Curriculum Lead

Mrs Waller - Head of Science

Curriculum Principles & Intent

This curriculum aims to ensure that all Adeyfield Academy students become scientifically literate, who are able to recognise the importance of rational explanation, capable of scientific analysis and knowledgeable about the contribution that the sciences make to our theoretical and practical understanding of the world. It is designed so that foundational concepts are introduced at the outset and are carefully built upon over three years, ensuring students develop an increasingly sophisticated and specialised understanding of the separate sciences. As such, students benefit from a coherent and cumulative curriculum that enables them to grasp increasingly specialised concepts and to develop a rigorous understanding of scientific knowledge.

In Key Stage 3, in each long term, students cover one topic from biology, chemistry and physics. There is a strong focus on retrieval practice and interleaving learning: each topic begins by explicitly returning to relevant prior learning and ends with an assessment and an interleaved test based on another topic. A practical skills assessment is placed at the end of the unit to enable students to connect their learning to a set of practical techniques and real-world applications. All too often, learning about science involves a series of disjointed lessons and unconnected information that is difficult to remember or fully understand. As such, a key principle of this curriculum is that the sciences can and should be taught through meaningful narratives that enable students to form long-term memories. This is seen through the explicit, planned-for links between relevant topics and an emphasis, where relevant, on the chronological development of scientific discoveries and theories, and of their cultural importance.

In Key Stage 4 the foundations that have been laid during Key Stage 3 are developed in both breadth and depth. Students are encouraged to make links to the wider world and synthesise concepts to demonstrate understanding. Required practicals are completed which consolidate understanding of written work and develop practical investigation skills.

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Key Stage 3

Science encompasses a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. We have tailored our own Key Stage 3 curriculum for students in Years 7 and 8, to prepare them for Key Stage 4, which we start teaching from Year 9.

A student who does Combined Science at GCSE studies physics, chemistry and biology as a single subject, but they are credited with having achieved two GCSEs. Students also have the option to study Triple Science (3 GCSE’s)

This course is taught by 2 teachers sharing the teaching of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 10 lessons per week.

• Exam board: AQA
• Course: Combined Science: Trilogy
• Specification: 8464

Year 10 Topics:

Year 11 Topics:

Mode of Assessment:

6 exams  - 1 hour 15 minute;

2 biology, 2 chemistry and 2 physics.

The combined science course is worth two GCSEs.

Each exam paper is out of 70 marks and consists of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and longer open response questions.

As well as assessing subject knowledge and understanding, pupils will also be assessed in the skills required in working scientifically, maths and practical assessments.

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GCSE Triple Science

A student who does Single Science as opposed to Combined Science, does physics, chemistry and biology as separate subjects, more in depth, and, if they pass all three, are credited with three GCSEs.

This course is taught by 3 specialised teachers of biology, chemistry and physics. 15 lessons per week (5 biology, 5 physics and 5 chemistry).

• Exam board: AQA
• Course: Triple Science
• Specification: Biology: 8461, Chemistry: 8462, Physics: 8463

Year 10 Topics:

Year 11 Topics:

Units in bold have more practical lessons than in Combined Science, Space (Physics) is only taught only in Triple.

Mode of Assessment:

6 exams - 1 hour and 45 minute;

2 biology, 2 chemistry, 2 physics.

The single course results in 3 separate GCSE grades.

Each exam paper is out of 100 marks and is worth 50% of each GCSE. They consist of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and longer open response questions.

As well as assessing subject knowledge and understanding, pupils will also be assessed in the skills required in working scientifically, maths and practical assessments.

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A Level Specifications

A Level Biology

Level of Course: 3

Board: OCR

Specification: H420

Description

A Level Biology aims to enthuse students in the essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject.  Practical opportunities are regularly explored to allow the development of scientific skills, as well as mathematical and problem solving skills.  The course considers the decisions made by society and how science contributes to the success of the economy.

Biology A Level is an academic course involving fundamental practical tasks.  The course is assessed through written papers of the concepts alone, with practical skills assessed separately. The course aims to develop an interest in further study and careers in Biology.

There are 6 units:

1. Development of practical skills in biology

2. Foundations in biology

3. Exchange and transport

4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease

5. Communication, homeostasis and energy

6. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

How is the course assessed?
At A Level, components assess the content from different modules as outlined in the table below.  All components contain synoptic assessment.

How is the course assessed?

At A Level, components assess the content from different modules as outlined in the table below.  All components contain synoptic assessment.

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Useful Links

• AQA GCSE science: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h
• GCSE revision resources: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/
• Online simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/

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Career Paths

Here some interesting career paths relating to Science:

• Archaeologist
• Astronomer
• Biologist
• Chemist
• Computer Scientist
• Engineer
• Geneticist
• Geologist
• Marine Biologist
• Mathematician
• Meteorologist
• Physicist
• Psychologist
• Zoologist