Science

What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Combined Science?

The Science Curriculum aims to introduce our students to an ever deepening understanding of the way that our world works including the way that it is constructed and the processes that occur with and without human intervention which keep it going.

What are students learning in Year 7 & 8?

In KS3, our students learn about the building blocks and processes of human life and the planet that we inhabit.  Starting with an investigation into the structure of cells and particles, we gradually build knowledge around how these micro scientific structures co-exist and function together.

Why are they learning these things?

With a focus on interactivity, our young people explore the world from new and diverse scientific perspectives so that they are able to start asking questions about how and why everything on our planet and beyond happens.

What are the students learning in Year 9, 10 & 11?

Across years 9, 10 and 11, students learn to consider our world through a range of theoretical concepts which underpin scientific enquiry.  With this in mind, they begin to investigate the way that scientific endeavour can shape and support the processes that our planet engages in.

Why are they learning these things?

They learn these things in order that they better understand their own place in the world and the ways in which they utilise scientific processes.  This study includes looking at Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

What are the Students Learning in Years 12 & 13?

BIOLOGY
Students will learn to consider the essential knowledge and understanding of biology that will allow them the opportunity to study it further. This includes topics such as the genome, cardiovascular disease, conservation, climate change, exercise and the brain. They will learn the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations. They will also develop an appreciation of how biology has developed and is used in present day society and complete a number of biological investigations and learn how to interpret the results.

CHEMISTRY
Students will learn to consider the inter-relationship between the development of the subject and its application (social, economic, environmental and technological) by building on what they learned at GCSE and also to recognise the value of chemistry in society when used responsibly and with imagination. They will also develop their skills in laboratory procedures and techniques and how to acquire knowledge and understanding through practical work.

PHYSICS
Students will learn to consider the essential knowledge and understanding that will allow them the opportunity to study it further. They will develop the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations where appropriate and  understand the link between theory and experiment.  They will learn to link physics principles to mathematical expressions and how scientific models develop. 

APPLIED SCIENCE
Students will learn to consider the link between theory and experimental science and how mathematical expressions relate to biological, chemical and physical principles. They will develop the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations and develop a range of practical techniques and skills needed for working in real world laboratories. They will study the roles and skills of scientists, as well as the public and media perception of science. 

Why are they learning these things? 

BIOLOGY
They learn these things in order that they better understand how things inside organisms such as plants and animals work and relate to one another and how imaginative and logical thinking will allow them to fully plan and analyse practical experiments. Students with A Level Biology have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. These may include but are not limited to: Medicine, physiotherapy, conservation, veterinary science, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, botanist and engineering.

CHEMISTRY
They learn these things in order that they better understand how theoretical concepts and models can be applied to macroscopic observations. It allows them to go and study a degree course that directly applies a knowledge of chemistry, for example in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Medicine or Pharmacy or even follow a degree course in subjects where critical thinking skills are important, such as Law or Politics. There are also direct employment opportunities such as a technician in the scientific field.

PHYSICS
They learn these things in order that they better understand how physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and environmental matters and gain an appreciation of how physics has developed and is used in present day society. It allows them to go on to study a wide range of courses and careers either by using Physics to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies or employment. Courses ranging from Physics, Engineering, Medicine, and many other related programmes that can lead to employment in the area of radiography, civil engineering, and biotechnology are possible examples.

APPLIED SCIENCE
They learn these things in order that they better understand how science has developed and is used in present day society including how science links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and environmental matters. Studying Applied Science leads on to a wide range of courses and careers such as Biomedical, Forensic, Sports Science, as well as Nursing and Midwifery.

How can I find out more about what students are learning?