Science

Science is the study of the world around us, how it functions and how it might change in the future. It's a lot more than a collection of facts and figures; it is a process for learning about the natural world, the study of elements of the Earth and beyond into the observable universe.

We can all have ideas about how the world might work or why something might happen, but science allows us to make predictions, design experiments and test those ideas. From the motion of particles too tiny to see, to the life and death of giant stars in distant galaxies, the science department's goal is to start you on a pathway of discovery about the universe that will last a lifetime.

The achievement of your science qualifications at GCSE, whether that be following the Combined Science Award or the three individual sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, will open doors for you throughout your life. As a student of science, we will not only increase your knowledge and curiosity of science... we will make you into a scientist!

Curriculum information

Year	Autumn	Spring	Summer
7	Working scientifically Energy and fuels Cells and organisation 1 Matter	Pure and impure substances 1 Describing forces and motion 1 Reproduction Space physics	Sound waves Relationships in an ecosystem 1 Chemical reactions Current and static electricity 1
8	Energy changes and systems 1 Cellular respiration 1 Human organ systems and health Atoms and The Periodic Table 1	Forces and pressure Photosynthesis 1 Energy and reactions Light waves	Genetics and evolution Earth and atmosphere 1 Magnetism 1
9	Pure and impure substances 2 Energy changes and systems 2 Cells and organisation 2a Atoms and the periodic table 2 Describing forces and motion 2	Describing forces and motion 2 Cells and organisation 2b Chemical reactions 2 Current and static electricity 2 Magnetism 2	Magnetism 2 Photosynthesis 2 Cellular respiration 2 Earth and atmosphere 2 Relationships in an ecosystem 2 Waves Chemical reactions 3
10	Biology Ecology Health, infection and response Chemistry Structure and bonding Rates of reaction Physics Conservation and dissipation of energy Electrical circuits and electricity in the home	Biology Health, infection and response Inheritance, variation and evolution Chemistry Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Physics Molecules and matter Radioactivity Forces in balance	Biology Inheritance, variation and evolution Homeostasis and response Chemistry Electrolysis Organic chemistry Physics Forces in balance Motion Forces and motion Space
11	Biology Homeostasis and response Ecology Inheritance Chemistry Organic Chemical analysis Earth's atmosphere Using resources Atomic structure and The Periodic Table Physics · Waves · Electromagnetism · Space physics	Tailored Paper 1 and 2 flashbacks Mock paper 1	Tailored revision in preparation for GCSE examination

Subject spotlight: Science

I enjoy science because it offers explanations to many questions that I have had for years. It will also be helpful for the future, as many careers require both a good scientific knowledge and application of scientific skills

Year 11 student

I love science because it’s a subject that doesn’t have an end. You are able to learn about lots of different aspects, whether it is in biology, chemistry or physics.

Year 9 student