Science

The Science department is a supporter of the “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Net-work” (STEM-net). We work closely with the Mathematics and Technology Departments, to provide relevant and cross-curricular enrichment in the form of an extra curricular STEM club.

The Science department also runs a variety of trips for students in years 7, 8 and 9 including visits to @Bristol, Bristol Zoo, Farnborough Airshow, and the Defence Capability Centre at Shrivenham. GCSE Geology students attend a residential field course. At KS5, students studying Geology, Biology and Physics attend laboratory and field visits.

We are very lucky to have a good relationship with The University of Bristol Chemistry and Physics Departments and University of Bath Biology department. Students have had the opportunity to attend lectures and work in their laboratories thereby gaining an insight into study at university level.

The Science department supports KS4/5 students afterschool every week in order to help them prepare for their key assessments.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

The Science Department aims to stimulate students’ thirst for knowledge and to prepare them for life in a world of ever-increasing scientific and technological advancement.

Students will learn the power and limitations of Science, develop their understanding of its role in modern life, and explore its economical, ethical and social implications.

We want our young scientists to develop enquiring minds and the confidence to follow their curiosity and challenge preconceptions.

KS3 is set into three blocks over the year to consolidate understanding of the fundamentals in each if the three sciences. Lessons are both theory and practical approach based using KS4 skills to build an independent practical approach.

Class teaches set regular HW on topic but twice a term an independent HW will be set by Head of KS3 about science in the news or wider world.

There are 3 mini tests each full term with an end of term test on all covered.

Yr7 Start with Chemistry, after Christmas physics is the topic linking to KS2 forces an in the final term they will be looking at biology.

Yr 8 start with Physics, then biology and then chemistry.

• Cell biology
• Organisation
• Infection and response
• Bioenergetics
• Homeostasis and response
• Inheritance, variation and evolution
• Ecology

• Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
• Quantitative chemistry
• Chemical changes
• Energy changes
• The rate and extent of chemical change
• Organic chemistry
• Chemical analysis
• Chemistry of the atmosphere
• Using resources

• Energy
• Electricity
• Particle model of matter
• Atomic structure
• Forces
• Waves
• Magnetism and electromagnetism
• Space science (physics only)

• Written examinations. All combined science students will sit 6 exam papers of 1hr 45mins each. Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry 1 and 2 and Physics 1 and 2.
• Students must also provide evidence for the completion of a number of required practical activities.