Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

 Course Overview

 Pupils study the normal National Curriculum for science. Within this framework they particularly develop their understanding of the land and environment from a scientific perspective.

 The science curriculum is one continuous progression all the way from year 7 to 11. There is a clear and gradual increase in complexity, challenge and application.

 KS3 Science Curriculum

 In years 7 and 8 our KS3 course follows the Activate scheme of work and covers both Substantive and Disciplinary knowledge in line with the National Curriculum. Substantive knowledge is the established knowledge produced by science, such as concepts, laws, theories and models. Disciplinary knowledge is the understanding of how scientific knowledge has been generated and refined over time.

 In years 7 and 8 pupils have four lessons a week which may be split between 2 different teachers. There is a mixture of theory and practical lessons depending on the topic being studied.

 In year 7 we study :

Biology : 1. Cellular nature of life. 2. The lungs, skeleton, and muscles. 3. Reproduction in humans. 4. Reproduction in plants

Chemistry : 1. Particulate nature of matter. 2. Elements, atoms, and compounds. 3. Examples of chemical reactions. 4. Acids and alkalis

Physics : 1. Forces. 2. Sound. 3. Light.

The Earth : 1. Our place in space.

 In year 8 we study :

Biology : 1. Diet and the digestive system. 2. Respiration. 3. Ecosystems. 4. Adaptations and inherited characteristics

Chemistry : 1. The periodic table. 2. Separation techniques. 3. The reactions of metals.

Physics : 1. Energy. 2. Speed. 3. Pressure and moments. 4. Electricity. 5. Magnets and electromagnets.

The Earth : 1. The atmosphere. 2. The rock cycle. 3. The carbon cycle. 4. Recycling and the use of resources.

 In year 9 our course consolidates the prior topics and prepares students for their GCSEs. In year 9 pupils have six lessons a week which may be split between 2 or 3 different teachers. There is a mixture of theory and practical lessons depending on the topic being studied.

 In year 9 we study :

Biology : 1. The cellular nature of life with a focus on transport systems. 2. The role of enzymes in the digestive system. 3. The heart and lungs. 4. Plant tissues. 5. Photosynthesis. 6. The role of hormones in reproduction and contraception. 7. Sexual and asexual reproduction. 8. Ecosystems

Chemistry : 1. Atomic structure. 2. The periodic table and its relationship to atomic structure. 3. Ionic bonds. 4. Conservation of mass. 5. Exothermic and endothermic reactions. 6. Chromatography. 7. Identification of gases.

Physics : 1. Magnetism. 2. Density. 3. Specific heat capacity and latent heat. 4. Particle model of gases. 5. Energy stores and transfers. 5. Forces. 6. Electricity, including domestic applications. 7. Electromagnetic waves. 8. Speed and velocity.

The Earth : 1. Biodiversity and the effect of human interactions. 2. The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere. 3. Greenhouses gases and climate change. 4. Atmospheric pollution. 5. Energy resources

 Assessment of these topics and skills takes place at regular intervals and provides feedback to help pupils make progress.

 

The KS4 Science Curriculum

 Most students at Dorset Studio School study GCSE AQA Trilogy Science, building on the skills and knowledge that they have developed throughout KS3. This is equivalent to two GCSEs and, with good grades, is a suitable preparation for both A-level science courses and other equivalent vocational qualifications.

A few may instead complete all three of the separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs. These students will have ‘mastered’ the KS3 science curriculum at a high level.

 Students are introduced to subject specific terms in each of the three science subjects and also the language associated with practical work. Practical work forms an important aspect of curriculum time and each of the 21 Required Practicals are matched to an appropriate topic. However, there are additional practical activities, investigations and field work completed throughout the course. Student practical skills are continually developed throughout their study of GCSE science.

 In years 10 and 11 pupils have four lessons a week which may be split between 2 or 3 different teachers. There is a mixture of theory and practical lessons depending on the topic being studied.

 In year 10 we study :

Biology : 1. Stem cells, chromosomes and the cell cycle. 2. Health and lifestyle. 3. Communicable diseases. 4. Vaccination and medical testing. 5. Respiration. 6. Evolution, selective breeding and genetic engineering

Chemistry : 1. Groups zero, one and seven. 2. Covalent and metallic bonding. 3. Bonding and structure. 4. Relative formula mass. 5. Reactivity of metals and their extraction. 6. Reactions of acids and the production of salts. 7. Reaction profiles. 8. Rates of reaction. 9. Organic chemistry. 

Physics : 1. Acceleration. 2. Newton’s Laws of motion. 3. Forces and braking. 4. Momentum. 5. Electricity.

The Earth : 1. Potable water. 2. Waste water treatment. 3. Life-cycle assessments. 4. Reducing the use of resources. 5. Energy distribution and the National Grid

 In year 11 we study :

Biology : 1. Homeostasis. 2. Nervous system. 3. Endocrine system and blood glucose levels. 4. Meiosis. 5. Genetic inheritance and inherited disorders. 6. Fossils, extinction and evolution. 7.Resistant bacteria.

Chemistry : 1. Moles. 2. Electrolysis. 3. Reversible reactions. 4. Equilibrium.

Physics : 1. Atoms and isotopes. 2. Radioactive decay and nuclear equations. 3. Ionising effect of electromagnetic waves. 4. Electromagnetism and its uses.

 

Assessment of these topics and skills takes place at regular intervals and provides feedback to help pupils make progress.

 Over the five years of the science course students regularly come back to the core ideas, building on the complexity of the models and applying them to ever more complex concepts and applications. This constant repetition of concepts allows students to solidify their understanding of the fundamental knowledge of science, while the progression of complexity allows these ideas to be applied to more and more of their everyday lives and future destinations.

 

Key information

 AQA GCSE Trilogy Science   or   AQA GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics

 GCSE assessment is 100% by exam at the end of year 11.

6 exams (2 x Biology, 2 x Chemistry, 2 x Physics)