7%)
Paper C2	The rate and extent of chemical change: organic chemistry, chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, and using resources (16.7%)
Paper P1	Energy; electricity; particle model of matter; and atomic structure (16.7%)
Paper P2	Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism (16.7%)
Non-Examination Assessment	Students will carry out practical activities alongside the course.  Knowledge of this work will be tested for in the exams.

KS5 Sciences

At Key Stage 5, students can study A Level Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics, building on the foundations developed at GCSE. The courses provide a deeper and more specialised understanding of each subject, preparing students for higher education and a wide range of career pathways.

Teaching is delivered through a structured and engaging curriculum, where students explore advanced scientific concepts such as genetics, chemical processes, energy and forces. Lessons link theory to real-world applications, helping students understand the importance of science in modern society, including developments in healthcare, technology and the environment.

There is a strong emphasis on scientific enquiry and independent learning. Students develop key skills including analysing and interpreting data, evaluating evidence, solving complex problems and constructing well-reasoned arguments. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout, particularly in Chemistry and Physics.

Practical work remains central to all courses. Students carry out a range of required investigations, developing accuracy, confidence and competence in laboratory work. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and contribute to a separate practical endorsement, recognising students’ ability to work safely and effectively in scientific settings.

Students are supported to think critically and work independently, preparing them for the demands of university study and employment. The courses encourage curiosity, resilience and a deeper understanding of how scientific knowledge is developed and applied.

Studying science at KS5 opens pathways to a wide range of careers, including medicine, engineering, research, environmental science and technology, while also developing transferable skills such as analysis, problem-solving and logical thinking that are valued across many professions.

End of Course Assessment model

How will I be assessed?

A-level Biology (7402) AQA	A-level Chemistry (7405) AQA	A-level Physics (7408) AQA
Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A-level Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A-level Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours 78 marks 30% of A-level	Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours 105 marks 35% of A-level Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours 105 marks 35% of A-level Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours 90 marks 30% of A-level	Paper 1 Written exam:  2 hours 85 marks 34% of A-level Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours 85 marks 34% of A-level Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks 32% of A-level