Science

Science Curriculum Content statement

In science we believe that the acquisition of key knowledge allows students to develop a deep and embedded understanding of all areas of the science curriculum.

There are several key themes that form this broad base of knowledge. One example is the understanding of photosynthesis. Starting in Year 7, we look at basic plant structure and introduce the concept of plant adaptations which allow the plant to survive. In Year 8, we move onto factors that affect photosynthesis and investigate the impact of light on the rate of photosynthesis. In years 9 and 10 we apply our prior learning to the GCSE curriculum, looking at the impact of plant diseases on the rate of photosynthesis. The photosynthesis required practical in Year 11 is a more complex version of the practical covered at KS3 and our students have already acquired the basic knowledge and skills that allows them to flourish in this topic. The spiral is completed in KS5 Biology, where students have to look at the structures involved in photosynthesis at a microscopic level. These in addition to other key themes will be revisited as part of our spiral curriculum every year adding complexity and seeing where they fit in with other areas of study.

It is important that students see how key knowledge can be transferred between the three key disciplines, Chemistry, Biology and Physics and an example of this in the previous discussed example might be how different enzymes control the photosynthesis reaction.

We understand that a key aspect of long term memory creation requires regular recall and retrieval of key knowledge. We facilitate this through the use of frequent low stakes testing and practising of the key vocabulary throughout a topic.  We aim to ensure that the subject knowledge of science staff is as up to date as possible through regular cross discipline collaboration and external opportunities. Our teachers have an inherent desire to develop their expertise as a matter of course.

There are many core skills which we will regularly revisit through each key stage, building confidence and expertise in the students. They must understand how to conduct practical skills effectively including reliability of data, results tables, graphs, analysing data, writing and evaluating experimental results. Literacy shall be regularly reinforced through encouraging students to write extended responses and ensuring key vocabulary is accurately spelled and used in written work.

In addition to this it is important that we encourage students to demonstrate a creative approach to scientific problem solving and develop the character required to be resilient in their approach to grasping the challenging content that we will demand from our students.

Key Stage Three Curriculum

Students follow an integrated science course designed to incorporate all aspects of the National Curriculum recommendations and targets. Within this we have developed a tailored course for students mapped around the AQA curriculum allowing us to create one long learning sequence beginning here in key stage 3.

Students will complete all compulsory content from the KS3 national curriculum and more, designed in a way which allows the study not to be content driven.  The learning is progressive, starting from the KS2 platform of basic understanding, developing the scientific practical and enquiry skills learners need to be fully immersed in further study.  Students meander through pockets of mini topics touching on all 3 science disciplines, adding layers of depth to understanding.  Learning encapsulates language, and how science works investigative skills development, alongside resilience and an awareness of what is needed to take progress to the next level.

Students speak very highly of their time in science and their enjoyment of lessons.We commonly hear comments like “ Ah that makes sense”or “that’s amazing” and this stems from the experience students have right from the start of their school experience. The students in are school are very diverse which is what makes us special.This also means that lessons, teaching, learning and all that is involved, needs to be just as adaptable, tailored and diverse too.

As students move into Year Nine knowledge and skills learnt from primary through Yr7 and Yr8 into Yr9 prepare students for the next stage of their learning journey. Year Nine builds upon key skills and knowledge solidifying the foundations which are fundamental to KS4 progression. During this time we extend and add additional understanding ensuring continued progression and challenge appropriate for all.  Content is covered in larger blocks of learning, enabling students to become more familiar with each science in its own right and also to continue to develop the skills required to retain and recall larger sections of work. The foundations are then set for the transition into the Key Stage Four Curriculum.  

Key Stage Four Curriculum

We will guide your child as to which is the most suitable course for them based on achievement at KS2 and progress throughout Key Stage 3.  All students will study all 3 sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in the same amount of time.  Some students will work towards 2 GCSE’s called trilogy science at the end of year 11 whilst others will sit 3 separate science GCSE’s.

Both courses cover all of the essential science required to be studied nationally, and both allow progression to A level science courses and many related science subjects. Entry requirements are available in the post 16 prospectus.

KS4 Trilogy science (Double award)
Trilogy science gives students two science GCSE grades. The course is planned to ensure students have the best possible knowledge and understanding of each aspects of their science before moving on.

Students have 3 teachers each for 2 periods a week, for each science. This course is now 100% linear, with all of the examinations taking place at the end of Year 11. There is now no practical assessment, although students will undertake set practical activities stipulated by the examination board, there will be questions associated with knowledge gained from these practical activities that will count for at least 15% of the assessment marks for each of the separate GCSEs.

Students will sit six exams at the end of year 11, two for each Science GCSE. The results from each will be weighted equally to provide the combined GCSE grades. In each paper, students will have to answer the following question styles - multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and longer structured responses. Key mathematics skills will be required in all papers.

The appropriate tier of entry will be selected to allow all students the best opportunity of attaining their best outcomes.  In order to do this students are monitored very closely throughout the course to ensure they are set appropriately to provide the correct level of tailored challenge and support.

Assessment Criteria
Biology Papers 1 & 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long and contributes 16.6% towards the final GCSE grades.
Chemistry Papers 1 & 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long and contributes 16.7% towards the final GCSE grades.
Physics Papers 1 & 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long and contributes 16.7% towards the final GCSE grades.

KS4 Separate sciences (Triple award)
This pathway gives students a separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is delivered at an accelerated pace with a significantly increased demand on independent working.  Students need to have demonstrated a solid retention and working knowledge of science to date. This allow learning to be linked to prior study whilst continually seeking to draw out understanding and build knowledge to the next level.

We deliver this course as specialists.  Students have 3 teachers each for 2 periods a week, for each science. This course is now 100% linear, with all of the examinations taking place at the end of Year 11. There is now no practical assessment, although students will undertake set practical activities stipulated by the examination board, there will be questions associated with knowledge gained from these practical activities that will count for at least 15% of the assessment marks for each of the separate GCSEs.

Students will sit six exams at the end of year 11, two for each Science GCSE. The results from each will be weighted equally to provide the combined GCSE grades. In each paper, students will have to answer the following question styles - multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and longer structured responses. Key mathematics skills will be required in all papers.

 Expectation is that all students will be aiming for the higher tier examinations.  Students are monitored very closely throughout the course to ensure their progress and attainment remains strong with the added demands of the course.

Assessment Criteria

Biology Papers 1 and 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long and contributes 50% towards the final Biology GCSE.
Chemistry Papers 1 and 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long and contributes 50% towards the final Chemistry GCSE.
Physics Papers 1 and 2
Each Paper is 1 hour 45 minutes long and contributes 50% towards the final Physics GCSE.

KS5 Provision

Beyond compulsory study of science for all students many opt following their success at GCSE to stay at Jesmond park and elect to continue science study.  Some select based on the necessity for their university courses, some due to the facilitating nature of the subjects allowing them to keep their options open and others merely as they thoroughly enjoyed their study through the lower years.

We offer 4 courses at post 16.  3 traditional A level science courses and a level 3 extended Btec certificate which offers A level equivalence for university application.

All courses have had their curriculum content sequenced to allow challenge, understanding and layers of knowledge to increase over time alongside vital scientific practical and study skills.

BTEC Level 3 Extended National Certificate in Applied Science 

The BTEC NCF Level 3 qualification is designed to provide highly specialist, work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The qualifications provide progression opportunities to higher education, degree and professional development programmes within the same or related areas of study, within universities and other institutions or straight out to employment opportunities.

This BTEC qualification provides students with ample opportunity to develop lab and investigation skills that will help prepare them for future pathways in jobs such as nursing, physiotherapy, lab assistant and midwifery. They attract UCAS points that equate to similar-sized general qualifications within education institutions within the UK.

Year 1 (BTEC Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I
This unit allows learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of core concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which provide a strong basis for anyone wanting to progress in any science-related career. Topics covered include the study of the chemistry of the elements, the structure and function of cells and tissues as well as the use of waves in communication. This is an externally assessed exam, worth 50% of this year, which the students will sit in the summer.

Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
This unit allows learners to develop their practical skills in core laboratory techniques. Learners will have the opportunity to become proficient in carrying out titrations, colorimetry, calorimetry, and thin layer chromatography. The skills developed in this unit will help learners develop their confidence in carrying out laboratory-based work in their future studies in Higher Education and industry. This is a coursework module, internally assessed, worth 50% of this year.

Successful completion of the course in Year 12 allows students to carry on and complete the Level 3 Extended Certificate which is one GCE A Level equivalent.

Year 2 (BTEC Extended Certificate)

Unit 3: Scientific Investigation Skills
This unit allows learners to build upon and extend their science skills and knowledge from Units 1 and 2 as well as in carrying out scientific investigations. Learners will develop their knowledge of plants and the environment, enzymes, the movement of molecules, the energy content of fuels, and electrical circuits, in addition to their skills in carrying out a scientific investigation. This an externally assessed unit, which the students will sit in January of year 13, worth 66% of this year.

Optional Units:

• Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Human Regulation and Reproduction
• Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
• Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• Diseases and Infections
• Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
• Applications of Organic Chemistry
• Electrical Circuits and their Application
• Astronomy and Space Science

The students will then complete 3 pieces of coursework in their chosen option module worth 33% of this year.

Entry requirements A minimum of two 5 grades in Science. Students must also have GCSE Maths and English to grade 5 standard.

Sixth Form (P16) Biology

The NEW GCE AS course has been developed to follow on directly on from the combined and separate GCSE  science courses, with two 6's in Science, a 6 in maths and a 5 in English as the entry requirements. Biology is popular with both genders and is widely regarded as a good entry qualification for university courses. The course includes a variety of practical activity such as investigating the rate of reaction of enzymes, cellular microscopy and organ dissections. 

The AS course comprises of 4 main areas biological molecules, cells, organisms exchange substance with their environment and genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. Students will sit 2 mock papers in the summer examination window which will test their knowledge and understand of the year’s content. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes and comprises of 65 marks worth of short answer questions and 10 marks of comprehension style questions.

The NEW GCE A2 course comprises of energy transfer in and between organisms, organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and control of gene expression.

The courses are varied, challenging and very rewarding. Biology combines well with and complements many AS and A-Level courses especially the other sciences and maths. It helps students to develop numerical, practical and literacy skills as well as the ability to deal with abstract concepts and independent study techniques.

Sixth Form (P16) Chemistry

The NEW GCE AS course has been developed to follow on directly on from the combined and separate GCSE  science courses, with two 6's in Science, a 6 in maths and a 5 in English as the entry requirements.  Chemistry is popular with both genders and is widely regarded as a good entry qualification for university courses. The course includes a high proportion of practical activity such as quantitative analysis by titration and various organic synthesis experiments. There are weekly practical sessions with marks awarded for this aspect in the end of course examinations.

The AS course comprises of 3 key areas of study, Organic, Inorganic and Physical totalling 160 marks : Chemistry 1(80), Chemistry 2 (80) each mock exam is 1hr30 in length and consists of long, short and multiple choice questions.

The NEW GCE A2 course comprises of extended study of Organic, Inorganic and Physical and further practical components. 3 A2 exams totalling 300 marks are taken in the summer of year 13. Paper 1 and 2 will both be 2hr in length (105 long and short answers), paper 3 will examine the full specification including the practical aspects and will include a section of multiple choice questions within the 2hr exam (90 marks).

The courses are varied, challenging and very rewarding. Chemistry combines well with and complements many AS and A-Level courses especially the other sciences and maths. It helps students to develop numerical, practical and literacy skills as well as the ability to deal with abstract concepts and independent study techniques.

Sixth Form (P16) Physics

The NEW GCE AS course has been developed to follow on directly on from the combined and separate GCSE  science courses, with two 6's in Science, a 6 in maths and a 5 in English as the entry requirements.. Physics is traditionally more popular with boys although we are narrowing the gender gap; it is widely regarded as an excellent entry qualification for university courses. The course includes a proportion of practical activity such as the resistivity of a length of wire and the electromotive force of a cell. There will be 6 compulsory practicals during the 1st year that are assessed by the class teacher and moderated by an external verifier. 

The AS course comprises of 3 key areas of study, Particles and Quantum Phenomena, Electricity and Mechanics totalling 140 marks : Physics 1(70) and Physics 2 (70) each mock exam is 1hr30 in length and consists of long, short and multiple choice questions.
 
The NEW GCE A2 course comprises of extended study of Mechanics and thermal Physics, Fields and their consequences and an optional component of Turning Points in Physics. 3 A2 exams totalling 250 marks are taken in the summer of year 13. Paper 1 and 2 will both be 2hr in length (85 marks long and short answers), paper 3 (section A, 45 marks) will examine the full specification including the practical aspects and will include a section of multiple choice questions. Section B (35 marks) will be on the optional component of Turning Points in Physics.

The courses are varied, challenging and very rewarding. Physics combines well with and complements many AS and A-Level courses especially the other sciences and maths. It helps students to develop numerical, practical and literacy skills as well as the ability to deal with abstract concepts and independent study techniques.