Science

We believe that Science is best learned and understood through experimentation and investigation.

In lower school, lessons have a practical focus to allow students to develop their “can-do” skills and knowledge through direct hands-on experience. We look at examples of how Science is applied in the real world to encourage students to further develop their understanding before moving to more abstract Scientific concepts.

In upper school, students will study the new Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science course which allows them to continue a balanced approach to their Biology, Chemistry and Physics studies and results in a Double Science GCSE award.

In KS3 we follow the ‘Exploring Science’ scheme of work:
Year 7	Year 8
Biology- topics covered Cells, tissues, organs and systems Sexual reproduction in animals Ecosystems Chemistry – topics covered Mixtures and separation Acids and alkalis The particle model Atoms, elements and molecules Physics – topics covered Energy Electricity Forces Sound	Biology – topics covered Food and nutrition Breathing and respiration Plants and their reproduction Unicellular organisms Chemistry – topics covered Combustion The periodic table Metals and their uses Physics – topics covered Light Energy Fluids
Key stage 4 – year 9, 10 and 11 – we follow the pearson (edexcel) scheme of work
Biology	Chemistry	Physics
Paper 1 – topics covered Key concepts in biology Cells and control Genetics Natural selection and genetic modification Health, disease and the development of medicines Paper 2- topics covered Key concepts in biology Plant structures and their functions Animal co-ordination, control and homeostasis Exchange and transport in animals Ecosystems and material cycles	Paper 1 –topics covered States of matter Methods of separating and purifying substances. Atomic structure The periodic table Ionic bonding Covalent bonding Types of substances Acids and alkalis Calculations involving masses Electrolytic processes Obtaining and using metals Reversible reactions and equilibria Paper 2 – topics covered Atomic structure The periodic table Ionic bonding Covalent bonding Types of substances Calculations involving masses Groups in the periodic table Rates of reaction Heat changes in chemical reactions Fuels Earth and atmospheric science.	Paper 1 – topics covered Motion Forces and motion Conservation of energy Waves Light and the electromagnetic spectrum Radioactivity Paper 2- topics covered Energy –forces doing work Forces and their effects Electricity and circuits Magnetism and the motor effect Electromagnetic induction Particle model Forces and matter