The departmental philosophy for teaching science is to ensure all students have a solid foundation of knowledge with which to base their deeper understanding on. Our lessons are designed to engage, inspire and encourage students to continue to develop a life-long passion for science. Within the department, we have designated specialist teachers in Biology, Physics and Chemistry who strive to deliver exciting content with real-life context.
Structure of the curriculum
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is based around the Activate scheme which we have tailored to meet our students’ individual needs.
Students start the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Course in year 9 and the most able students are given the opportunity to study separate sciences. All GCSEs are examined at the end of year 11. The order of teaching for a typical student is outlined below:
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | ||||
| KS3
YEAR 7 |
Chemistry
The periodic table & chemical reactions |
Biology
Cells, tissues and organs |
Physics
Forces, sound, light and space
|
|||
| KS3
YEAR 8
|
Chemistry
Separating mixtures and the Earth |
Biology
Health and the environment |
Physics
Electricity, energy and magnetism. |
|||
| GCSE
YEAR 9
|
B1:
Cell Biology &Body Responses. |
C1:
Atomic Structure &Periodic Table |
P1:
Electricity & Magnetism |
B2:
Disease &Immune Responses |
C2:
Environmental Chemistry |
P2:
Forces & Motion |
| GCSE
YEAR 10 |
B3:
Responses in Living Organisms |
C3:
Reactions in Chemistry |
P3:
All about Waves |
B4:
The Biology of Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes |
C4:
Chemical Bonding, Structures and Earth’s Resources |
P4:
Electricity & Energy |
| GCSE
YEAR 11 |
B5:
Biodiversity in living organisms |
C5:
Electrolysis & Energy Changes |
P5:
Work Done & Energy Transfer |
How to successfully prepare for exams |
Time for revision and exam preparation |
Time for revision and exam preparation |
Enrichment
Pupil engagement is one of our core principals. This plays a big part in a pupil’s science lessons. However, the SCA students also have many opportunities to explore the world of science outside normal lessons with events such as: Science week, Green Schools Projects, STEM club, Tomorrow’s Engineer Robotic Challenge.
The department also has strong links with Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham and we have many, ongoing projects with both universities.
Post 16
We offer A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics where students benefit from experienced, specialist teachers and small class sizes. Students on these courses sit their AS qualification at the end of year 12 and are usually expected to complete their full A level at the end of year 13.
We also offer a level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science with Forensics. This is equivalent to an A level and a half. We have excellent links with the Nottingham Trent University and with industry professionals who work with the students. The department is also very proud to have a dedicated crime scene, where students can learn and practice their skills in a realistic environment. This course has excellent success rates.
