Science
Core Subjects
Additional Subjects
Key Stage 3 - Years 7 to 9
In years 7 and 8, students build on their understanding of science from primary school. They study different biology, chemistry and physics topics, with each being linked to real life situations. These are taught from an enquiry-based point of view, providing students with plentiful opportunities to undertake laboratory work. Students are assessed formally using end of topic tests and open ended tasks for some practical investigations.
In year 9, students start their science AQA GCSE course and, in most cases, will have different teachers for biology, chemistry and physics. The topics studied in year 9 are part of the GCSE specification and will lay the foundations for other topics studied throughout Key Stage 4.
For our key stage 3 students, there is a weekly science club that involves many different experiments, STEM activities and even a regional water-rocket challenge at the Institute of Physics, a competition we are proud to have won awards at previously.
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 & 11
In years 10 and 11, students continue to study the AQA GCSE science specification which is split into biology, chemistry and physics. We offer two different science courses with AQA. Most of our students will follow the Combined Science: Trilogy specification and will gain 2 science GCSE grades. Some students will study the Separate Science specification and will gain 3 science GCSE grades. Students are assessed through regular end of topic tests and practical assessments. They will all sit 6 GCSE examinations at the end of year 11 to gain their GCSE grades in science.