Science Curriculum Intent ‌We aim to ensure that all pupils: develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics; develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;‌ develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry, problem-solving skills and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other environments;‌ develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Year 7 Science What will I learn? Half Term 1: Organisms: Learning about the skeletal system and an introduction to plant and animal cells. Energy: Food and fuels and the links to power and dissipation. Half Term 2: Matter: Learning about particles and differing states of matter and an introduction to chromatography. Genetics: Investigating variation and adaptation to change. Half term 3: Sound: Investigating sound waves and speed including pitch and amplitude. Half Term 4: Electromagnets: Identifying the difference between conductors and insulators and using basic circuit symbols. Half Term 5: Reactions: Acids and alkalis and enquiry into how indicators and ph scales work. Earth: Identification of different rock types and in introduction to the solar system. Half Term 6: Forces: An introduction to contact forces, pressure and magnetism. Year 8 Science What will I learn? Half Term 1: Organisms: Learning about breathing and respiration and the movement of joints and muscles. Half Term 2: Genetics: An introduction to the reproductive system – fertilisation and implantation. Half term 3: Matter: Investigating elements and the periodic table. Half Term 4: Ecosystems: Enquiry into food chains and food webs and the disruptions to them and then moving into flowers and pollination. Half Term 5: Reactions: Metals and their reactions with acid, water and oxygen. Half Term 6: Genetics: Learning about the different stages of the menstrual cycle. Years 9, 10, 11 ‌ QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Biology (8461), GCSE Chemistry (8462),GCSE Physics (8463) AWARDING BODY: AQA All students in Key Stage 4 follow a broad balanced science course and will follow a common core. What will I learn? Biology Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics, homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation and evolution, ecology Chemistry 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 Physics Forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model of matter, atomic structure, space physics How will I learn? You will learn through practical and theoretical work which will develop your investigative thinking, and help you to understand key scientific concepts. Other teaching strategies will include ICT simulations, internet research projects, multimedia science lab structured work, discussions and debates, projects, quizzes and individualised student work. How will I be assessed? For both routes there will be two written examination papers taken in each of biology, chemistry and physics. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: Specific science related careers include technician, engineering, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, nursing, midwifery, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, environmental health, zoology, marine biology and food sciences. Years 12 and 13 Biology QUALIFICATION: A-Level Biology (7402) AWARDING BODY: AQA Why study Biology? The study of biology provides an academic, practical and broad experience of one of the most relevant and exciting areas in Science. With a broad range of topics in the subject, A-level biology provides many natural links to other subjects providing an extremely useful and supportive basis for them. This A-level qualification runs over two years. What will I learn? 1 Biological molecules 2 Cells 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8 The control of gene expression How will I learn? We aim to provide a range of learning activities that will stimulate all students. In lessons, discussion and note taking occur alongside group work and independent study. At every opportunity students will learn practical skills and develop scientific techniques, they will produce models of biological structures and carry out organ dissections. We also expect students to develop their understanding and interest outside of lessons by completing ‘Individual learning tasks’ and reading material outside of the classroom. How will I be assessed? There are three 2 hour exams. Paper 1 Topics 1-4 35% Paper 2 Topics 5-8 35% Paper 3 Topics 1-8 30% What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSE grades at 9 -4 (or equivalent), including English, Mathematics and either a grade 6 in GCSE Separate Biology or a 66 in Trilogy Science. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: A-level biology can open up a range of careers and higher education courses in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, environmental health, zoology, marine biology and food sciences. Chemistry QUALIFICATION: A-Level Chemistry (H432) AWARDING BODY: OCR (A) Why study Chemistry? We all do chemistry every day! As soon as you wake up in the morning, you start doing chemistry. Chemistry explains why an egg changes when you fry it and why your non-stick pan is non-sticky. Chemistry explains how soap and shampoo make you clean, why you feel tired before coffee and alert after it, and how the petrol in your car gets you to work. Chemistry is about the molecules all around us. It is about matter: specifically how matter changes. What will I learn? You will be familiar with many topics such as atomic structure, the mole, rates of reaction and equilibria from GCSE and we will develop your understanding of these further, and introduce new concepts such as enthalpy, entropy and redox. How will I learn? • Practical work to develop theory • Practical work to develop investigative skills and experimental technique • Note taking and written exercises • Presentations • Model making • Independent learning activities • Group work How will I be assessed? You will sit three exams (two are 2hr 15 mins each and the third is 1hr 30 mins) The papers have a mixture of multiple choice exercises, short answer questions and extended answer questions. 12 practical tasks must be completed throughout years 12 and 13 and these are assessed and contribute towards your Certificate of Practical Competence as well as forming the basis for some questions. What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSE grades at 9 – 4 (or equivalent) including English and Maths, and either a grade 6 in GCSE Separate Chemistry or a 66 in Trilogy Science. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: Chemistry is usually an essential A level for careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and veterinary science. Other possible careers include chemical engineer, biochemist, forensic scientist, materials technologist, airline pilot, nurse, oceanographer and environmental Physics QUALIFICATION: A-Level Physics (7408) AWARDING BODY: AQA Why study Physics? Physicists look for all the hidden laws that explain why all matter (that’s every physical thing) and energy in the known universe exists, where it comes from and how it behaves the way it does. Physics will help you to build up your problem solving, research, and analytical skills. With these skills you’ll be able to test out new ideas plus question and investigate other people’s theories, which is useful for any kind of job that involves research or debate. What will I learn? You will learn about antimatter, how light can be a particle and a wave, how an oscilloscope works, and how fibre optics transfer data. You will learn about the physics of lifting, how gravity affects acceleration and why objects move apart after an explosion. What is simple harmonic motion? You will learn about Newton’s Law of gravitation, how electricity and magnetism are linked and how fission and fusion can produce energy. How will I learn? Lessons will include a mixture of discussions, interactive activities, independent research, and practical investigations. How will I be assessed? You will sit three 2 hour exams The papers have a mixture of multiple choice exercises, short answer questions and extended answer questions. You will also answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSE grades at 9-4 (or equivalent) including English, maths and either a 6 grade in GCSE Separate Physics or a 66 in Trilogy Science. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: The options available following completion of an A-level in physics are many and varied. Students have in the past combined physics with music and gone into sound engineering, or art and physics to go into architecture. Several law courses prefer students to have studied physics because it helps develop a logical train of thought. Certainly it is a preference subject for medical sciences like medicine and veterinary science, and essential for engineering courses, in particular, civil, electrical, aeronautical and mechanical engineering. Physics is also accepted in conjunction with other A-levels for courses that don’t have a direct physics link. Applied General Science QUALIFICATION: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate AWARDING BODY: Pearson Why study Applied General Science? This is a course that will suit a wide variety of students. It is designed to offer an option for students who enjoy biology, chemistry and physics and don’t want to narrow their choices. It is also designed to sit alongside and compliment science based A-levels making it ideal for students who wish to progress to higher education and/or pursue a career in the applied science sector. What will I learn? Key concepts in biology, chemistry and physics. Experimental and practical techniques associated with applied science. Science in the modern world including the roles and skills of specialised scientists. Diseases and Infections How will I learn? You will learn through: Project-based research and practical investigations. Problem solving linked to experimental techniques. Written and oral communication including producing individual and group presentations. Research and portfolio writing. How will I be assessed? Written exam, Investigative skills assessment and portfolio work. The contents of each portfolio will vary with each module, but may include essays, presentations, practical write ups and research projects. What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSE grades at 9-4 (or equivalent), including at least grade 5 in GCSE science. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: The qualification is supported by a range of universities, and taken alongside other qualifications it can fulfil the entry requirements for a number of science-related higher education courses. Possible career paths include biomedical, healthcare, medical and laboratory-based science, sports science, nursing, forensics, food manufacturing, environment and conservation, animal health and breeding, engineering and aerospace. With relevant work experience candidates could progress onto careers in management, teaching or high level research. Haydon Bridge High School • North Bank • Haydon Bridge • NE47 6LR email: hbhs@hbhs.co.uk • Tel: 01434 684422