Science

Curriculum intent

The Science curriculum is structured as a five year curriculum so that topics taught from year 7 provide the foundation knowledge and skills which are then further developed and consolidated throughout the curriculum. 

In Year 7, pupils begin studying the foundation concepts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For example, they study particle theory, cellular biology, forces and energy in order to provide the fundamental knowledge required in biology, chemistry and physics.  

In addition, Year 7 students are introduced to investigative skills in science, learning about the key ideas to enable them to undertake practical investigations, to further develop their theoretical knowledge as well as seeing how science works. 

Moving into Year 8 pupils build on their fundamental knowledge through exploring electricity and developing their knowledge in how forces work in Physics. In Chemistry students investigate the interactions of atoms in chemical reactions and further explore the processes essential for the existence of biological life including learning about their own digestive system. 

In Year 9, students revisit and delve deeper to build further on their knowledge of energy, electricity, bonding, cells and organisation of organisms. They will investigate how substances such as oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse in and out of cells and how salts are made by neutralisation reactions and crystallisation. 

Moving into Year 10 students continue to deepen their understanding of topics such as bioenergetics and homeostasis in Biology. These studies are supported by investigative work into the rate of photosynthesis and exploring how reaction time is affected by a range of factors. In Chemistry students explore energy in reactions and reaction rate through investigating a range of chemical reactions. In Physics students deepen their knowledge as they explore the atom and nuclear decay alongside waves and magnetism. 

In Year 11 students consolidate their studies through field work to explore Ecology in Year 11 Biology. In Chemistry students explore the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and the fascinating range of resources we obtain from the earth. Students complete their study of Physics by further exploring Forces in Physics including ideas such as momentum. Students then consolidate their knowledge and skills in an extensive revision program ahead of completing their GCSE exams. 

KS3 Curriculum
KS4 Curriculum

AQA Combined trilogy (8464) (foundation and higher) 

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) 

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) 

AQA GCSE Physics (8463) 

Do we want 4 different road maps? One for combined and one for each discipline 

Careers linking to the subject

Almost every career and interaction with the world around them involve scientific knowledge.  

Some careers that are linked to science that you may not have thought of are listed below: 

  • Hairdressing 
  • Beautician 
  • Chef 
  • Geologist 
  • Weather reporter 
  • Volcanologist  
  • Construction 
  • Mechanics 
Useful websites/links

AQA | Science | GCSE | GCSE Science 

AQA | Biology | GCSE | GCSE Biology 

AQA | Chemistry | GCSE | GCSE Chemistry 

AQA | Physics | GCSE | GCSE Physics 

Physics and maths tutor – lots of helpful pre done revision notes, as well as exam style questions for each topic: www.physicsandmathstutor.com 

GCSE Required practical's: Malmesbury Education - YouTube 

Key Contact

Lynsey Perry 

Director of Learning - Science

Lynsey.perry@heathlaneaademy.org.uk 

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