Science
Science has something to offer every child.
From a trainee chef to a nuclear physicist, a construction apprentice to a cancer researcher, everyone needs some level of relevant science understanding.
The way that we deliver Science at James Hornsby helps students to see that Science is real for life and gives them the skills to apply their knowledge and understanding in new and varied situations.
KS3 Science
In year 7, year 8 and year 9, we follow the AQA Science KS3 Syllabus, available for download from the AQA website. http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/ks3/ks3-science-syllabus
The syllabus is split into the main sections listed below and promotes teaching for understanding, laying the groundwork for the big ideas students need to be prepared for at GCSE.
- Forces
- Electromagnets
- Energy
- Waves
- Matter
- Reactions
- Earth
- Organisms
- Ecosystems
- Genes
Each of the main areas will be addressed in year 7, 8 and 9, but the complexity of the sub-topics covered will increase as students continue to build on their understanding.
KEY SKILLS
Throughout KS3, lessons will be delivered in a way which develops the key skills of scientific enquiry, often through practical investigations.
| Analyse | Communicate | Enquire | Solve |
|
Analyse patterns |
Communicate ideas |
Collect data |
Estimate risks |
|
Discuss limitations |
Construct Explanations | Devise Questions | Examine consequences |
|
Draw conclusions |
Critique claims | Plan variables | Review theories |
|
Present data |
Justify options | Test hypotheses | Interrogate sources |
KS4 Combined Science: Trilogy
This course is worth two GCSE grades in Science and covers a wide ranging
curriculum of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. A challenging and exciting
content is combined with specified practicals so that, at the end of Year 11, students
will be tested not only on what they can remember, but also on whether they
can think and plan scientifically. The Combined Science: Trilogy is suitable for all
students, including those planning on moving on to a Science A-level.
KEY SKILLS
- Working Scientifically
- Investigating
- Observing
- Testing
- Experimenting
- Communication
- Application of Number
- Working with others
- Problem solving
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Those studying science can pursue careers in:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Personal trainer
- Technology
- Pathology
ASSESSMENT
All assessments will take place in Year 11. There are six exam papers: two
Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each paper will assess the knowledge
and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each paper will take 1 hour and 15
minutes, will be worth 70 marks and will make up 16.7% of the final GCSE grade.
The papers will be made up of a balanced mixture of multiple choice, structured,
closed short answer and open response questions. There is no coursework
component making up this GCSE.
Exam board:
