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!

The science department boasts a full suite of specialist biology, chemistry, and physics teachers, who are supported by a full-time science technician. The department has four fully equipped laboratories and two studio laboratories.

Curriculum information

Year	Autumn	Spring	Summer
7	Working scientifically – practical skills Energy – Energy costs and transfers Organisms - Cells Matter – Particle model and separating mixtures Forces – Speed and gravity	Genes – Variation and human reproduction Earth – Structure of the Earth and the universe Waves – Sound and light Ecosystems – Interdependence and plant reproduction	Reactions – metals and non-metals, acids and alkalis. Electromagnets – Voltage, current and resistance.
8	Energy – Work, heating and cooling Organisms – Breathing, movement and digestion Matter – Periodic table and elements Forces – Contact forces and pressure	Ecosystems – Respiration and photosynthesis Reactions – Chemical energy and types of reactions. Waves – Wave effects and wave properties Genes – Evolution and inheritance	Earth – Climate and Earth’s resources Electromagnets – Magnetism and electromagnets
9	Cell structure and movement Cell division Organisation Atomic structure and the periodic table Structure and bonding Energy and energy transfer by heating	Organisation Bioenergetics Energy changes Rates of reaction Energy resources Atomic structure	Infection and response Chemical analysis Molecules and matter Electric circuits and Electricity in the home Atomic structure
10	Biology Homeostasis Inheritance, variation and evolution Chemistry Chemical calculations Chemical changes Electrolysis Physics Forces in balance Motion Forces in motion	Biology Ecology Chemistry Organic chemistry Earth’s atmosphere Physics Wave properties Electromagnetic waves	Biology Ecology Required practical experiments Chemistry Required practical experiments Using resources Physics Electromagnetism Required practical experiments
11	Biology Ecology Homeostasis Inheritance, variation and evolution Cell structure and movement Chemistry Rates of reaction Organic chemistry Chemical analysis Earth’s atmosphere Using resources Atomic structure Physics Electromagnetic waves Electromagnetism Forces Wave properties Conservation of energy	Biology Organisation Bioenergetics Infection and response Chemistry Structure and bonding Chemical calculations Chemical changes Energy changes Physics Energy resources Electric circuits Electricity in the home Molecules in matter Atomic structure	Tailored revision in preparation for GCSE Examination

I love physics because it opens my eyes to the world around me, and how everything works.

Year 10 student

I like science because the lessons are interesting, and I can see how it opens different opportunities for your future.

Year 11 student